One Step Onward

Honest thoughts. Open minds.

recent posts

about

Literature has always been a big part of my life. As a little girl visiting my grandmothers office was one of my favorite things to do. Inside, she had a library filled with hundreds and hundreds of books, where in the center sitting on an antique table was a typewriter. I often would close my eyes and press on whatever letter my intuition told me to, using up all her paper and ink with no care in the world. My grandmother was the one who introduced me to reading, from a young age she encouraged me to read and the power behind it. When I moved to the United States I hated reading. Being new to English made understanding what I was reading all the more difficult, a wave of frustration surrounded me after having to translate every word. As time went on instead of reading the words, I found more comfort in writing them. I’ve never felt as comfortable speaking as I have when writing. When I write it’s just me, my pen, and the page where I am free from any judgement and I can create my own space. As my love for deep conversations and unique perspectives grew, I found sometimes it was easier to write about my thoughts. One Step Onwards is a collection of my thoughts, experiences, and perspectives aimed towards the hope of encouraging meaningful and open-minded conversation’s where opinions are both celebrated and respected.

    • A Risk Worth Taking

      If you had a choice between receiving $1,000 in your bank account today or $100 million in 10 years, which would you choose? Could you wait a decade, or would you rather have the money now?

      In life, we’re often faced with difficult choices. Do we take the safe route, or do we take a risk? Think back to a time when you faced a tough decision—when you didn’t know what to do. That sinking feeling in your stomach, the endless pros and cons list, the uncertainty of what the “right” choice was. And then, finally, you make your decision. Was it worth it? What if it wasn’t? What if it was?

      You’re not alone in feeling that way. In fact, the reason you’re even reading this right now is because someone once took a risk.

      Steve Jobs, the billionaire co-founder of Apple, was once a college student at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Not long into his time there, Steve realized he didn’t feel fulfilled. So he made a decision that would change the course of his life—he dropped out.

      In 1972, that was a bold and risky move. A college degree was considered essential for landing a stable, high-paying job. Dropping out meant facing potential financial instability and limited opportunities. But Steve didn’t see it that way.

      In 1976, at just 21 years old, he partnered with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne to build and sell computers out of his parents’ garage. They called their first product the Apple I. Steve believed in their vision so strongly that he and Wozniak sold their personal belongings to fund the project. Their gamble paid off. Apple soon became a household name, changing the digital world forever.

      But what if Steve had taken the “safe” route? What if he’d stayed in college, gotten a conventional job, and lived a life that didn’t inspire him? It’s fair to say that if Steve hadn’t taken that leap, Apple might never have existed as we know it.

      Would you have taken that risk?

      It’s easy to say “yes” when you know the outcome. But what if the future were unclear, as it always is? Steve chose discomfort and uncertainty over a path that didn’t align with his passion. And that’s what makes risk so intimidating: comfort is tempting. Familiarity feels safe. But sometimes, stepping into the unknown leads to possibilities we never imagined.

      You never know what doors could open unless you’re willing to knock.

      So ask yourself again: would you take $1,000 today, or wait 10 years for $100 million?

      Sure, a lot can happen in 10 years. There are no guarantees. But what if you do make it? What if that leap of faith changes your life?

      We may not always be able to see what lies ahead, but with courage, belief in ourselves, and a willingness to take risks, we can position ourselves for incredible growth and transformation.

      Next time you are faced with a risk, don’t be afraid to take the leap. With great risk comes great reward!

      One Step Onward,
      Tiffany Francois

    • Detachment and Decolonization

      Detachment does not mean that you own nothing, it means that nothing owns you (Mitchell). To understand detachment it is imperative to understand the meaning of attachment and the invisible ties that come with. 

      As humans, to need and to be needed is innate to who we are. The most authentic notion of this is the relationship between a child and their mother. Mothers who are childbearing serve as personalized incubators to their fetus for 9 months. During these 9 months, the mother provides nutrients needed for the fetus to survive and develop. When the fetus is born it is the mother’s responsibility to care for her child, until the child reaches the appropriate age to care for themselves. During this time, the child becomes dependent on the mother for basic needs including food and shelter. As the child grows through the phases of childhood into early adulthood, their level of independence increases. During the teenage years of childhood, children become more independent and curious to interests outside of those at home. When teenagers have a strong and healthy relationship with their caregiver(s), this acts as a safety net and eases them towards their independence. If a child has an unstable caregiver(s), this may mirror onto the child’s transition into early adulthood. 

      Just like a mother and her child, the relationship between a colonists and their colonies is no exception.  According to the attachment theory, “primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant’s needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant learns that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world (MSEd)”. When the colonists have the best interests of its colonies, the inhabitants are able to thrive while simultaneously benefiting its rulers. In a case where there is mistreatment of power, the colonies and its inhabitants are negatively impacted. In history mistreatment of the colonies has resulted in illiteracy, national financial instability, poor health care, systematic racism, violence, generational poverty, as well as loss of language and culture. When nations under a negatively dominating colonist are liberated, they are often inadequately prepared to rule themselves resulting in the modern definition of a third world country.  

      It is my belief that in this new age where history and technology is so readily accessible to those in power, it is their responsibility to ensure a positive quality of life to all socioeconomic classes as well as a fair transition to liberation to nations under their rule. Like the mother-child relationship, a nurtured nation who is able to successfully flourish has the ability to initiate major world impact. In times where many nations around the world are calling to be liberated, it is only fair that they do so with the ability to take a step forward.


      Mitchell, Stephen. The Bhagavad Gita. Crown Publications, 2002.

      MSEd, Kendra Cherry. “Attachment Theory: Bowlby and Ainsworth’s Theory Explained.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 11 Aug. 2006, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-attachment-theory-2795337#:~:text=The%20central%20theme%20of%20attachment,to%20then%20explore%20the%20world.