tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36396035226564517962024-02-01T21:11:41.040-08:00BRIAN D'S COMPILATION OF THOUGHTSMy reason for creating this blog is to encourage intellectual conversation and thinking through the exchange of ideas and knowledge stemming from the insight and experiences of other people. I also envision this blog to connect people to each other that promotes new friendships, partnerships, and networkships that are long lasting and beneficial to the improvement of society. So lets get to talking!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-6861140185740147842014-08-25T19:29:00.000-07:002014-08-25T19:31:29.823-07:00Make Your Own ChallengeOver the past couple of weeks, social media has been taking by storm by the Ice Bucket Challenge to find a cure for ALS. As of August 25, 2014, ice bucket donations have reached $79.7 million. ALS, <strong>A</strong>myotrophic <strong>L</strong>ateral <strong>S</strong>clerosis, is a neurodegenerative disease that impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, after the baseball hall of famer and legend who eventually passed from complications of this disease. For more information on this disease and how you can join the cause visit <a href="http://www.alsa.org/fight-als/ice-bucket-challenge.html" target="_blank">ALS Association</a>.<br />
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Not to take anything away from a wonderful cause, I ponder the question, "What challenges are we making in our own lives?" After following, as well as being a part of the challenge through my baseball team, I thought to myself how easy it is to rise to the challenge that someone else proposes but how we fail to challenge ourselves.<br />
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Where is our "Ice Bucket" challenge in our own lives? Maybe, we need to pour a bucket of water over our heads to get us to wake up and take control of our own lives. The problem that many of us are facing is that there is a quickness to jump on everyone else's cause in order to divert the attention away from their own issues.<br />
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The problem is that we are not challenging ourselves enough. We are not holding ourselves accountable enough. In fact, we are not making our own cause worthy enough. <br />
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When we can take the opportunity -whether to be a part of trend or not- to fight and support something meaningful, how come we fail to fight for our own cause for success? How come we do not withstand the discomfort of the chills of life in order to overcome obstacles? How come there is not a campaign going viral where people are pursuing their goals and not stopping until they reach the top?<br />
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How about we make our own challenge. Maybe we should call it the Now Challenge, or the Stop for Nothing Challenge, or even the Get Up and Do Something challenge. Because in order for us to have a greater impact on this world, we first have to discover and act in our own greatness. <br />
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God Bless<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-43034954169586220472014-08-10T08:27:00.001-07:002014-08-10T08:27:43.588-07:00The Problem with the Corporate LadderI have my rock climbing shoes, my rope and harnesses. I got all the things necessary for my ascent to the top. Now, I am ready to start climbing in my life towards success, but on this climb I will not be using any ladder.<br />
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In many conversations, I hear people talking about climbing the ladder, whether it is the social ladder or the corporate ladder in life. They have it all planned out. This year I will be here and next year I will be there, so on and so on. There is nothing wrong, per se, with climbing the ladder except for the fact that it is always something that we have been taught to do. But there is one problem (that I will explain later).<br />
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A ladder is a series of bars or steps used for climbing (or descending) that are fixed between two upright lengths of metal, wood, or rope. There are all different types of ladders, and metaphorically it is easy to see how it can be used as a great comparison to show success or upward moving.<br />
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When I think of the corporate ladder, it reminds me of one of my favorite movies "Coming to America" where Eddie Murphy served as a mop boy at the McDonald's knockoff McDowell's. One of my favorite lines (and there were many) came from the coworker played by Louie Anderson, who said, "Hey, I started out mopping the floor just like you guys. But now... now I'm washing lettuce. Soon I'll be on fries; then the grill. In a year or two, I'll make assistant manager, and that's when the big bucks start rolling in."<br />
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And this is how we look at our own careers. Step by step, eventually waiting for the big pay day. Next it is the fries, then it's the grill. Ascending the corporate ladder lends to too many people having control of our careers and financial destiny. They tell us how far we go, and when they feel we have gone far enough, they can seal the top. What is even more disappointing is working extremely hard to move up only for your promotion to be given to someone else.<br />
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Well, let me explain why I am not a fan of the corporate ladder. Visualize a ladder standing upright. Now think about what you see.<br />
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In most cases , it is leaning against something for support and by no means is there anything wrong with having support. But in our climb, we depend and lean on our jobs so much only to realize that when we get to the end of the ladder, we are confronted with a wall. Yep, the good ol' wall that tells us that that is as far as we are going to let you climb. The wall blocks us from getting to where we want to be in life. <br />
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Ultimately, what we all want is control of our lives. So we must start taking control of it. Do YOU continue to climb the ladder, or are YOU prepared to scale the wall? <br />
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In the mean time, I plan on "rock climbing" my way to success. The only scary part would be looking down. YIKES!<br />
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God Bless and many success on your journeys.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-91790348973258848612014-05-25T18:23:00.002-07:002014-05-26T19:39:06.143-07:00Play to WinI remember watching football games growing up, only to see teams lose a game because they decided to play it safe and go into "prevent defense" mode. It was funny hearing the announcers say, the only thing that "prevent defense" does is prevent you from winning. I never understood that comment because as an avid video game player (when I was younger), I would always choose the "prevent defense" mode and most of the time it worked. But as I had gotten older, it all began to make sense. What prevent defense does is it only prevents the big, deep pass, but it leaves the middle susceptible to exploitation. Eventually, all you have to do was to keep marching up the field until you were in striking distance. I learned that defense wins games but being on the defensive doesn't.<br />
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When I am defensive on the baseball field, the odds of success are not in my favor. Imagine being up at the plate, and you are swinging the bat trying not to strike out. What eventually happens is that you strike out, because of the old saying that trying not to do something surely ensures that you will end up doing it. But when you are in attack mode, you are taking the game in your hands and are putting the pressure on the opposition. That is called playing to win. You can do a lot more when you are charging forward versus when you are on your heels backing up.<br />
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In sports they teach us to <u><strong>play to win</strong></u>, instead of playing not to lose. And in life, we must take the same approach. I remember my first year in college (Loyola Marymount) wondering why our baseball team never took risks - we rarely stole bases, and we played the game one base at a time. We didn't win a lot of games because we didn't put a lot of pressure on the other teams. We made them feel comfortable. Basically, we brought them their ice cold glasses of lemonade and let them rest their feet up on the foot stool. That's no way to win games.<br />
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Simply put, if we do not play to win in life, we won't win. It is difficult to be successful when we are backing up and too often we are being defensive with our own lives. In many cases we are not living; we are just getting by. It is not enough to just be in the game, but instead to be competitive.<br />
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Take control of the game. Take control of your life. PLAY TO WIN<br />
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Share your thoughts</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-20263805863473380912014-03-14T08:58:00.002-07:002014-03-14T08:58:22.139-07:00Let's Get Our Children Believing in ThemselvesFor the past few days, I have been volunteering at the Boys and Girls club near my home to help the students prepare for their oratorical contest. I assisted last year, as well, and was very proud to see these boys and girls get in front of their parents and fellow B&G members and staff to recite their speeches.<br />
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As excited as I was to help again this year, I left yesterday's session disturbed. When one of the young ladies who spoke last year walked in to the room, I inquired as to why she decided not to speak this year. She shrugged her shoulders. Then I told her that the first place prize this year went up to $250. Her reply was, "I'm not going to win anyway because S always win." Now S (abbreviated for the young man's real name) has won the contest the last two years, and he is talented but the reason why he was winning, I believe, was due more to win by default. The other students were conceding the victory.<br />
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Then, I mentioned that the reason that he is winning is because they are letting him win. He is not practicing or taking it seriously, but is still expecting to walk away with easy money. I reminded her of the word that she chose to speak on last year- BELIEVE - and that she had to believe in herself. And she just smiled and walked away. I then realized that I couldn't spend my time convincing someone to believe in themselves when there were other students to attend to who wanted to compete. <br />
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But even in her absence it still bothered me. I was not bothered by her alone, but by the aggregate of children who are walking around this earth everyday not believing in themselves. How can we believe in a better future if our children are not believing in themselves? I've visited many schools and talked to lots of organizations, and each time I discover this same mindset, and I wonder where is it coming from. Is it coming from home? Is it coming from the schools? I it coming from their surroundings or is it just something that is inwardly in them?<br />
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Self-confidence is a tricky thing in anyone's life, especially, when you are pitted against someone that may appear to have more talent. Honestly, when I was a child I had my doubts and sometimes I recognized that a loss or failure was inevitable; but I still tried. When the odds were stacked against me, I want to prove the odds wrong. Even when my support system seemed shaky, I would pick myself up. But I do admit that it wasn't easy. It was difficult to keep pushing instead of giving up, and I only hope to see our children continuing to push when things seem bleak.<br />
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So, here is the call to action!!!!<br />
<ul>
<li>Continue to encourage our children and instill in them that they are great beyond measure regardless if they may have failed</li>
<li>Teach our children not to concede victory when in the midst of defeat</li>
<li>Remind our children that we support them throughout their journeys, and continue to be involved and active in their lives</li>
<li>Remind them that pain is only temporary</li>
<li>STOP comparing them to other people and more importantly STOP putting them down</li>
<li>Be an example for them to look to</li>
</ul>
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-26172296252130437602014-02-23T14:20:00.003-08:002014-02-23T16:23:32.946-08:00Are we products of our environment or products of other people expectations?<em> I decided not to respond directly to his latest protest of his innocence. Instead, I asked a question: "Do you think we're all just products of our environments?" His smile dissolved into a smirk, with the left side of his face resting at ease.</em><br />
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<em> "I think so, or maybe products of our expectations."</em><br />
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<em> "Others' expectations of us or our expectations for ourselves?"</em><br />
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<em> "I mean others' expectations that you take on as your own."</em><br />
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<em> I realized then how difficult it is to separate the two. The expectations that others place on us form our expectations of ourselves.</em><br />
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<em> "We all do what others expect of us," Wes said. "If they expect us to graduate, we will graduate. If they expect us to get a job, we will get a job. If they expect us to go to jail, then that's where we will end up too. At some point you lose control."</em><br />
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<em> I sympathized with him, but I recoiled from his ability to shed responsibility seamlessly and drape it at the feet of others.</em><br />
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<em> "True, but it's easy to lose control when you were never looking for it in the first place."</em><br />
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<em> An hour later, our time was up, and he was escorted out as quickly as he entered. I sat in the room alone, collecting my thoughts. I had more questions than I came in with.</em><br />
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<em>-</em>excerpt from <em>The Other Wes Moore</em></div>
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So are we products of environments or of other people's expectations? The better question that begs to be asked is at what point does the responsibility become our own?<br />
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It is evident to some extent that we take on the ideal life that others have for us. I've heard so many times, "Make sure you finish up and get your degree, because no one can take that away from you." It had me thinking, is this really something that I am doing for myself. I mean really, is the life I'm living my own, or am I just a vessel that people vicariously live, dream and draw their fantasies through. <br />
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But then we have our environment. Are we products of that? Instead, shouldn't our environment be products of what we make of it and not the other way around. Sadly, enough our communities whispers in our ear the commands of destruction that leads us down the road of hopelessness and despair. It leads us to the cemeteries and jails.<br />
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Here is my take. Are we a product of our environment? Possibly. But more so we are a victim of our circumstances. But then again, we are not all victims either, because there is really no rule that says that to be a product of your environment has to be negative. Instead, we are products of our actions.<br />
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The same rings true with expectations. Whether good or bad, we become subject to expectations placed on us. But again, we are not just a product of our expectations; instead, we are the result of what we do in the wake of these expectations.<br />
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Recently, I had a conversation with my cousin who said he wanted to go to the army because he wasn't smart enough for college. He didn't say he didn't "want" to go to college due to his wants, but because he felt he was inadequate. So, this brings about the bigger problem. Many of us are the products of our own expectations and our own environments that swirls around in our heads and we stop believing. <br />
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Eventually, it comes down to do we believe in ourselves? Do we want to fight? Are we going to succumb? As mentioned in Gladwell's <em>David and Goliath</em> is being the underdog really a disadvantage? Coming from a place where we have to fight to get out may be our best weapon; it just might help us reach those <a href="http://youtu.be/j6PFlCI3GiI" target="_blank">great expectations</a>.<br />
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God Bless<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-48021225831817517602014-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:002014-01-02T05:47:02.270-08:00Newfound FamilyOne of my favorite songs is "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11erY5OzVjc" target="_blank">Family Reunion</a>" by the O' Jays. "If grandpa was here, I know he'd be smiling from ear to ear...". This holiday season I was reminded of the importance of family as I had the opportunity of meeting some of my relatives for the first time in Vicksburg, Mississippi. When my grandparents moved to California from Mississippi, a lot was left behind. I realized that my family in Los Angeles was disconnected from cousins, uncles and aunts from Mississippi, and they do not know who most of their first cousins are, let alone the family history.<br />
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When I went Mississippi I was embraced as if they'd known me all of my life. It was a warm feeling. I learned a lot about my grandfather who passed when I was just a baby. But more interestingly, I was able to take a look at our family tree and saw how extensive it was. I saw pictures of my great-great grandfather who was white and was told of my great-great grandmother who was Indian. Their son, my great grand father, married my great grandmother who was black, and along came my grandfather.<br />
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What shocked me was that my grandfather's slot on the family tree wasn't marked yet (which highlighted the disconnect) and I was able to provide that information to be filled in. I've met several members of my family throughout the country and I feel like a piece of me is being added back.<br />
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But the main thing that I appreciated was the conversations and the stories. That is one thing that the genealogy sites can't provide - the accounts and experiences of my family growing up. I encourage everyone to just talk to your family members. Learn their stories, embrace their experiences and ask questions. <br />
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On both sides of the family, I have been able to discover some richness in my family lineage and I am on a quest to learn more.<br />
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Talk to your Grandparents, spend time with great aunts and uncles and ask questions. Take it as an opportunity to learn before it is too late.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-43504707267263217592013-12-09T09:59:00.002-08:002013-12-09T10:01:09.886-08:00Control: "If I can stop you from thinking..."<br />
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Yesterday, I was at the restaurant talking to “old money”
before we went to watch <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kobe</st1:place></st1:city>’s
return at the Staples. (Yes, I’m bragging a little bit about the game lol, but bad
result though). I say “old money” because he has been in the game for years as
a businessman and entrepreneur and has been a newfound mentor to me. At the
table, alongside another friend of mine, we were talking government, big
business and unions and I learned a long time ago that when you start talking
politics and money, the best thing that you can do is listen. So, that is what I
did.</div>
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I learned some very valuable information, heard some
interesting stories and gained some intriguing insight. But the nugget that I took
from the whole dinner was when I heard “if I can stop you from thinking, then I
control you.”</div>
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That was all that I needed to hear. That is why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mindset: Awareness and Action </i>was so
important for me to write. </div>
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Control is to render someone powerless, and the powerful
tool that we possess is not weapons or money, or fame. It is our power to
think. To control our ability to think is like having a vice grip on our lives.</div>
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I notice that the innovations and inventions of many
corporations are to simplify things to make our lives easier, but when we take
a step back and analyze what is really going on can we conclude that these are,
solely, altruistic acts to better our lives? There becomes a fine line because in
actuality, making something more simplistic and easier is a control mechanism
that in actuality controls our lives. </div>
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When we are not tested, we become dependent. If we don’t learn
how to cook, we become dependent on fast food establishments and restaurants.
When we do not learn how to change a tire, we become dependent on the auto
mechanic. If we don’t learn how to navigate, we become dependent on GPS. So in
the end what is the price we pay for convenience? It’s control. If they stop us
from thinking, they control us. It is as if we are allowing ourselves to wear a
training collar to tell us how to react, where to go and what to do. </div>
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I was informed about a man by the name of Edward Bernays,
dubbed the “father of public relations”, by another mentor of mine, and began
to understand the true power of manipulation. Touch a specific part of a person’s
“need” and they can easily become your subject. That is what we have become as
a society; a subject to the manipulation and persuasion of those that hold the
key. </div>
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Think about this, “if I can stop you from thinking, then I control
you.” When you think, when you have an opinion or when have something to say it
causes conflict. It causes change. Our communities don’t change because the
people within are not thinking. We are being controlled and in essence we are
losing our freedom. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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God Bless</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-8106363240345533882013-11-30T09:36:00.002-08:002013-11-30T09:36:16.159-08:00Money and Fame
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I have heard people say many times that it is not about the
money or fame, but instead that it is about love, compassion, peace, changing
lives, etc. But is that really the case? We live in a superficial society where
social acceptance seems to take the place of many things that we claim to be
more important. Same also applies to money. If fame and money are not that
important, then why do you make it that important? Many decisions that we make
(or don’t make) are based on money. We spend our lives looking for acceptance
and to be noticed. Is that not wanting fame itself, just on a smaller scale? </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Money is not important…</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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…but we are always trying to get more</div>
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…but we let it deter us from fulfilling our lives</div>
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…but we allow it to break up our marriages</div>
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…but we allow it to damage our friendships</div>
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…but it is necessary to survive</div>
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…but we are taught to find someone who can provide</div>
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…but we don’t want to spend it on other people</div>
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…but we clamp on to it and hold it tightly</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I’m going to tell you why money is important, and it is all
laid out in this little excerpt I read “In the end, the time we spend on this
planet equals life. Most people would agree that a human life is sacred and
carries higher value than almost anything else on earth. Since we trade our
time – our very lives – for money or capital, I conclude that capital equals
life. If that is the case, then capital, like life, is sacred and should be
treated as such.”</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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It is important because we trade all of our time for the
almighty dollar.</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Fame is not important…</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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…but we share our every moment on Facebook </div>
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…but we do the same on twitter, pinterest, instagram,
youtube</div>
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…but we look for acceptance from others</div>
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…doctor ourselves up to get noticed</div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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The list can go on and on. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I think it is safe to say that money and fame are important
in our daily lives due to the amount of emphasis that we place on both of them.
I like money (enjoy making it, spending it, etc.) and a little notoriety, but
the important thing is to not let it control our lives. </div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I believe that we should accept the role that these things
have in our lives while having the understanding not to let it be the driving
force in our lives. Some people like the spotlight and some people love the “dough”,
however, it is how you handle them that is really important.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-44945984887375451932013-11-14T10:58:00.001-08:002013-11-14T10:58:55.305-08:00Why are we ashamed of our greatness?
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Last Friday, I had the privilege of speaking at an awards
ceremony for a local charter school in the greater <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> area. After I had spoken, during
which the students were receiving their awards, I noticed something that
bothered me. The students didn’t want to come up on stage to get their awards,
and when they did come up they either turned around and walked back down the
stairs or they walked sluggishly across stage, embarrassed as if they had done
something wrong. The other students teased and laughed at the other students
who were recognized for their good deeds. </div>
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But were these students doing something wrong? By the standards
of their environment, yes. It wasn’t cool. Acceptance came with being the
brashest and the “hardest” student. My thought was, “what was even the point in
them going to school.” I felt as if I was in a real-life <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lean on Me </i>movie.</div>
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A few facts: the school is an all boys school, in the heart
of the Bankhead community. The school is 98% African-American and many of the
students come from low-income families.</div>
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After this disturbing sight, I asked the principal if I
could say but just a few more words, and I began to talk about showing pride
when someone is recognizing their greatness instead of running from it. I
talked about taking ownership of their stage and walking with head up. I spoke on
competing with each other to be better, and not competing against each other to
bring down. From the looks of the audience, I truly felt as if the message
resonated until a few minutes later when I sat back down, I saw one of the
recipients get up, take off his medal, and square up to fight another student.</div>
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I thought to myself that it is funny that we live in a
society where we are ashamed of our greatness but are not ashamed to display
our ignorance.</div>
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So, then I ask, “Why are we afraid of our greatness?” Is it
because we are surrounded by a lot of <a href="http://youtu.be/cO4ITroE22A" target="_blank">destroyers in our lives and not builders</a>?
Is it because there is too much pressure on being great? Are we not just doing
a good enough job as parents, teachers, and citizens of our communities to stop
this way of thinking?</div>
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Regardless of the reason, it is a sad sight to see. I worry
about our children, especially my African-American children, who are blinded
from their greatness. </div>
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For all people who are hiding in the shadows of despair,
inferiority and ignorance, let us appear out of the darkness and show our
greatness. We all have it in us. </div>
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God Bless </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-14077148261120431132013-09-09T21:15:00.001-07:002013-09-09T22:05:48.150-07:00Why are you not the go-to person?It is funny how conversations with people can have you asking yourself questions on an even deeper level when the conversation is over. Well this happens to me quite often where as I am either questioning myself or pondering the reasons for other people's actions. <br />
<br />
We all know and can agree that it is human nature to either start a conversation or eventually turn a conversation into one about someone else. Right? - the boyfriend, the girlfriend, the coworker, the superstar etc. So, it was not too far from this statement that I was involved in a conversation in which another person was the topic of discussion. This talk was no different from many other talks that I had on occasions where as people feel like they are always playing the role of counselor, bank, advisor, minister, cheerleader, shoulder to cry on or whatever else you can think of mentioning.<br />
<br />
But if you are not this person, have you ever asked yourself why? Have you ever asked yourself why you are not the person that people call to pick up from the airport? Have you ever asked why people don't share their most intimate secrets with you? Have you asked why you do not play some of the most important roles in people lives? You may consider it a blessing that you weren't asked to pick someone up from the airport or that you weren't called when someone was going through something. It may just be saying more about you than you think. You may not be as dependable as you believe you are in the eyes of others. You may show more that you dont care than you do. If you ask yourself these questions, maybe then you will understand why you are considered <a href="http://youtu.be/R9nAuHNEPOU" target="_blank">destructive to someone's team and not constructive.</a> <br />
<br />
Why am I not moving up at my job? Why don't they give me the important projects? These questions may be the just the answers that you need to reflect on your own life. <br />
<br />
Instead of raising deflective questions, you should start asking reflective questions. Am I dependable? Am I punctual? Do I care? Do I work hard?<br />
<br />
This post may not matter to some, but it should matter to all. We can't be everyone's everything for every moment. You shouldn't allow yourself to be taken advantage of, but take this moment to ask yourself, "what does it say about me" when people don't come to you. <br />
<br />
Give me your thoughts.<br />
<br />
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-76821152636086184062013-08-20T11:01:00.001-07:002013-08-20T11:01:07.613-07:00Harnessing that EnergyHow many of you are people watchers? I can admit (as many can) that I enjoy sitting back and watching, listening, and paying attention to people. Sometimes, you catch people in their innocent, natural states; and other times, you may observe someone putting on an act. But if you pay careful attention, you will understand that there is a lot to be learned about people; or maybe even yourself and life. You can understand why people are where they are in life or why you may not be succeeding in your own life. <br />
<br />
If you pay attention to the people around you, will notice that there is a lot of time and energy being wasted. As matter of fact, on average we waste more of our time being unproductive than productive. We spend more time worrying about what other people are doing, than doing the things that we need to do. <br />
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Imagine where we would be if we used the time to rant and release our frustrations on FB as an opportunity to channel that energy into something productive, creative, or beneficial. Where would we be if we harnessed the energy that is wasted worrying about why other people are successful, and in turn spend it on taking steps to experience our on successes. Where would be in life if, instead of marveling at other people's talents, we used that time and energy to perfect our own crafts and hone in our own skills.<br />
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When we waste our energy on things that do not deserve our energy, we drain ourselves and are stuck with a dead battery. <br />
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I know how I feel when I waste energy on things that are not worthy of it. And when energy is wasted it is gone along with the time and opportunity that accompany it. <br />
<br />
Harness that energy and use it for something good. You will definitely see the difference in your life.<br />
<br />
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-69093292699494446432013-08-12T08:54:00.000-07:002013-08-12T20:10:44.038-07:00Height is RevealingAs I was sitting around, thinking about my fear of heights and all of the things that I try to do to overcome it, I asked myself, "Why do people fear heights?" The obvious answers of "falling" and "death"came to mind. Then I began to think to myself that it all makes sense because whether it is physically, emotionally, financially, mentally, or spiritually, people do not like to or want to fall. The thought of it is frigthening. <br />
<br />
Afterwards, I thought about my first time on an airplane, my first skydive attempt and my hike in the Andes mountains of Peru, and I remember how nervous I was being so high up. But there was another thing I noticed. I saw that at such high altitudes, I was able to see everything. I was able to view things farther than I ever imagined. Everything was so beautiful. My thoughts took me back to the man who successfully skydived from the stratosphere, and I marveled at the view that he had of Earth. It was absolutely amazing!!! (Sometimes our fear of heights causes us to miss out on things).<br />
<br />
Then, I took my thought one step further. Maybe, just maybe, people are afraid of heights because it is revealing. The very fact that it reveals the vastness of his or her surroundings is intimidating. It can make one feel insignificant. But it also can make one feel vulnerable and that is where it hit me.<br />
<br />
Maybe a person is afraid of reaching certain heights in his or her life because it reveals things about their respective lives. Height exposes you to things about yourself because it separates you from the confusion and allows you to see your life from a different vantage point. It gives you a "birds eye" view of your life and confronts you with the complexities of your life if you are not where you need to be. It shows where you are at and where you need to be.<br />
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Being at a high point in life can be intimidating, because it feels more comfortable on the ground opposed to the instability on top. You don't have to see farther than you need to or, better yet, want to. Many succesful people falter because though they aspire to be on top, it is naturally more comfortable to settle at the bottom. So, they act recklessly to bring themselves back to their state of comfort.<br />
<br />
But there is beauty that is revealed when you reach the high limits of life. All it takes is for you to:<br />
<ul>
<li>push yourself to ascend to the top</li>
<li>confront your fears, setbacks and disappointments</li>
<li>take action to change your life</li>
</ul>
Aim to get a better view so that you can see "all" the possibilities that are to be revealed. Set your goals high to allow your VISION to see farther. Dont view height as "exposing to weaknesses" but as "exposure to greatness."<br />
<br />
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-50946530071829331022013-07-01T20:54:00.001-07:002013-07-01T23:51:46.980-07:00 The Mindset Starts with YouNext time you take a shower, look in the mirror and determine what you see. You may ask, "What is the meaning of looking into a steam-fogged mirror?" Frankly, there is much more to that clouded mirror than you think. That mirror represents the way we see ourselves.<br />
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"But wait a minute! I can't see myself at all in the foggy mirror."<br />
<br />
Voila! The foggy mirror represents us placing the veil over our eyes when it comes to examining our own lives. In order to see yourself, you must wipe the mirror of the mist that has accumulated. <br />
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When we are afraid to wipe the mirror clean, we cannot accurately examine ourselves. It doesn't allow us to see clearly. Our vision is obscured and the perception is distorted. Maybe the fear arises from disappointment in your life, or you may not even feel that you are the problem. <br />
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I am here to tell you that you are the problem. But, you are also the answer. The mindset begins with you - and always you.<br />
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We must realize that in order to make a difference in other peoples lives, it is imperative we have the right mindset and ability to make a difference in our own lives.<br />
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God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-36410133584457334182013-06-11T21:20:00.000-07:002013-06-13T21:20:12.534-07:00Why is a healthy mindset relevant?Why is a healthy mindset relevant?<br />
<br />
"I wanted to shoot people because that's what I saw growing up." <br />
<br />
I read this quote in the USA Today given by young man from Camden, New Jersey - a city known for its high crime rate. The relevancy of a healthy mindset is directly pointed at such a statement as this because, in many instances, it is a reflection of the mentality of the people who are influenced by their social environment.<br />
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I am not saying that every person wants to shoot another person because of the environment they live in, but the effect of a person's environment is crucial to their develpoment. This effect is not limited to impoverished communities, however the affect that it has in such environments is disheartening.<br />
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In my book <span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Mindset: Awareness and Action</em></span>, I mentioned "the deprivation of hope is not only in the communities, schools, and families; but also in the eyes of the people." When there is no hope in the eyes of the people, how are we to expect hope for the future. This is why I spend my time (and encourage people to help in) preaching the message of developing a healthy mindset. <br />
<br />
When children from Camden haven't even been across the bridge to Philly, how are we to expect them to have a broad and healthy outlook on the world? When our youth's heroes are gang members, how are we to decrease the crime rate in violence-ridden communities?<br />
<br />
A healthy mindset is relevant because I do not want anybody shooting me because that is what they saw growing up.<br />
<br />
God Bless<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-27172944169888258272013-05-29T12:28:00.001-07:002013-05-29T12:28:23.697-07:00When will it cease?<br />
And I quote, "The problem with black people [nowadays] is that they want to continue to harp on the past. They complain about slavery as if it happened to them." I was told to just "get over it." I was told to get over something that I didn't even bring up. I was told to get over something because I corrected and explained to a young man the difference between saying "I will be a servant to you" and "I will be of service to you." I was told to just let the past be the past. But when a mother is inflicted with illness so is her unborn child. So, the illnesses that my foremothers and forefathers endured were all but passed down to me. Things can't just be swept under the rug because the lump of its presence is still visible.<br />
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Recently, Tiger Woods was publicly hit with his second "fried chicken" joke of his career and I contended with hearing people say that they didn't see anything wrong with it. But intent is eveything. I read an article about Blacks being suspended more than double the next demographical group. So again race is brought to the forefront. Instead, the focus should be so that no child is suspended and that everyone is receiving an adequate education. <br />
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But this is not about me being black and being sensitive to the plights that my people face. Instead, it is about the sensitivity to race in American society and the insensitivity to the experiences, cultures, and uniqueness of different races.<br />
<br />
So the question stands, "When will the issue of race cease to be a dominating issue in America?" In many moments, I want to say soon, but realistically it may never occur. As long as we live in a society where we tolerate people instead of embracing people, race will continue to be a thorn in our side . As long as we continue to expect people to forget history instead of understanding their history, there will continue to be a divide.<br />
<br />
If history is meant to serve as a learning lesson for future generations, then the past must not be forgotten but understood. The race issue is not about being politically correct in front of cameras and declaring that 'no one sees color" because in real life color is the reason. But instead of hiding from this fact or throwing a cover over the issue, we must first accept the fact that it drives our everyday lives. It is relevant in medicine, but it is taboo in society because it is a difficult and sensitive topic to discuss; but it is only difficult because the conversation comes from a place of guilt and anger instead of compassion and understanding.<br />
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Telling me to forget and get over it, is the reason why I won't forget and get over it. It is the reason why I look for understanding because we can't learn from the mistakes that are forgotten. There is no clean slate. However, there is a building process and before the process of getting over something can occur, there must be a concerted effort to build relationships with all ethnic backgrounds. Until then, race will always be a dominating issue in America.<br />
<br />
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-13111754487840329412013-04-18T20:28:00.002-07:002013-04-19T07:26:09.234-07:00Laker PrideI' ve been rolling with the Lakers since the 80s, from the time I watched my first game on 76th street in South Central Los Angeles to scoping 2013's epic playoff push from 2000 miles away in La Plata, MD. One thing that I know about Lakers' fans is that,though we seem to be a laid back group of people, we are die-hard, passionate, and believing aficionados.<br />
<br />
This year, "dem boys" (as I call them) on paper were supposed to be a force to be wreckened with. However, the lineup of Kobe, Dwight, Paul, Nash, and Peace didn't live up to the hype, from a dismal winless preseason to a seemingly washed down-the drain regular season. This season was drama filled from a chemistry standpoint and from injury proneness. For the finale, one of the game's best, went down and out for the season and "dem boys" were written off to not make the playoffs without their leader.<br />
<br />
But Laker pride stepped in. We all stay strong by our team, and "dem boys" stayed strong by themselves. For the first time all year, I really thought to myself that "dem boys" really want to be there. And when you look at it, from the All-Star break they have played 17 over .500 ball. <br />
<br />
Yeah, as fans we don't have nothing but our pride vested in the team that we grew up watching, crying, cheering, and fighting over but hey, that's what we all do. But the funny thing is the people who get a thrill Laker hating to fans who at the end of the season go on about their business because they know their hometown team is full of greatness, championships, hall of famers, and prestige to even wear the colors purple and yellow (the colors that people from where I'm from say ;) ). We don't have to put other teams down because it's just ain't no time for that.<br />
<br />
But anyway I am proud of my team. I ain't gonna lie. I did a lot of mess talking through the t.v. for all of the BS but in the end, it's because pops got me doing it. Well, anyway, "dem boys" weren't suppose to make it but they did. Now let's go get em!!! RIP Dr. Bus<br />
<br />
GO LAKERS!!!! aka Dem BoysAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-173411947220886622013-04-16T19:33:00.001-07:002013-04-17T09:48:10.851-07:00SearchingThe search for reasons, oftentimes, end up with no luck. I try to find meaning and purpose in the things that I do, only to be conflicted by the happenings of the world that is going on around me. Yesterday, three people died (including an eight year old), enjoying an event that is supposed to bring people together to celebrate; yet, cowards used this as an opportunity to destroy lives, community, and peace. Everyday there is a new threat, albeit of a nuclear attack, terrorism, or domestic windfall. Whatever the case may be, it leaves people with a sense of insecurity. Across the globe, there are countries in civic warfare, social upheaval, and financial instability. I even came across a photo of a man, whose head was either bashed in or shot, because of his political affiliation in Venezuela. This all makes me think, what am I fighting for? What am I hoping for? I pray that my dreams of a better world is not no more than a mere fantasy. I do not want to concede that my efforts to change the world will be in vain. <br />
<br />
In my search for answers, I find myself taking advice from people who are searching for answers, when the only answer they can give me is "everything happens for a reason." Well, can someone please tell me the reason, because the purpose is waiting. So, then I look up above and I ask my questions realizing that my questions will be answered but my understanding will never comprehend.<br />
<br />
So, I concluded that my answer is my conviction, and like Eli (<em>The Book of Eli)</em> I must stay the course. My search will continue, but my actions will be reinforced by conviction. Well, maybe, I found my reason.<br />
<br />
God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-75039271264745191092013-02-26T20:40:00.000-08:002013-02-27T04:04:52.769-08:00Why My Whopper Tasted Bad<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few days ago, I was having one of the biggest cravings for a Whopper. The thought of a charbroiled patty topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mayo and ketchup, between two slices of bread was all I wanted at that moment. Your thought may be "what is so special about a Whopper?" Nothing actually. But I am confident that everyone has had those moments of craving for a particular taste for something only for that time. Well, that was me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I decided to go to the nearest Burger King anxious to sink my teeth into that burger, as I scarfed down fries and washed it away with a cold cup of Barq's rootbeer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, my excitement to order my Whopper was not matched by the cashier's excitement to take my order. Instead, she proceeded to tell me how upset she was and how she didn't want to be up front because she wanted to stay in the back. She even mentioned telling the boss that she was quitting. The frustration and attitude showed on her face, and the quality of the customer service followed. Opening up to me at such an awkward moment was surprising and all I could muster up to say was "I understand" as I gave her a smile. Then, she proceeded to ask me about the book I was reading and at least for that brief moment I felt as if her day was brightened. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the mood and atmosphere of the facility was set. When I received my meal, I proceeded to sit down and indulge into my previous craving. However, something was different and the feeling wasn't the same. As I began to eat, I realized that the food didn't taste as I envisioned. Now, the burger was fresh and hot, and the fries were straight out of the fryer but I realized that the taste of my burger was impacted by the aura of the restaurant. I encountered a bad mood, and in return my body and psyche adapted to it. I didn't look at my food the same way, and it definitely didn't have an aroma that was crave-worthy. </div>
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I truly believe that if the young lady's attitude was better, I would have truly enjoyed my meal. Instead, I left disappointed - more so from the turned down atmosphere that was presented.</div>
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Recognize that when we carry a bad vibe around us, it has a lasting impact on others similar to the stench of Pepe le Pew. When we live in negativity, it brings other people down. It messes up their Whopper moment. </div>
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Lets be mindful of the aura we leave. </div>
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God Bless</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-59248275821558657842013-02-21T14:27:00.002-08:002013-02-21T14:27:51.643-08:00Generation EntitledI feel like an "old head" writing this piece, reminiscent of my parents and grandparents talking about the "good ol' days." We are all familiar, to some extent, about the stories that our elders share with us and the philosophies, personality traits, and actions of their times. Ranging from the Silent Generation to Baby Boomers to Generation X to present, there has been an interest in the characteristics that each has brought to the table throughout history.<br />
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Depending on the person categorizing the generations, I could fall into the generations of X, Y, or Millennial. But regardless of the classification, I notice that there is a dynamic shift in the way many people in today's generation think and act. Now, this is where the old soul in me comes out. Though I grew up through times when my parents probably shook their heads saying "there goes the neighborhood," I catch myself peering through the eyes of my elders saying the same thing.<br />
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Today, I believe we live in a generation where the concept of respect is lost, accountability is ignored, and responsibility is forgotten. I believe that there is this idea that floats around that anything goes, and that no one should feel obligated to say anything about it. I see people using milestone ages (18, 21) to assert their adulthood through an undisciplined way of thinking. I see children growing up with no sense of direction or urgency.<br />
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What I do notice is that we live in generation in which much is wanted but little is earned. I call this generation "Generation Entitled." This has nothing to do socioeconomically, but everything to do mentality wise. Similar to the <i>Lord of the Flies</i>, the same will happen if we allow society to be run by children or allow childlike thinking to run our society. We will end up living in a chaotic environment where it'll end up being too late to fix the problem. <br />
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I would rather see a "generation empowered", where people are standing for something more than self. I would rather see a "generation accounted for" where people are taking responsibility not only for their actions but for the progress of their communities. I hope and pray to see a "generation fulfilled" in which people are making the most of the time they are allotted on this earth to serve a specific purpose. But more than anything, I would like to see a "generation rise" where people would stand above all iniquities.<br />
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The challenge should be for all of to ask ourselves, "How do we want our generation to be defined?" Then we must take the lead.<br />
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God Bless<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-21994795867794741412013-02-03T20:37:00.002-08:002013-02-03T20:56:51.373-08:00Who are you caddying?<br />
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On the golf course, we are familiar with the guy who follows
the golfer and carries the golf bag. This person is called the caddie.
Oftentimes, what people do not see is the caddie giving the golfer pertinent
information about the course and facilitating advice about how to approach a
shot. Instead, the only association with the caddie is him carrying a bag full
of heavy equipment. </div>
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Have we thought to ask ourselves, “Who are we caddying?” The
benefit of a professional caddie is that he is paid for his services and he and
the golfer have a symbiotic relationship on the course. On the other hand, we
serve as free caddies for people resulting in being the burden carriers for
their lives. We allow people to cast their burdens upon us, leave their luggage
on our doorsteps, and empty their baggage at our feet in which we are left to
pick it up and carry it for them.</div>
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The next time you watch golf check out the golfer. Watch how
freely he moves and how briskly he walks, and then watch the caddie and notice him
hunched or leaning. That’s what happens to us when we carry other people’s
burdens. How can we move and produce freely and effectively when our backs are
hunched, our hands are full and our steps are staggering? </div>
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But what happens when we have to carry our own bags? It
affects us the same. We must continue to practice the notion of “release.” We
do not see Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, or Ricky Fowler carrying
their bags. They are free to swing. </div>
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When we carry burdens, we aren’t free to swing. When we
carry burdens, we can’t stand upwards. When we carry burdens, we can’t lift our
heads to see the sky; the only view we have is the ground. </div>
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Pick people up, don’t pick up their burdens.</div>
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God Bless</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-10471090434800839652013-01-21T12:02:00.001-08:002013-01-21T21:45:57.959-08:00MLK CelebrationToday, I attended a celebration to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia. It was a wonderful event sponsored by the NAACP - among other sponsors - that highlighted the talents of persons young and old. Witnessing a nine-year-old girl give a powerful recital of one of MLK's speeches, a young teenage boy recite his spoken word "Dream Catcher," and a gentleman give his remake to the O' Jays "Family Reunion" were just a few of many moving performances.<br />
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There was a moment where we all stood to sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and it almost brought tears to my eyes because each verse was highlighted by a moment in history which marked the days of slavery, the civil rights movements, and today's struggles. It had me thinking about the struggles my ancestors endured with the lines "God of our weary years, God of our silent tears," and caused me to reflect on how they still maintained the spirit to lift their voices to sing, to fight, and to move forward.<br />
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Then, I thought of my life. Dr. King was not the only one with a dream. All of our ancestors had dreams. The Harriet Tubmans, the Frederick Douglasses, the Rosa Parks, and everyone else who fought for the progression and freedom of the negro had dreams. Their dreams allowed me to have my stage. Their dreams allowed me to have my voice. Their dreams allowed me to have my dreams to dream for a better tomorrow. <br />
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This week, I spent a few days listening to a bit of Dr. King's speeches, and he was the epitome of what it meant to be free when he recited the words "I've seen the Promised Land." He was free. Now, I ask that we become free. Free from bondage. Free from despair. Free from the mental blockades that we have on our lives, in order to fulfill our dreams. "We" have a dream and we "shall be free at last."<br />
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God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-71485746301263957582013-01-13T16:18:00.000-08:002013-06-21T20:53:31.964-07:00Why are you running?One morning, a man rose up from his bed, and routinely slid into his slippers that rested bedside, headed to the bathroom and washed up from a long night's sleep. He went in to the kitchen to make himself a nice hot cup of coffee , like he does every morning, (a cube of sugar and a drop of cream). Still knocking off the rust from 8 hours of rest, he walks outside where he gets his morning wake up stretch while the sun ricochets off his forehead (sending a warming alarm to his body that is it time to get the day going).<br />
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But he notices that something was different this morning. There were no cars commuting on street or children waiting to be picked up for school; everything was as quiet as a ghost town. There was no one in sight, except for a figure in the distance that was quickly approaching.<br />
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As the figure approached closer and closer, the man noticed that the figure was a middle aged gentleman running frantickly as if he was fleeing for his dear life. "What could he be running from?" the man thought.<br />
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So, the man decided to stop this gentleman and asked him, "What's going on? Where is everyone? What are you running from?" The man noticed that the gentleman, eyes wide, drenched in sweat, and out of breath continued to run in place. The gentleman replied, "I'm not running from anything! Haven't you heard?! I'm running towards greatness! Now, get out of my way before I miss it!" The gentleman gently pushed the man aside and continued to run with even more urgency. In the distance, the man could hear the gentleman yell "Greatness is ahead, what are you waiting for!"<br />
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Oftentimes, when we are en route, it is easy to assume that people are running from something, whether it is a job, a relationship, discomfort, etc. But we must stop to think, "What if this person is running towards something great; and if so, what am I waiting for?" There is only a small window of opportunity to achieve greatness, so we must not let it pass us by. Go get it! <br />
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God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-49186443494620691692012-12-19T10:46:00.003-08:002013-01-15T15:24:30.074-08:00Crab in the BarrelApparently, I had the concept of the crab in the barrel a little misinterpreted and it took until Dec. 18th of my 30th year (2012) to actually get the meaning. Not that I feel that my interpretation probably wouldn't work in my case, but I was under the impression that being a crab in the barrel meant "stepping over people to get to the top." Growing up, the meaning of the saying was never explained to me, so I interpreted my own meaning and figured that I did a pretty good job deciphering a logic behind it. But then, I came across this video about leadership and a speaker by the name of Craig Valentine speaking about negativity explained how when crabs are in a barrel and one crab is clamoring to get out over the top, the other crabs grabs and pulls it back in. It is as if it is saying, "hey, where are you going?" He went on to say that this is how negative people are. They always end up finding a way to bring you back in the barrel if you allow them to.<br />
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As a society, we are groomed to see things from a negative, pessimistic outlook. We all have it in us (self included). What ends up happening is that our negative organs seem to outsize our positive organs and becomes poisonous not only in our own lives but in the lives of other people that we interact with.<br />
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Negativity can happen overtly or covertly, but the end result has the potential to end detrimentally. Oftentimes, the most dangerous form of negativity is negativity in disguise. It is doctored up in makeup, and all the fixings that makes it seem appealing, then "BOOM!" the bomb drops. <br />
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I've been in the midst of negativity all of my life, from outside factors to my own negative inputs; and I have been a witness to the ill effects that it has had through my family, in my relationship, with my friends, and between total strangers. So, I've been choosing to change my outlook, and see promise, purpose and positivity in all that I do and all that is around me. It is hard but it is possible, because there is one additional thing that I learned yesterday, and it is that "negative people would rather change who you are instead of changing who they are." I know it all starts with me, and it also begins with you. <br />
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Dont be the crab in the barrel!<br />
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God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-49019946583482214912012-11-05T15:14:00.001-08:002012-11-05T15:14:46.498-08:00We Have a Vision for America TooIn the wake of one of the most important presidential elections of our lifetimes, we bare witness to last minute blitzes from both parties' presidential hopefuls in efforts to attract or persuade the few undecided voters in key battleground states. The pitch- their visions for America. From campaign ads to the coveted "get out the vote" ground games, the fight for who has the best vision for America is in action.<br />
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But let's forget about the presidential campaign for a moment. We have a vision for America too. I, myself, have a vision for this great country as well. We all want better not only for our own lives, but for the strength, longevity, and the integrity of our country. <br />
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When I wake up every morning, I wonder what I can do to improve upon not just my life but the lives of others. I wonder what is the perfect vision for America. What I have come to realize is that my vision alone, or anyone for that matter is the perfect solution for our country when contrived separately. But collectively, as a unit, side by side, hand in hand, our vision for whats best for our country, our people, and our future poses as the best solution.<br />
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The problem that is faced is that many of our visions for what is best for the country is predicated solely on what is best for us- individually. We must learn to work collaboratively to share and mesh our visions, not just from a political party standpoint, but also as a community, city, and national collective. We, too, have a vision for America. Let us not just leave it in the hands of one person (or the few representing us).<br />
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Go Vote tomorrow!!!!<br />
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God Bless<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3639603522656451796.post-66671679902656156672012-10-22T14:34:00.001-07:002012-10-23T00:38:32.296-07:00PurposeRecently, I was asked the question in regards to purpose; it was stated in terms of how can we articulate purpose in a way to where it doesn't come off as too vague of an answer, especially when posed to children. It brought me back to a time when I would hear my baseball coaches tell me to "stay balanced" or "stay back" in teaching me how to hit. I would have conversations with friends about what does it really mean when we say "stay back"; or better yet, how do we really show these young athletes what we mean from our baseball philosophies? We concluded that a lot of coaches themselves didn't understand how to explain certain philosophies, though they exerted confidence in verbalizing them. <br />
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So, when we talk about purpose, how would I articulate it? First off, I believe there are two forms of purpose, the unknown and the known. The unknown is the Divine; the purpose set out by our Creator (that even though we question, we will never know or understand). The known is the one we have control over; the one we set in place. <br />
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In the search of finding purpose in our lives, we tend to ask the why and what; and oftentimes these questions are posed looking upwards. But, in dealing with the known, these questions must be asked inwardly. <u>Why</u> do I do what I do? <u>What</u> do I want my life to mean? Afterall, isn't that what we want in our lives? Meaning.<br />
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Personally, I would ask myself why do I do the things that I do, and I concluded that it is because I want to impact lives and change the world; so, I center my life and activities around many things that give me reason to keep pushing in that area. It becomes a motivating factor. After answering that question, I defined my purpose whereas my why, then, became my what, and that became what I wanted my life to mean- IMPACT. So, ultimately, it ends up becoming something that keeps you pushing no matter what, because when something has meaning, it gives you reason to persevere.<br />
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We have no control over the ultimate plan, but we have an input in our own walk. Though we may ask for meaning upwardly, we can define meaning inwardly; and if it is in accordance to His plan it will feel right. <br />
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God BlessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563656973417229084noreply@blogger.com0