Life has a way of presenting challenges that force us to reflect, grow, and sometimes rebuild our lives entirely. In a recent episode of The Cultural Curriculum Chat Podcast™, host Jebeh Edmunds sat down with Hakeem Bourne McFarlane, founder of Choose Yourself Community, to discuss resilience, transformation, and the power of intentional living.
Hakeem’s journey into personal development and community leadership came through lived experiences. The loss of his younger brother at the age of sixteen, along with other life challenges, pushed him to take a deeper look at his path and the direction of his life.
Instead of allowing those moments to define him negatively, Hakeem began the process of rebuilding with intention. That process ultimately led him to create Choose Yourself Community, a platform designed to encourage individuals to take ownership of their lives and pursue personal growth.
At the core of Hakeem’s message is a powerful idea: choosing yourself means recognizing your worth, taking responsibility for your journey, and committing to growth—even when the path is difficult.
During the podcast conversation, Hakeem shared how culture, identity, and lived experiences shape the way we approach adversity and transformation. He also emphasized the importance of community support and self-reflection in navigating life’s challenges.
For listeners who may be facing difficult seasons, Hakeem’s message is one of hope and empowerment. Growth is possible, and sometimes the most powerful transformation begins with the simple decision to choose yourself.
You can follow Hakeem and learn more about his work through Choose Yourself Community at:@bigdreamhakeem on Instagram
Listen to our episode now
