Crab in the Barrel

Apparently, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Dont be the crab in the barrel!

God Bless

We Have a Vision for America Too

In 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.

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.

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.

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).

Go Vote tomorrow!!!!

God Bless

Purpose

Recently, 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.

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.

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. Why do I do what I do? What do I want my life to mean? Afterall, isn't that what we want in our lives? Meaning.

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.

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.

God Bless

No fan of Propaganda

I am not a big fan of propaganda, period. Yet, we are bombarded with it everyday single day; and in the wake of this years presidential elections it is more evident than it has possibly ever been with the advent of social media and other sources that channels such information to us. I personally believe that the objective is to make zombies out of the people, and the brainwashing (better yet lobotomy) seems to work, because oftentimes we choose sides without having a true understanding of what we truly stand for, let alone our candidates.

I listen to all the conservative and liberal mumbo jumbo and can honestly conclude that many Americans stand in the middle. In some cases, conservatives can very much be confused as liberal, and liberals can be seen as being conservative. Sometimes, it is just a matter of what team you grew up rooting for.

Anyways, October 3, 2012, marks the first time the President and the Republican presidential nominee will appear on the stage together where we can get a direct comparison for what each other stands for. For some, it may be hard to be objective however there will be an opportunity for many to see who and what they are voting for.

These debates is not about rooting for sides. It about you. It about how your future and your children's future will be impacted. We are the accountable ones, because we are the ones who make the choice. So be informed.

Ultimately, I am for the people. I am for our actions. It all begins with us. A vote is not just a vote. It is not just a choice of candidacy; it is a choice of action. It is us saying that this is my first step to make a difference in not only my life, but the life of others. However, it doesn't stop with the vote. It continues with the feet to keep marching on. It continues with the voice to keep speaking up. It continues with the hands to keep reaching out. Propaganda can't do this because it cuts off half of you, it gives you one side (pun intended).

And please do not forget to vote!!!! If anything it is you saying that you are willing to take action.

God Bless

Difficult to climb, easy to fall

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to climb a mountain but how easy it is to fall? Mountain/rock climbing is one of the most grueling, if not dangerous, hobbies/activities/sports in the world. I hiked up a mountain trail in South Africa and that within itself was a task, so I can only imagine how it is to physically climb. It takes a lot of grit, determination, sweat, and maybe even a few tears to reach the top.  It requires stamina, focus, and a little touch of good fortune. These climbers face many obstacles and setbacks inch-by-inch ranging from inclimate weather to small crevices used to wedge their fingers in for grip. It is an arduous task that they go through to reach the apex of their journey. Who can imagine the muscle fatigue and strain that they must feel? All these obstacles that come against them from nature all the way down to their own weary minds can imagineably seem weight-bearing. Everything becomes an obstacle; and many factors arise that ironically seems placed in the way to prevent them from pushing forward.

But what happens, if someone loses grip and fall? Nothing is there to stop him. Just air, space, and ultimately the ground. See how easy it is to fall, when it takes all the work in the world to climb.

I was reminded today, and am a firm believer that when you are on the cusp of greatness, negativity will always find a way to appear and distract you. It is hard to succeed, but easy to fall. When you are on the top of your game, people aim to bring you back down.

Success fights against gravity, a force that pulls you down. Nothing in life that is worth anything comes easily which is why overcoming struggle feels rewarding.

Remember that what may takes years to build could come crumbling down in a heart beat. So, it is important to make sure that the foundation is solid and steady to be able to withstand the quake.

The mountain is symbolic of greatness, and to meet with greatness requires to go through a little struggle, fatigue, and pain. However, the grip must be strong otherwise there is nothing stopping you from hitting the ground.

God Bless

Why I do what I do...

I always try to find a purpose for why I do the things I do in my life. I understand that I will not live the perfect life, but I will continue to strive to live a purposeful life. In the beginning of my personal mission I state my first objective as determining purpose. What is my purpose for my life? God already has THE ultimate purpose for me, but my purpose is that my works are in accordance to His.

So why do I do what I do?

The reason is that we live in a world where many people can use a helping hand, an open ear, or a word of encouragement. We live in a society where people are hurting emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I believe that if ever I had the opportunity to intercede in someone's life, it should and, hopefully, would be to the benefit of their well being and personal success.

1. Why do I Play? I continue to play baseball because I began to remove myself solely from personal gratification which was less fulfilling. When it was just for me, it became less fun because I carried all of the pressures of trying to get the big contract. So, I lost the drive and almost quit. Then, I saw a little child smile, and noticed the  fans cheers and enjoyment; and hearing them say that they enjoy watching me play, made me realize that it is bigger than me. I was helping to brighten someones day.

2. Why do I write? I write because I have a story to tell. I have a message that if kept inside may prevent someone from receiving a blessing in their own lives. I write to inspire. I write to uplift. I write to empower.

3. Why do I smile? I smile because everyone needs a smile. A simple smile can change somebody's day, week, or life. I smile because it uplifts me, and because it lifts others. I smile because I'd rather not frown.

4. Why do I give? I give because much was given to me. I give because though I like to receive, seeing others benefit from my hand is more fulfilling. I give because what God provides  is not mine to keep.

5. Why the foundation? The foundation exists because hopelessness exists; children in need exists; poverty exists. I founded the foundation, because I want children to develop into leaders, not only in their communities but in their own lives.

In my life, purpose is followed by passion and validated through integrity. Hence, my mission is to determine purpose, pursue passions and demonstrate integrity. This is what makes doing what i do easy and rewarding.

We all should ask ourselves, 'why do we do what we do?' in order to recognize purpose in our lives, and to allow us to remain relevant.

God Bless

How do we remain relevant

With the emergence of Facebook and Twitter and the multitude of advances in technology that seems to keep people connected at levels unforeseen, the problem tends to remain in the relevance of our nature, our actions, and our words. So, the question becomes in the market which resembles "spam media," how do we become or remain relevant?

I believe relevance, first and always, begins with purpose. Before we can become relevant in the eyes of people, we must first know what the purpose is in what we say and do. Purpose is important because it adds weight and direction behind what is said. Purpose is like an arrow aimed at a desired target.

Next, I believe intent is definitely important in determining relevance. Is it for personal gain or is the plan for a bigger goal? Justifiably, it feels good to have self-gratification in knowing that we did something good or said something profound, but too much self-gratification from a selfish standpoint can turn many people away. Our intent should always be genuine.

Impact then becomes the next important contributor . How is what I say or do impactful to the lives of others? The affects of our words or actions are extremely important in being relevant because it is this key element that contributes to how we are judged. We are a results driven society and we are judged in our performances and how people are impacted. So, in order to remain relevant we must determine how impactful  we are going to be.

It is easy nowadays to get lost in the 'hoopla' where our very existence seems to go unnoticed. But that's what goes into the main point that I am trying to convey in determining your relevance. Relevant people do not get lost in the masses or blend in. They stand out and people hold on to the words and actions of these people.

Make sure you are relevant. Make sure your existence holds weight.

God Bless