Category: Uncategorized
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Di Higher Di Monkey Climb, Di More Him Expose
Stay Humble: Wisdom for Every Stage of Success A Jamaican Lesson in Visibility As Jamaicans say, “Di higher monkey climb, di more him expose.” It’s a witty yet weighty reminder that the higher you go in life, the more you reveal—your strengths, your flaws, your truth. Success is a spotlight, and under that light, everything…
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Mi Faada, Mi Hero: Honoring the Wisdom of Jamaican Fathers
When I think of my Jamaican father, I think of strength wrapped in gentleness, discipline tempered by humor, and guidance rooted in cultural pride. My dad – retired now – was a powerful orator, scholar, pastor, theologian, teacher, poet and songwriter, visionary and builder. My best memories are of those many father-daughter memories we shared…
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If Yuh Cyaan Ketch Quako, Ketch ‘Im Shut
Opportunity Missed? Grab the Next One! ✨ Jamaican proverbs have a way of turning ordinary words into extraordinary wisdom. One such gem is: “If yuh cyaan ketch Quako, ketch ‘im shut.” Traditionally, this saying describes misdirected anger—if you can’t get back at the person who wronged you, you lash out at what’s close to them.…
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Mi Likkle but Mi Tallawah
Small in Size, Mighty in Spirit “Mi likkle but mi tallawah” isn’t just a saying—it’s a statement of identity. It’s what you say when the world counts you out because of your size, your background, or your quietness. It’s what you say when you decide to walk into a room full of giants and still…
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Ef Yuh Waan Good, Yuh Nose Haffi Run
No Reward Without Sweat: Embracing Discomfort for Growth “Ef yuh waan good, yuh nose haffi run.” That one line holds a world of meaning. It reminds us that anything truly worthwhile will require hard work, sacrifice, and at times, discomfort. Your dreams don’t come easy. Your goals won’t be handed to you. If you want…
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Mama Know Best: A Reggae Reflection on Motherhood
By a Philosophical Yardie with Nuff Respect ⸻ Womb of Hope Yuh see, when a likkle pickney come into dis world—fresh, pink, bawlin’ like dem jus’ get evicted from paradise—what really born is more than a baby. Is hope. And not just any ole hope. Is the kinda hope dat sit down deep in a…
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Mi Madda Seh: The Enduring Wisdom of Jamaican Mothers
If you grew up with a Jamaican mother—or even just visited a home where one reigned—you’ve likely been shaped by her voice, her vigilance, and her vibrant sayings. Jamaican mothers are not just caregivers; they are storytellers, philosophers, nurturers, and protectors of culture. Motherhood in Jamaica is a legacy, and at the heart of that…
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Grind Yuh Axe Early: Jamaican Wisdom Meets Cinco de Mayo Grit
In the colorful mosaic of Caribbean wisdom, few proverbs carry as much foresight as this one: Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe. It’s a timeless Jamaican reminder to prepare before the crisis comes — to sharpen your tools long before battle calls. As we reflect on Cinco de Mayo, a celebration…
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When yuh han inna lion mout, tek time draw it out
In other words: move carefully when you’re in a dangerous or delicate situation. Don’t panic. Don’t rush. Move with wisdom. This Jamaican proverb isn’t just for personal survival—it’s a life philosophy. Understanding Lion Situations Lion situations are times of high risk: In these moments, rash decisions can make things worse. Wisdom demands patience, observation, and…
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Every Hoe Ha Dem Tick A Bush
This cheerful Jamaican saying, passed down through generations, carries a deep and uplifting truth: no matter how different or unexpected you are, there’s a place—and people—meant just for you. Whether you feel like an oddball, a late bloomer, or someone who just hasn’t quite found their rhythm yet, this simple proverb offers powerful reassurance:You belong.You…