Sunday Evening Thoughts After Thanksgiving - "Am I living?" 11/25/12

Whew, is pretty much the first thing that comes to mind after the Thanksgiving holiday. It never fails that after all the friends, family, and food that you are just exhausted in addition to being stuffed. When Thursday arrived, there were a lot of conversations about what we are thankful for, but this day shouldn't have been any different than the previous days.(Only difference is plenty of family and friends around) I welcome the holidays as it gives me an opportunity to fellowship and engage in conversation with others. It never fails that face to face or with a simple phone call or text that I am reminded me of how blessed we are. All it took was one Happy Thanksgiving phone call to ask how I was doing and why haven't I written anything in awhile. It was a good question and the only way for me to answer was to say, "hmmmm, I need to be inspired by something." And just like that I think my wheels were in motion and I started formulating a few thoughts. In keeping with the theme for the weekend and the thoughts of being thankful, I had to be honest about why I was really thankful every day. It's as simple as waking up and having the opportunity to live. Yup, knowing what it means to live is what I am thankful for daily. A good conversation with D-Nice(another brother from another mother) about how difficult the holidays can be sometimes missing loved ones that are no longer with us. As sad as it may be sometimes its important to remember that their memories and spirits live on in us. I have started to realize that we all have a purpose that we have to live up to in life. Look at where you are right now versus where you desire to be in every aspect of your life and ask yourself these questions. Am I living? Or am I merely existing? Do I know the difference between the two? What's keeping me from really living? Simple questions that when answered could potentially change your attitude about the life you are aspiring to live. As you move forward to start a new week, remember that #POSITIVEMOVEMENTSFORWARD will take you far in life. Live life and be phenomenal! “When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.” Peace Pilgrim “Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.” Jamie Paolinetti “The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.” Flora Whittemore “I don't want to earn my living; I want to live.” Oscar Wilde “Live your own life, for you will die your own death” “Life wastes itself while we are preparing to live” Ralph Waldo Emerson “I do my thing and you do yours. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations, and you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I, and if by chance we find each other, then it is beautiful. If not, it can't be helped.” Frederick Perls “Live life fully while you're here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You're going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don't try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human.” Anthony Robbins

Thursday Night Thoughts on Discipline 10/11/12

Whew! Yup, that's what I have to say after the last several of weeks. I haven't written in awhile and I am further reminded that sharing my thoughts with the world is the balance that is needed in my life. I am thinking the transition into my new role has played a part in the delay as well, but I am making it a point to get things back into balance. In most parts of the country it is fall, but here in the Valley of the Sun I believe we have finally seen the last of our 90 degree days for a while. Well, you know the saying, "If you can't stand the heat, then get out the kitchen." Guess, I must enjoy it cause I am still right here in the thick of things. Not surprising that I have a lot on the brain all of a sudden after a light went off in my head about a week ago. With me you probably have figured out that it doesn't take much for me to run with something. So I attended this meeting last week at work and surprisingly enough at the start we talked about the Monday Night Football game that the Dallas Cowboys appeared in. The conversation didn't really hinge on the game, but more or less what transpired over the years for them to become America's team. After going around the room talking about why the Cowboys aren't successful even with all the talent that they have currently, we reflected on their championship pedigree. You mention the names Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, and Barry Switzer and those coaches won championships and were known for discipline. Is discipline something that the Cowboys are lacking? Maybe? Maybe not, but it did generate some good conversation. So I started thinking a little more about discipline and what it has meant for me in my life. I remember little things from my track coaches like no matter what is going on around you to stay disciplined and run your race. Things will always happen around you, but how do you remain focused to reach your goals. Is discipline something that is ingrained in us? Is it learned at a young age? Can it be taught as we get older? I posed a few questions as I look at the state of our country and see that a lack of discipline growing up definitely shows later on in life. How disciplined are you? Are there areas in your life that you are disciplined? Where do you lack discipline? Do you find that you are more self disciplined? Or find that you are better disciplined when others are holding you accountable? All these questions still have me thinking about how I need to continue discipline myself in different areas of my life. Recognizing that discipline is necessary is probably one of the most important things we have learned. As you move closer to the weekend, remember to enjoy yourself and everything in your life. Smile in the face of good times and bad knowing that your faith is always being tested. It's the discipline in tough times, that will keep you pressing on in a valley while you are headed to your next peak. Be disciplined in whatever your approach to life is as long as you are living life and being phenomenal. #PositiveMovementsForward Always!! “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” Jim Rohn “Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” Buddha “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar “Many of life's circumstances are created by three basic choices: the disciplines you choose to keep, the people you choose to be with; and, the laws you choose to obey” Charles Millhuff “With self-discipline most anything is possible.” Theodore Roosevelt “Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested.” Tom Kite “The secret of discipline is motivation. When a man is sufficiently motivated, discipline will take care of itself.” Sir Alexander Paterson “Without discipline, no matter how good you are, you are nothing! One day, and I might not be around, you're going to meet a tough guy who takes your best shot. He'll keep coming because he's tough. Don't get discouraged. That's when the discipline comes in.” Mike Tyson “It takes tremendous discipline to control the influence, the power you have over other people's lives.” Clint Eastwood

Friday Morning Thoughts Before Day on "What your attraction says about you" 7/27/12

They say the early bird gets the worm and this morning I am probably getting the best selection based on what time it is. When I laid down to sleep last night, I just knew that I was down for the count at least until the sun started to rise. So clearly we can see that didn't happen as my brain again was in overdrive even in the wee hours of the morning. I was reminded recently about my thoughts and how it is much more than me clearing my head, but sharing with others to help them gain perspective also. Lately, it seems like a lot of my thoughts and interactions have revolved around attraction. From energy to relationships to thoughts there is something to said about what you are attracted to and what is attracted to you. I am sure you are familiar with the term that positive thoughts breed positive actions. How have you seen this played out in your life? Have you ever gone into a situation with the mind set that there's no way this is going to work and to no surprise things didn't work out? Overlay the thoughts about attraction and the energy that is constantly in your life. Are you an upbeat person? Do you have mood swings? Is there any consistency in your demeanor? What kind of energies are you attracting everyday? What type of energy are you sending into the world? As easy as I am asking these questions here I am asking myself many times over. I begin to think about my circle of influence as well as the people that I find myself gravitating toward. Why do I gravitate more toward some and not others? I believe that it has a lot to do with their spirit and ability to accept me for who I am today. As I look at everything that I am attracted to it is all about growth for myself and individuals around me. Your attraction to many different things in life allows anyone who is paying attention to learn more about who you are. Take a moment and look at where you are in life and ask yourself a few questions about several areas of your life. What are you attracting? Why? If you were to step away and look at yourself as others see you, what does your attraction say about you? As you prepare to enjoy your Friday and welcome the weekend, I challenge you to become attracted to all things phenomenal. That is the foundation for you embracing the phenomenal things that are just waiting on you already. “The secret of attraction is to love yourself. Attractive people judge neither themselves nor others. They are open to gestures of love. They think about love, and express their love in every action. They know that love is not a mere sentiment, but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe.” Deepak Chopra “Successful people make money. It's not that people who make money become successful, but that successful people attract money. They bring success to what they do.” Wayne Dyer “When a man dwells on the objects of sense, he creates an attraction for them; attraction develops into desire, and desire breeds anger.” The Dhammapada “When we create something, we always create it first in a thought form. If we are basically positive in attitude, expecting and envisioning pleasure, satisfaction and happiness, we will attract and create people, situations, and events which conform to our positive expectations.” Shakti Gawain “Faith always contains an element of risk, of venture; and we are impelled to make the venture by the affinity and attraction which we feel in ourselves.” Dean Inge “Plant the seed of desire in your mind and it forms a nucleus with power to attract to itself everything needed for its fulfillment.” Robert Collier “Our minds become magnetized with the dominating thoughts we hold in our minds and these magnets attract to us the forces, the people, the circumstances of life which harmonize with the nature of our dominating thoughts.” Napoleon Hill “If you have zest and enthusiasm you attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give back in kind.” Norman Vincent Peale “What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it - would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” Ralph Martson

Sunday Night Thoughts on "Seeing the Signs" 7/15/12

In any other place in the country, I would be enjoying a wonderful Summer evening, but that is not the case with me set to embrace temperatures headed back into the triple digits very soon. The last couple of days have been almost unbearable with the rain leaving plenty of moisture in the air to go along with the heat. I am probably several weeks behind in bringing some of my thoughts to life, but I think the extra time has allowed me to develop them a little deeper. With every breath that I take I can see the growth in my life as my world becomes more clearer. There have been a few things on my mind that most people probably experience on a daily basis as well. In everything we encounter in life, there are indicators/signs around us in many different areas of our lives. Think about heading out to your car preparing to go somewhere. What happens every time you stick the key in the ignition and turn it? You probably see an ABS indicator light, seatbelt warning light, and an airbag light just to name a few. What else do you see and what other things can you think about before you put the vehicle in gear? As you drive does your vehicle tell you anything? I thought about the vehicle example as it is something that most of us can easily relate to, but what are some other things that give you indicators/signs before you proceed further? No matter what we do or where we turn there is some sort of indicator/sign that's telling us something. It could be a welcome sign or a warning sign, but it is up to us to know where we are currently to figure out what the sing is telling us. Has there ever been a time that you where questioning something that you see only to realize later on that it was a sign for you to do something? Could have been a sign to make a move, make a decision, or just to remain steadfast in your actions. By a design greater than my own, I believe that I wasn't supposed to stop thinking about signs before because these thoughts still needed to be developed. No matter what we do we can not escape the signs that are meant for us, but it is always our choice to embrace or ignore them. As we think about signs, I want to pose a question that maybe you can answer for yourself and maybe me as well. As we think about character, what are the signs that let you know someone is of good character? Are there signs in their conversation? Or are all the signs in their actions? Sitting back reflecting about what I have typed brings me to the realization that have chosen to ignore many signs over the course of my life. The experiences I wouldn't trade for anything, but I would hope that I am still maturing in reading the signs. Over the last couple of days, I have seen some more serious signs that have reminded me of how precious this breath I am taking is. The next moment is not promised and we must all do a better job of letting people know what they mean to you while you can. I can't stress that enough to you. As you prepare to start your week, I would like to ask if you wouldn't mind to send your thoughts and prayers up for two families that I am close to as cancer has entered the body of their loved ones. “The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?” Max De Pree “Some people believe that holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength...however, there are times when it takes far more strength just to let go.” “Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake Up and Live!” Bob Marley “Mankind is notoriously too dense to read the signs that God sends from time to time. We require drums to be beaten into our ears, before we should wake from our trance and hear the warning and see that to lose oneself in all, is the only way to find oneself.” “A really great man is known by three signs: generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success” Otto von Bismarck “When we become aware that we do not have to escape our pains, but that we can mobilize them into a common search for life, those very pains are transformed from expressions of despair into signs of hope” Henril Nouwen “Don`t be fooled by the signs. Don`t read in between the lines.” “Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines.” Robert H. Schuller

Hump Day Late Night Thoughts on "Are you driven or is something driving you?" 05/31/12

Almost over the hump and I can only say that night has been quite relaxing after the temperatures dipped below triple digits. There are always fun times when things start to heat up in the Valley of the Sun. So much has happened over the last several weeks and it seems as though I have been a little to busy to stop and reflect on some things putting pen to paper. There have been quite a few thoughts floating around my brain for a little while now, but there seemed to be something missing that didn't allow me to wrap my mind around them. It took a few conversations and listening to my surroundings in order for me to make a little more sense of everything. I believe I started to gain clarity when I couldn't answer this question someone asked me recently; "What is your greatest accomplishment in life thus far?" Believe it or not, I drew a blank on the question. At that point I started question myself and really wondering what is my biggest accomplishment in life thus far. I actually started to look at what have I actually accomplished in life. As I took this deeper I began to see that my accomplishments and my drive were directly related. What is it that drives you? Is it family? People depending on you? Is it success? Is it the fear of failure? As simple as I typed those questions, I had to ask myself to gauge where I was. Before I could even answer those questions, I thought of a couple more questions. Have you ever lost your drive? If so, how do you get it back? How did you lose it? What changed? In many aspects of our lives as we transition to new chapters our focus changes. We place different importance on things than we had in the past and maybe that has an effect on our drive. I mean is there something in the world that you would continue to push forward on in spite of any obstacle in your path? Even if the drive is not present, I do believe that you can still be driven to or driven away from a lot of things in life. Think about the people that are in life and your surroundings, do you think you are at times driven to or driven away from them? What are you driven by? Are you driven by anyone? Are you driven to anything? At the end of the day, I believe that if you are driven to "embrace the #positivemovementsforward lifestyle and be phenomenal," there's nothing that can stop you. So ask yourself one last time, "Am I driven or is something driving me?" “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” Abraham Lincoln “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Jack Welch “Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of.” “Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.” Denis Waitley “A business like an automobile, has to be driven, in order to get results” B. C. Forbes “Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do” Norman Vincent Peale “Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven.” Edward de Bono “To believe in yourself and to follow your dreams, to have goals in life and a drive to succeed, and to surround yourself with the things and the people that make you happy - this is success!” Sasha Azevedo “A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done.” Vince Lombardi “Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go so much further than people with vastly superior talent.” Sophia Loren

Hump Day Thoughts on "Coming to terms - mine, yours, or ours" 05/9/12

Already the 9th of May, and so far it seems like this month is just rolling along. All the signs are present that spring is definitely in the air as I see flowers in full bloom and folks have long since shed their long sleeves. This is probably one of the most exciting times of the year for a lot of families with the flurry of graduations and Mother's Day this upcoming weekend. Twelve years ago I know how exciting it was for me to walk across the stage at Jackson State University the day before Mother's Day. What an exciting time that was for me to make my mother proud and begin new chapters in my life. Looking back over the last twelve years it seems as though I never left school because the learning doesn't stop. Sometimes I wonder about the journey that I have taken over the years only to see where I am growing still learning about the world and myself. I have realized that once you stop learning you have really stopped growing. Through conversations with some people and a little self-discovery I have accepted the fact that I am selfish about some things. At first I was a little taken aback, but then it made sense as I am very hesitant to let go of; things I have worked for, my time, my thoughts/ideas. I guess the common denominator is that those things are mine before anyone else's. This observation took me down a path of in what circumstances do I share these things. At the end of the day, I make the choice to share these things on my terms; when and where I want to. Is there anything that you tend to be selfish about? What are those things? Why do think you do? So I started to develop some of my thoughts on why we tend to be selfish with things and it appears that it all boils down to on whose terms. Confusing at this minute probably. I am probably going to have to dig a little deeper to make the connection between selfish and terms. You may notice how the world works that if the terms are favorable for another party then there really are not any concerns on their behalf. And I guess that's really human nature for people to choose to engage in things where the terms are favorable based on their situation. Why would one ever engage in something where the terms were unfavorable? Have you ever agreed to something on unfavorable terms? Why did you do it? At some point in life we may have to make a decision on whose terms things are going be on. Before we do anything we are given a choice and it is important to figure out how we want to proceed. Whether its a relationship, career, giving of our time, or even a purchase of something there are terms that we are willing to agree to. What happens when the terms are not something you are willing to agree to? What are your next steps? Do you look elsewhere for an opportunity that's on your terms? Or do you just deal with it what you have? Is there an opportunity to negotiate to more favorable terms? You may be in a situation right now having trouble coming to terms with something, but you are going to have to be the one to make the decision whether you will or not. People can present things to us over time, but we still have to decide what we are going to do. Whether they are my terms or your terms, you can't escape coming to terms with anything. It all starts in the mind and you have to remember that positive thoughts breed positive actions. From here on out, remember that the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle is the foundation to get you where you want to be. Have you come to terms with that, yet? All the ingredients are present now for you to live life and be amazing, but the question is are you willing to agree to the terms to get you there? “In simplest terms, a leader is one who knows where he wants to go, and gets up, and goes.” John Erksine “Stop thinking in terms of limitations and start thinking in terms of possibilities” Terry Josephson “If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.” Confucius “Those who really seek the path to Enlightenment dictate terms to their mind. Then they proceed with strong determination.” Buddha “The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses and lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real state, but friendships, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.” Bertrand Russell “The customer perceives service in his or her own terms” Arch McGill “If you wish to converse with me, define your terms” Voltaire “You are a product of your environment. So choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward success - or are they holding you back?” W. Clement Stone “Anyone who cannot come to terms with his life while he is alive needs one hand to ward off a little his despair over his fate... but with his other hand he can note down what he sees among the ruins.” Franz Kafka “If you haven't the strength to impose your own terms upon life, you must accept the terms it offers you.” T. S. Eliot

Over the Hump Thoughts on "Getting Intimate" 5/3/12

We are three days into the month of May and I can already see that there will be a lot of memories here. There is quite a bit going on in my world which is a mirror of the rest of the world. I know that a lot of people will remember today based simply on some of the news stories that were reported throughout the day. You can't turn a TV on right now without hearing something about the passing of Junior Seau, suspension of the New Orleans Saints players for their bounty program, or justice for Robert Champion(FAMU Drum Major killed during a hazing incident). Some of these events may catch a quick thought from you and you may even have an opinion, but if you don't have an intimate relationship with any of incidents it probably doesn't impact you as much. My thoughts and prayers definitely go out to the families and friends of Junior Seau and Robert Champion with everything that they are dealing with right now. I didn't want to reference these things, but as I am a sports nut Sportscenter and various news channels were flooded with this information I began to have a few thoughts on the brain. The events are sad, but they lend me an opportunity to dive into something that will bring a little more clarity to my life. Define intimacy for yourself. How do things change when you choose to have a intimate relationship with people? Your career? Relationships? God? Anything? Surprisingly, I think when most people see the term intimate they immediately think of men and women being intimate with one another. The term is so much bigger than that as I believe that you can see a direct correlation to how things turn out for you based on your intimacy level with them. Why is it we tend to avoid intimacy with things? Is it that we are we scared? The thoughts that are on my brain right now are pretty heavy and I know that they are probably going t get deeper as things start to unfold. Take a quick moment and think about everything that you have chosen to have an intimate relationship with. What is it that made you desire to be more intimate? Is it a feeling right this moment? Or the promise of something amazing at the end? No matter what is, when you make the decision that you want to become more intimate, there's an immediate change for you in the way you look at things and your expectations from there on. Our intimacy levels with things can be the difference of success or failure in many different areas of our lives. Is there something that you may have wanted over the course of your life, but just could not attain it? Why do you think that is? Did you get intimate in developing your plan to achieve your desired result? As we continue to move forward in life, it is important to decide what we are willing to get intimate with in order to get to the next level. Getting intimate with the right things at the right time may change our lives as well as the lives of those around you. Your attitude is where it all starts and you have to remember that positive thoughts breed positive actions. Living the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle is the beginning of where change happens for you. What are you willing to get more intimate with now? “Passion is the quickest to develop, and the quickest to fade. Intimacy develops more slowly, and commitment more gradually still.” Robert Sternberg “Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.” Rollo May “Most people have come to prefer certain of life’s experiences and deny and reject others, unaware of the value of the hidden things that may come wrapped in plain and even ugly paper. In avoiding all pain and seeking comfort at all costs, we may be left without intimacy or compassion; in rejecting change and risk we often cheat ourselves of the quest; in denying our suffering we may never know our strength or our greatness.” Rachel Naomi Remen “It's the most precious thing...to know absolutely where you belong. There's a whole emotional wrapping-around-of-you-here. You see the same rock, tree, road, clouds, sun – you develop a nice kind of intimacy with the world around you. To be intimate is to grow, to learn... [it] is absolutely fulfilling. Intimacy, that's my magic word for why I live here.” Tessie Naranjo “To mature is in part to realize that while complete intimacy and omniscience and power cannot be had, self-transcendence, growth, and closeness to others are nevertheless within one's reach.” Sissela Bok

Hump Day Thoughts Before Day on "Knowing Yourself" 4/25/12

Wednesday morning before the sun comes up and my mind is racing quite a bit. Tuesday got away from me as know there were a ton of things I needed to accomplish before I drifted off to sleep, but it didn't happen that way. It seems as though the day sped by and I did complete most of the things that I tasked myself to do yesterday. By no means, am I going to look at it like a wasted day as I did still accomplish some things and had opportunities to grow through conversation and learning. I continue to marvel at life daily as I realize how small the world is. Let me tell you why I am saying this. Yesterday afternoon I was in the barbershop getting a fresh edge up and this young man was reading a magazine and busted out with this comment, "Jackson, Ms is the #1 worst city to do such and such." Immediately, my ears perk up and I say, "Come again, what did you say about my hometown there sir?" So the young man and I get into a discussion as he tells me that's his hometown too and I almost fall out of the barber chair. As we continue to talk and I realize that he went to high school with my cousins and also attended Jackson State with me, I really begin scratching my head. Who would have thought yesterday that I would be sitting in Phoenix, Arizona over 1,400 miles away from my hometown talking with the God son of one of my play mothers. Immediately, I get on the phone and connect him with his God brother who can't believe that the two of us were standing in the same place. I could only say wow at how small the world is and that everything happens for a reason as design of our destiny is controlled by a higher power. I bet you are sitting there wondering where I am going with all this and how I am going to connect all the dots back to the subject. I am sure I will get back on track and everything will make sense really soon. Well, I can say that I have had some thoughts in my head for over a week and originally I was writing something on "Knowledge of Self". I decided that the term knowledge limited me in conversation as it seemed too defined as it wasn't ongoing and was just based on a point in time. I came to the realization that knowing was the correct term to use as it allows the opportunity to continue to assess and check-in every step of the way to make sure you are on point. Here are some questions that I asked myself as I thought about this topic. How do you handle constructive criticism? Professionally? Personally? In your relationships?? Are you able to put yourself in another person's shoes to begin to see the things as they do? Or do you immediately go into defensive mode? If so, why is it that you do that? As you start to ask yourself these same questions, you may see how my thoughts began to develop and why. Situations are always going to exist that may cause you to check in and see who you are as often times there are things that influence our feelings or moods. At that same time, we have to be honest with ourselves about our true state of being. There are times when maybe we have been guilty of doing things that are pleasing to others and not ourselves. Down the road, we may be able to look back to see that maybe a different decision based on being honest with yourself would have led to a different result. I believe that one of the hardest things in life for some is to actually allow the mirror to be put up and look at every aspect of our lives. I know for a fact that some people only think of the mirror physically and won't take the time to figure out how to use the mirror to look at their mind or soul. Why do you think it is so hard to put the mirror up? Are we often times scared of what we see? If we take time out to look at every aspect of what makes us who we are knowing ourselves better can be the thing that propels us to the next level. In our careers? Relationships? Spiritually? Maybe it is time to do a SWOT analysis to figure some things out.(Evaluate your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Change is inevitable and with that sometimes it is necessary for us to change also. The definition of insanity is 'Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.'. As I sit back and think about this I can probably say I have been foolish at a few points in my life. So I know that my experience yesterday with someone from my hometown that happens to live in Arizona now, was the little extra bit that I needed to remind me that I am still in learning mode about myself. All I know is the timing was perfect as it brought back memories as I reflected on who I was, who I am now, and who I am striving to be. The truth is in all of us and it is up to each one of us to know it and live according to it. As you get over the hump today, remember that positive thoughts breed positive actions. You can "Live life and be amazing" as long as you adopt the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle. The ingredients are present in order for you to go from amazing to phenomenal, you just have to do it! “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” August Wilson “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” “You never find yourself until you face the truth” Pearl Bailey “Any life, no matter how long and complex it may be, is made up of a single moment, the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is.” “We're constantly being told what other people think we are, and that's why it is so important to know yourself.” Sarah McLachlan “Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch-what make you go beyond the norm.” “Ninety percent of the world's woe comes from people not knowing themselves, their abilities, their frailties, and even their real virtues. Most of us go almost all the way through life as complete strangers to ourselves.” Sydney Harris “Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.” Ann Landers “I think self-awareness is probably the most important thing towards being a champion.” Billie Jean King

Sunday Evening Thoughts on "Making the most of your Chance" 4/15/12

This time last week, I was enjoying another Easter Sunday and time spent with friends and extended family. Over the last week, I have done quite a bit of reflecting through conversations with friends and family about what's important. Amazing, how when you look back in time to see what you valued only to see how things change as you mature.

My thoughts have been all across the board the last couple of days, but I think I may have landed on something to make you think. I can't help but be reminded of something that I learned from my advisor Dr. Chris Jeffries back at Jackson State. He taught me about the TANSTAFL(there ain't no such thing as a free lunch) principle the first day of my Economics 101 class. Over the years, I have continued to use this principle as I weigh the opportunity cost of any decisions that I make.

It is not to any surprise that I see my thoughts revolving around chance and opportunity. The terms are interchangeable to a certain degree, but I want to focus on chance considering the word is shorter with less syllables.(Don't judge me I have my reasons for keeping it simple)

How many times have you wanted a second chance at something? Have you ever felt that you squandered away your one chance at something? Are you prepared for any opportunity that may come your way?

They say that chance/luck is when preparation meets opportunity, but often times we haven't prepared ourselves to be ready when we are given that chance. Regardless of what aspect of our lives the chance to do something arrives in, in that moment we have the opportunity to make the most of it as it may not come around again.

Not sure how many people saw the story on ESPN where Heisman Trophy Finalist Trent Richardson took a leukemia survivor to their high school prom in Alabama. The story itself was touching and seeing Trent Richardson talk about how he had a chance to make a difference in the life of someone as well as attend a prom considering he never went to his. As I watched this story I thought to myself am I making the most of all the chances that life is given me to make a difference.

On the job, at home, in our relationships, or our spirituality we have a chance to do better. Yesterday has happened, and tomorrow will bring us another chance to make the most of our opportunities. So what we didn't live up to all the promises of yesterday, dust ourselves off and embrace the chance to be better. No matter what you are going through, you have to remember that there's always a chance/opportunity to do better. Yesterday does not have to define you and the past does have to imprison you as tomorrow is your chance to move forward.

Are you afraid of taking chances in your personal life? Your career? Your relationships?

Are you ready for your chance to be more? To do more? Do you make the most of your chance at a good first impression?

Has anyone blown their chance for you to be on their team? Have you blown the chance to be on someone else's team?

As you prepare to move forward into another week, remember that only you can push yourself to make the most of your chances. Positive thoughts breed positive actions and adopting the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle can make all the difference. Go forward and make it an amazing week people as you deserve it.

“Hope is the most exciting thing in life and if you honestly believe that love is out there, it will come. And even if it doesn't come straight away there is still that chance all through your life that it will.” Josh Hartnett

“It is by chance that we met, by choice that we became friends.”

“It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance. It is the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance. It is the one who won't be taken who cannot seem to give. And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live.” Bette Midler

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.”

“I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come.” Abraham Lincoln
“Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.”

“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.” Dale Carnegie

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

“All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion and desire.” Aristotle

“A truly great person is the one who gives you a chance.”

“When a man is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something” Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you are never scared, embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take chances” Julia Soul

Tuesday Evening Thoughts on "Enduring Through it All" 4/3/12

The Tuesday before Easter and all appears to be well in the world before the Valley of the Sun turns into one of the hottest places on the planet. I can't do anything but enjoy the cooler temperatures before they begin to creep closer to triple digits. My initial indicators tell me that it is going to be a very very warm spring and summer.

I am not going to lie and tell you that the last 7 days hasn't been challenging, but as I look at where I am now I see that I made it through. It really doesn't matter what is going on if you have it in your heart and mind you can push through anything. It all starts in the mind and you have to believe that you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Often times I think we always just hear the phrase there's a light at the end of the tunnel, but we don't always have 100% that we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you ever given up on something? Why do you think that was? Was it too painful to continue on with? Were you not ready to go forward? Were you missing something?

As a country, history shows us that we have endured a lot as a whole and it has not been easy. Through the Women's Suffrage movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and many other moments over the years there has been pain, sacrifice, and struggle. None of these situations was easy, but through the pain and the resilience there has been growth. The evolution is present and we still have room to grow as there is still elements of discomfort. When there is discomfort it means we are growing and things are changing.

I talked about the world and hit on a few things that people have endured in the recent past. I want to dig a little deeper and explore a few things within my own existence that may open up the discussion further. In the 34 years that I have been living, I can pretty much confirm that anything worth having is worth the work put forth to attain it. The concept of what you put in is what you get out has never been more present than it is now. It seems as though everyone is out here dealing with their own struggles and there's no handouts to anyone as it is survival of the fittest.

I use the term "Survival of the Fittest" because as things change we have two choices to become an agent of change or a resistor to change. It is in that moment you choose the road you will be traveling on and what you are willing to endure. More often than not we don't look at obstacles as opportunities to use our past experiences to bring us through whatever it is we are dealing with. I can't help but think of this verse, 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.'

Maybe you haven't reached the summit of many different areas of your life, but you feel as though you can't go on any further. These experiences are preparing you for something amazing that was designed only for you. Are you willing to endure longer for the promise of something better in your life? Career? Family? Relationships?

Inside each and every one of us there's that one thing that we are willing to endure heartache, long suffering, or disappointment for in order to achieve something. What is that thing for you? Is it your family? Financial Security? Helping others? Why is it that you endure some of the things that you do? Do you believe in your heart that things will be better as a result of holding on?

If you are enduring some pain or heartache for anything there's a direct correlation with how much you care about what it is you are doing. If there wasn't would we even be trying to live through whatever it is instead of just letting go.

Positive thoughts breed positive actions and as we endure anything in life our mind has to be strong. Focus your energies on bringing the right thoughts into any situation as #PositiveMovementsForward will bring you through any darkness to walk straight into the light at the end of the tunnel. Live life and be amazing in every moment that you have. You have already prepared for the next moment, so just endure this one with a smile.

“Endure the present, and watch for better things.” Virgil

“I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.” Og Mandino

“Those who endure conquer.”

“Enjoy what you can, endure what you must” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Life is truly known only to those who suffer, lose, endure adversity and stumble from defeat to defeat.” Anais Nin

“He who has a why can endure any how” Friedrich Nietzsche

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.” Edward O. Wilson

“In the darkest hour the soul is replenished and given strength to continue and endure.”

Over The Hump Thoughts on "Being Brilliant at the Basics" 3/29/12

The month of March is just about in the books and it means that a quarter of the year is gone. Like clockwork Wednesday come and gone and we've made it over the hump. It comes around every week and I have an idea of what lies on the other side, but getting to the other side isn't always the same.

This hump day was a little tough as my family comes together again with the unexpected passing of my dad's sister Tuesday. As always I am truly thankful for my extended family and friends who are praying for my family during this difficult time. I can't stress enough to anyone that I see or talk to to enjoy this moment as you just never know what opportunities you may have tomorrow.

A couple of days ago I had a few thoughts on the brain that I was really having trouble developing and didn't know where to go. I wasn't expecting my conversations the last couple of days to influence my thoughts, but ironically my interactions with my family helped me to expound on the thoughts that were lingering.

Over the course of time that I have been in the world, I have seen where most people want maximum results with minimal effort. Or everyone wants something for nothing. It is pretty simple and you can test the theory out in a lot of ways. You get out of something what you put into it. This pretty much applies all across the board in my book. I think have found the solution to having positive results or success in anything.

What are your core values? Do your core values influence your decisions about life? Career? Family? Relationships with people?

I remember in a few instances over the years people saying KISS which means "Keep It Simple Stupid." I am starting to understand more and more how important keeping things simple makes life so much easier. Even the most difficult things in life don't seem as hard to deal with when you really live the mindset of keeping things simple. No matter what we do in life from our conversations to our actions, there is a direct correlation all to our core values.
Right now, I don't know if I am talking to myself trying to get on board or I am accepting this amazing revelation that's always been here. Our core represents the basic things that make up who we are. Ask yourself these questions; Who are you? What do my core values say about me? How can I be a better me?

As I think about becoming a better me it's all about being "Brilliant at the Basics." In my book the basics should be present in every thing that when they aren't we should notice that some things seem off. Take a moment right now and look at where you are in life; Have you gotten away from the basics?

Think about your career? Your marriage? Relationships? Children? What were the essential building blocks that laid a foundation to embrace wonderful things down the road? I am willing to bet that a lot of things we are engaged in revolve around the golden rule.(Treat others as you would have them treat you or Do unto others as you would have them do you)

I am starting to learn that this thing called life isn't rocket science and its really pretty simple. The concept of "Being Brilliant at the Basics" exists in every facet of our lives, but we just have to embrace the simple concept and live it. How can you expect to be ready to deal with the amazing things coming for you if you can't deal with the basics?

Close your eyes take a deep breath and focus on getting back to the basics in order to position yourself to get where you want to be. I know that the core of MY being revolves around altruism, family, friends, and my faith. I have learned that I can not nor will not be successful in anything if any of those things are not present. I challenge you to really figure out what those things are for you.

So the formula is pretty simple in my book. "Being Brilliant at the Basics" + lifestyle of #PositiveMovementsForward = One Amazing life for you and all those around you!

Make it a great rest of the week folks. Live life and be amazing.

“Consideration for others is the basic of a good life, a good society.” Confucius

“Every sale has five basic obstacles: no need, no money, no hurry, no desire, no trust.” Zig Ziglar

“Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals.” Jim Rohn

“The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse” Carlos Casteneda

“Here is the basic rule for winning success. Let's mark it in the mind and remember it. The rule is: Success depends on the support of other people. The only hurdle between you and what you want to be in is the support of other people.” David Joseph Schwartz

“The basic rule of free enterprise: You must give in order to get.” Scott Alexander

“The character ethic, which I believe to be the foundation of success, teaches that there are basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they learn and integrate these principles into their basic character.” Stephen Covey

“Many of life's circumstances are created by three basic choices: the disciplines you choose to keep, the people you choose to be with; and, the laws you choose to obey” Charles Millhuff

“The family is the most basic unit of government. As the first community to which a person is attached and the first authority under which a person learns to live, the family establishes society's most basic values.” Charles Caleb Colton

“Of the billionaires I have known, money just brings out the basic traits in them. If they were jerks before they had money, they are simply jerks with a billion dollars.” Warren Buffett

Tuesday Morning Thoughts Before Day on "What are you missing" 3/20/12

The sun isn't quite up yet and I probably have about another couple of hours before the sun comes peeking through my window. The weather here in the Valley of the Sun is still pretty crazy as in the last 72 hours I have seen almost 80 degrees, a hail storm, and temperatures drop to the 40's.

Another sleepless night and my mind is fully engaged in a few deep thoughts that may just propel me to the next level. Last week I wrote about moving forward and I believe I still have a few lingering thoughts about the topic.

Take a look at your life right now and ask yourself a few questions. Have I missed anything? What is it I am missing? Is there something that missed me? Am I missing someone?

Probably asked myself these questions a million times as it seems like moving forward is sometimes difficult when I feel as though I'm missing something. Have you ever packed for a trip or prepared to go somewhere and you couldn't quite leave cause you felt like there was something you forgot to do or pack? Or have you ever been in the kitchen preparing something and it seems a little off and you realized that it is missing a little something?

We encounter a lot of moments in life that remind us that we might be missing something, but the question is what do we do in those moments. Lately, I have been doing a lot of reflection about the time I spent with my great-grandparents. I really don't know a lot of people that can say they spent 30 years with their great-grandfather, but I can say it cause I lived it. I miss the conversations, the lessons, and the visits that I will always have memories of, but its still a lot missing for me. I feel as though I lost a lot, but through my reflection I have gained a lot of wisdom.

Sometimes looking back on the things we miss gives us another opportunity to gain perspective on the lessons that were there. If we get to a point and we realize that we are missing something it is not hard to see that it means/meant something to us.

Is there something that you missed that may be keeping you from moving forward? Have you missed any opportunities in your job? With your relationships? With your family? In life period?

Often times we are so focused on some things that may not really matter as much as we think they do. Ask the father who missed his child's first words or first steps. Ask the mother who missed her son's first touchdown playing on the varsity team. I use those examples to show that sometimes there are some moments that just can't be recreated.

Have you ever found yourself sitting back saying, "I can't believe I missed that," or "What would have happened if I would not have missed that?" There is no DVR in life and we can't pause or rewind the moments to ensure that we don't miss anything. Sometimes it is as simple as refocusing our energies in a different area to keep us on track.

As you move forward, challenge yourself to live the life you have imagined on all levels. Find the balance that allows you to maximize your opportunities with all those things that you are truly passionate about. If you choose to adopt the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle I know that you will begin to see noticeable differences in your days.

Let's welcome the 1st day of spring choosing to take advantage of every opportunity to live life and be amazing! Make it a great week folks.

“Time goes by so fast, people go in and out of your life. You must never miss the opportunity to tell these people how much they mean to you.”

“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.”

-William Feather

“Don't worry about failure. Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try.”

“Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”

-Les Brown

“Don't miss all the beautiful colors of the rainbow looking for that pot of gold.”

“Don't get too comfortable with who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be.”

-Jon Bon Jovi

“We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lost sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way.”

“Opportunities are like sunrises -- if you wait too long, you miss them.”

-William Arthur Ward

“You never miss the water till the well has run dry.”

-Irish Proverb

Tuesday Afternoon Thoughts on "Moving Forward" 03/13/12

My my my where did the week, let alone the weekend go. It seemed as though the week seemed to breeze by as I swear that it was just last Monday a day or so ago. I guess time flies when you are having fun, so I am probably having the time of my life right now. I haven't slept a lot the several nights, so I decided to put my time to use and put my thoughts on paper.

Although the weekend went by fast, I do think I accomplished a lot. I built a few new relationships and had some great conversations visiting with my brother and mother over the last couple of days.

Seems like no matter where I go, I find myself engaged in conversations that are related to a lot of my thoughts these days. I assume that reason is that I have a lot of experiences to share on the topic. Maybe there are takeaways or others or even that I can learn a little something from their situation.

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt it was difficult to move forward? Does it feel like you have gone through life and become stuck in a moment? Position? Lifestyle? Environment? Relationship?

Interestingly enough, I have been asking myself these questions quite a bit lately. The more I talk and share with others, the easier it is for me to see all the lessons that are present in every moment that we live in. The difficulty of anything is that most people hold onto the moments too long and often get the lesson later on instead of in the moment. How different would things be if we were able to move forward in "Real Time" and not at a later time? I think we can, but it takes really being in tune with ourselves to focused to not allow a moment, people, or situation to keep us from moving forward.

If you look at the world, there are several certainties that will always exist no matter what happens. Time does not standstill and is always moving forward so it is in our best interests to keep our moments in real time. In addition to time, our thoughts will always exist and we need to be carrying the right thoughts forward. Our thoughts are very infectious that's why the phrase, "Positive Thoughts Breed Positive Actions," exists.

I could sit here and tell myself that I am always moving forward, never looking back, or never getting stuck in a moment, but I would be lying to myself. What I can confidently say is that I have found a way to move forward anytime that I get stuck in anything/moment. If you haven't figured it out by now, sharing my thoughts is very therapeutic for me. I am not going to say it is always easy, but I do know that it is possible.

So I challenge you to figure out what that thing is that gives you that push or that little bit of encouragement when you are stuck in a moment, negative thoughts, or a situation. No matter what it is, it doesn't matter as long as it works for you.

I bet that if I told 100 people that there was something amazing waiting for them if they just opened the door, 40% of them still wouldn't be confident enough to walk through it. What about you, would you move forward or just wait until someone else opened the door?

There isn't a thing in life that we encounter that isn't infectious. Remember that it all starts in the mind and you can do amazing things if you allow them to happen. Adopt the #PositiveMovementsForward lifestyle and watch how things start to change for you and everyone around you.

Take a moment today to send positive vibes out through your actions, conversation, and your smile. It is not hard to live life and be amazing.

Is there anything holding you back right now? People? Relationships? Job? Are you ready to move forward? Do you need any help moving forward? So now its up to you in order to move forward to make it happen. If you are ready, let's go!!!!!!

“Playing safe is probably the most unsafe thing in the world. You cannot stand still. You must go forward.” Robert Collier

“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.” Jeremy Irons

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” Denis Waitley

“We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us.” Lucy Maud Montgomery

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of mediation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” Buddha

“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”

“Enduring setbacks while maintaining the ability to show others the way to go forward is a true test of leadership.” Nita Nohria

“March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path.” Kahlil Gibran

“One fails forward toward success.” Charles Kettering

“The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.”

Thursday Evening Thoughts on "Recognizing the Moment" 03/1/12

Wow, we are already in the month of March! Where has the year gone? Maybe, the fun that I have experienced so far this year has me not aware of how fast the time is flying by. I do know that looking outside at the weather in the Valley of the Sun reminds me of why I love living here 90% of the time.

Looking at the calendar, it is very hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I made one of the toughest decisions that I have ever made in my life. I can't lie and say that I haven't reflected a lot over the last year, but I recognize that I am in a better place right now. You probably are going to see a lot more of that word as 'Recognize' has been stuck in my head for the last couple of days.

Life teaches us a lot when we take the time to recognize everything that is going on around us. As I look at the future leaders of tomorrow I am still very fearful of the power that we are leaving in the hands of those ill equipped to handle it. So the question I ask now is do you recognize that there are some concerns for all of us as we look to the future?

There have been several conversations that I have engaged in recently that have influenced my thoughts. I was talking to a very close female friend of mine today as I told her how she has raised the bar for any female that I allow into my life in the future. While we exchanged compliments back and forth to one another, it was very apparent that we both recognized some amazing things in each other. This is part of one of the last messages that she sent me and I felt very humbled after receiving it, ":) ur a powerful man and u r rising to the occasion that is ur life ;) proud of u!"

Earlier this afternoon I was talking with one of the many mothers(Ms. Allen) that have called me son over the years about life and such. It is quite ironic that we ended up talking about the future leaders of tomorrow and how they aren't recognizing the opportunities that are in front of them. I was saddened in the conversation to learn about an experience in a grocery store recently where the young cashier did not have the simple math skills to count out the change. I am sure that there are other examples out there like this, but regardless it is sad to think about what young people are willing to accept. What is it going to take for people to recognize that I can do better? Better yet, what is it going to take for the switch to click saying I need to do better?

I was a kid once and I understand what it means to feel like everyone is riding you to do your best, but at this point in my life I truly appreciate it all. If it wasn't for the people I grew up with and my family I don't know that I would be able to recognize all the opportunities that are in front of me to encourage/motivate people to reach their peak.

The longer I live I see that as a society we don't recognize enough of the right things to build the relationships that are necessary to help people. Think about the things you see on the job most managers notice the weaknesses of their people and aren't able to capitalize on their strengths in order to in time minimize their weaknesses. I feel as though people are conditioned to recognize faults way more than potential. I believe that it is this type of thinking that lays the foundation for failure and not success.

My thoughts are probably all across the board right now, but I ultimately they are centered around this moment and how it can influence tomorrow. I have a few more questions that I will ask myself right now to gain more clarity.

What have you recognized in this moment? Are you where you want to be? Are you the person that you want to be? Have you taken a moment out to let someone know that you appreciate them? Do you recognize the opportunities in front of you? Do you recognize that the past does not have to define you now or in the future? Do you see that now is a moment that you can never get back?

I got pretty caught up in all the different avenues that I could have taken with recognize, but it really is all about recognizing all that you have in this very moment. No one knows what the next moment will be or if it will ever come so you have to capitalize on it all right now. Let today serve as the beginning of something amazing in your life.

As we move closer to the weekend, let it all hang out, live life, and be amazing. Remember that #POSITIVEMOVEMENTSFORWARD is a way of life and you attract what you think.

“To recognize opportunity is the difference between success and failure.”

“There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.” Elbert Hubbard

“If you know, to recognize that you know, If you don't know, to realize that you don't know: That is knowledge.” Confucius

“Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes.” E. F. Schumacher

“In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn't. Be wise and don't let good things crowd out those that are essential.” Elder Richard G. Scott

“It is important that you recognize your progress and take pride in your accomplishments. Share your achievements with others. Brag a little. The recognition and support of those around you is nurturing.” Rosemarie Rossetti

“Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such” Henry Miller

“I've continued to recognize the power individuals have to change virtually anything and everything in their lives in an instant. I've learned that the resources we need to turn our dreams into reality are within us, merely waiting for the day when we decide to wake up and claim our birthright.” Anthony Robbins

“Experience is that marvellous thing that enable you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.” Franklin Jones

“Always recognize that human individuals are ends, and do not use them as means to your end.” Immanuel Kant

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Maya Angelou

Fat Tuesday Thoughts on "Acknowledgment & Value 02/21/12

Taking a break and relaxing on my day off is one of the best things I could have wanted on this Fat Tuesday. The day got off to an amazing start as I was able to speak with some very special people before my day officially kicked off.

Five years ago, my little niece Morgan was born and she has been pretty amazing since. With every day that she is here I am able to see her growth and how she learns about her surroundings. I try not to miss a birthday/holiday at least speaking to her or her big sister on the phone. It was quite a wonderful feeling speaking to this little princess on the phone today wishing her a "Happy 5th Birthday!" I could only smile as we talked about her birthday and how I know everyone was excited to wish her a happy birthday. Surprisingly enough, she interrupted me to say, "Well, how does everyone know? Oh, you called them, but what if you called the wrong number?" I think in that instant I was like this is one of the things that I live my life for.

This is probably the first example that will easily allow me to expound on my thoughts about acknowledgment and value. This morning I also received a random message from a young lady who was complimenting me by telling me that I should be teaching a class to show young men how to treat ladies. I smiled, thought it was interesting and wondered where it was coming from. Seems like over a period of time she has been watching me in the day to day and has noticed a few things. She found some value in some things that she witnessed and didn't mind acknowledging me for being who I am.

I look at these two examples and begin to think about the things that I am willing to acknowledge in my life. I have to wonder why is it that I do acknowledge some things today? I believe that it does have something to do with what it is that I value. As I look at calling my niece to wish her a Happy 5th birthday being one of the most important things that I needed to do today, it very apparent of the value I place on my relationships with the people I love. I acknowledge how important it is for people to know how much they mean to right now.

So as I continue to think about acknowledgment and value, I have a few questions that I have posed to myself. Why do you acknowledge some things and not others? How is your value system related to acknowledgment? Based on where you are right now in life, have you acknowledged how you got here? Do you value the experiences that brought you to this moment? Is there acknowledgment without value? Is there value without acknowledgment?

You may be surprised at some of your answers to the questions if you are willing to think about the concepts for a second. I have learned that if we are willing to acknowledge the majority of things that happen in our lives, they all have value either in that moment or in the future. What I am thinking right now is bigger than just experiences, but mainly living in this moment making the most of right now. If we were to take our blinders off and acknowledge this moment and value every second that NOW has afforded us, what a different place the world could be.

Although very simple, I have a few ideas that can be very infectious on society if you believe. Take a moment out of your day on a regular basis and acknowledge the ones that you care about and love. Show someone the value in treating people as you would like to be treated. Apply #POSITIVEMOVEMENTSFORWARD to every aspect of your life and watch how everything around you begins to change. Live life and be amazing now as why would you even put off realizing the benefits of this type of living.

“Our greatest strength as a human race is our ability to acknowledge our differences, our greatest weakness is our failure to embrace them.”

-Judith Henderson

“The value of compassion cannot be over-emphasized. Anyone can criticize. It takes a true believer to be compassionate. No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands.”

Arthur Stainback

“No one is willing to acknowledge a fault in himself when a more agreeable motive can be found for the estrangement of his acquaintances”

-Mark Twain

“Only the man who crosses the river at night knows the value of the light of day”

-Chinese Proverb

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.”

-Alfred North Whitehead

“Authentic values are those by which a life can be lived, which can form a people that produces great deeds and thoughts.”

-Allan Bloom

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”

-Jim Stovall

“The hero is the man dedicated to the creation and / or defense of reality-conforming, life-promoting values.”

-Andrew Bernstein

“The best and safest thing is to keep a balance in your life, acknowledge the great powers around us and in us. If you can do that, and live that way, you are really a wise man.”

-Euripides

“Your true value depends entirely on what you are compared with.”

-Bob Wells

Monday Evening Thoughts on The Hunger that Fuels your Desires 02/13/12

The last two days have been extremely relaxing and they couldn't have come at a better time. Lately, I have developed even more of an appreciation for seeing another day as I am reminded often that tomorrow is not promised. Beyond tired as my mind and body have been virtually drained recently, I still can’t stop myself from thinking. The thoughts in my head continue to run all over the place these days, but what else is new. Even though my mind never rests, I don’t think I would know how to live any other way.

Unless you have been disconnected from the world, you know that we lost an amazing singer with the passing of Whitney Houston over the weekend. I send my thoughts and prayers to her family as I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one. Also, running rampant in the news on sports sites as well as business journals is the emergence of newly found NBA star Jeremy Lin.

I am sure that you are wondering how I will connect the two items I mentioned and expound on my thoughts. All I can say is stay tuned as I think the dots will connect quite nicely. While the passing of Whitney Houston is tragic, we must not lose sight of the impact that she had on the music industry and the country as a whole. Her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner in the Super Bowl almost 20 years ago, still reigns as one of the greatest National Anthem performances ever. In that moment, young singers everywhere desired to have a moment like this someday. Although merely having the desire for the moment is not enough to get you there.

In the case of Jeremy Lin, like most young men who had more than stellar high school basketball careers, there was the desire to play at the next level. Coming from Silicone Valley, California there weren't a lot of success stories that lead to the NBA, but his is different. It is a tale of his desire to make it and the hunger that kept him going until the world began to notice who he was.

A couple of days ago I found myself contemplating, as I sat looking at the words desire and hunger. For years I often used the words interchangeably, thinking that they meant the same thing. So I decided to take a deeper look at the meanings to see how they were related. It is ironic that I began thinking about the accomplishments of Whitney Houston and Jeremy Lin as I began to gather my thoughts.

DESIRE

1: conscious impulse toward something that promises enjoyment or satisfaction in its attainment
2 a: longing, craving

HUNGER

1 a: a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient b: an uneasy sensation occasioned by the lack of food c: a weakened condition brought about by prolonged lack of food
2: a strong desire : craving

If you take a few moments and reflect on the definitions of both words I am pretty sure you are asking yourself similar questions as I am right now. What is it that you really desire in life right now? What are you really hungry for? What is it that fuels your desire? Do you have enough hunger to satisfy your desires? Have you lost the hunger in the past? Now? Why do you think that is? Failure? Disappointments? Distractions?

If you really step back and take a look at most things in life, desire is at the core of some things we want, but somewhere along the line we lose the hunger to go after it. So basically you can have all the desires in the world, and the absence of hunger you may find it a little harder to attain all the desires of your heart.

I know that for me in particular, I feel as though there is not a desire out of my reach as long as I live the #POSITIVEMOVEMENTSFORWARD lifestyle. Keeping a positive attitude in spite of anything that I have going on helps maintain my hunger for the desires of my heart. As long as I have an opportunity to see the desires of my heart, I know that my hunger will take me there.

As you move forward in the rest of your week, I wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day. Live life and be amazing in the moment that is now and not later.

“Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.”

-Napoleon Hill

“Hunger knows no friend but its feeder.”

-Aristophanes

“If you greatly desire something, have the guts to stake everything on obtaining it.”

-Brendan Fracis

“A hungry man is not a free man.”

-Adlai E. Stevenson

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

-Mario Andretti

“Truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is.”

-Nadine Gordimer

“We always long for the forbidden things, and desire what is denied us.”

-Francois Rabelais

“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.”

-Robert Kiyosaki

“Ego has a voracious appetite, the more you feed it, the hungrier it gets.”

-Nathaniel Bronner

Tuesday Evening Thoughts on "Your Actions, Your Plan" 2/7/12

A week into the month of February and it seems as though 2012 is motoring along. I am sure that this past Super Bowl weekend people enjoyed a lot of food, friends, and good times while watching all the commercials. Believe it or not I missed most of the game and all of the commercials. Thank goodness for Youtube as I was able to catch the funny commercials.

I was more excited about my Godson's 13th birthday this weekend than the Super Bowl. When I woke up on Saturday morning, the first thing that I did was called my Godson Michael to wish him a Happy Birthday. I must say that I am quite proud of this young man. He is growing up fast and is becoming quite the respectful young man. I was very proud of him as he was telling his plans of becoming a Psychiatrist. I was shocked to hear him say that and excited all at the same time because of where his head is at even at 13 years old.

It is no surprise that as I relax on my day off I happen to have a lot of things on my brain. With everyday that I exist in this world, I am still learning more about myself. I can't lie and say I am not enjoying the learning because I see the growth. Between the learning and all the thinking I know there is a reason that these experiences are coming my way. The million dollar question is what are my takeaways from it all.

The more I live and build relationships with people I am figuring out why people are sometimes not successful in different areas of their lives. In my opinion it all boils down to the inability to take action. Think about how many people you know that are always talking about doing something, but you never see them do anything. The motto 'don't talk about it be about it' comes to mind. It is actually really kind of ironic that while I was debating about how I would to tackle this topic that has been floating around my head for a couple of days, a facebook conversation provided me the additional depth on the subject I needed.

Earlier in the day I was talking to a young lady who was telling me that she wasn't quite happy with what she was doing for a living and wasn't in her desired location. She continued on to say that she wants to be married, have children, and be someone's backbone. Surprisingly enough, while she wanted all this, she clearly could see that she wasn't ready. Toward the end of the conversation, she was able to reveal that fear was one of the main things keeping her from taking action on a few things. As I listened to her intently, I could see that she had a lot of things that she saw in her future, but needed to put together a plan of action that she would actually carry out in order to get where she desires to be.

I learned awhile ago that even the best laid plan is no good without the appropriate actions. I have a few questions that I have asked myself and maybe they will make you think a little deeper. Are you ready to take action? Or are you waiting to take action? Do you tend to be proactive? Or are you more reactive? Are there some things that you are more proactive about versus others? Why do you think that is?

The questions are designed to make you take a deeper look inside to help you determine if you are taking the right actions according to your plan. We are all different and some actions that are right for you, may not be right for some.(If that sounds familiar, I was singing the Different Strokes theme song earlier). At the end of the day you have to take the actions according to your plan and not someone else's. We make decisions and we take actions to live with the consequences. Simply stated in life, 'You reap what you sow' so if you aren't sowing you aren't reaping. Think about it like this, a dream will never be a reality without you taking any action.

I wish you the best this week and ask that you continue taking the right actions for your life. Live life and be amazing in everything you do.

“Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”

-Andrew Jackson

“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.”

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Don't wait. The time will never be just right.”

-Napoleon Hill

“Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live.”

-Chamfort

“Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold -- but so does a hard-boiled egg.”

“I never worry about action, but only about inaction”

-Winston Churchill

“Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.”

-Jules Renard

“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”

-George Bernard Shaw

MLK Holiday Thoughts on "Our Progress" 1/17/12

Today was quite the relaxing day and it was no secret that I needed it. Outside of stopping by Clippers Barbershop to get a quick edge up, I did absolutely nothing today which was perfectly fine with me. The last several days have been emotionally, mentally, and physically draining for me. There have been quite a few thoughts floating around my head since Sunday, but I am glad I waited awhile to share. On Sunday evening I had finished my thoughts on finding your purpose and believe it or not I was reminded on Monday of my purpose.

For the last couple of years around the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend I have found myself writing something to bring more attention to what we can be doing in the world today. I won't go into much detail but over the last couple of days in my daily interactions with people I was subjected to the lack of education and tremendous amount of ignorance that still exists in the world today. If anyone knows me, you would probably agree that I do respect all opinions as we all have them. What I don't respect is opinions that are not based on any facts or show that you are speaking with a knowledge deficiency. I can blame my mother and my family for instilling in me that knowledge is power.

As I listened to negativity and inappropriate comments I can't say that didn't get a little upset, but I used the opportunity to educate others. It's almost like many of the leaders before me where standing right there with me telling me to be visibly cool and use the platform as an opportunity to educate the world by bringing the light to their darkness. It may be ironic that when sending out my quotes yesterday, I focused on two of them in particular when I began to feel the anger and hurt inside of me based on what I was hearing.

All I know is in that very moment these two quotes from Dr. King never meant more to me.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'"

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

As I thought about the quotes I knew that I needed to use any of the negative energy that I was feeling and live out my purpose in the moment. I couldn't remain silent so I began to ask questions to understand the basis of the comments. Clearly, I could see that they didn't know, so what a great opportunity to talk to them about my experiences at the Civil Rights Museums in Birmingham, AL and Memphis, TN as well as the King Center in Atlanta. Funny how eyebrows were raised and ears were open as they were surprised to hear about my background and knowledge of the Civil Rights movement. Again I thank my mother for all those years of making me have a major role in the Black History Month Celebrations the 34 years I lived in the world.

I can't lie and say that I wasn't upset about everything as I stepped back and looked at everything. I can say enough that I love my family and extended for talking to me about the situation and all the emotions that was feeling. I was pretty heated for awhile, but did not allow those outside my circle to see. My purpose here is not fulfilled as I need to share my light in even more places.

As I think about Dr. King's Dream then and now I can only wonder about what he would think about where the world is today. Let's take a moment and think about a few things to see where we are.
What kind of meaning do you think the Dream has today for people? Do we need to revisit the Dream? What kind of progress has the country made since the "I have a Dream" speech was first delivered? Are you committed to progress? Are we moving forward? Or are we moving backward?

Maybe I am little to passionate about some things, but ultimately I want to make a difference. If I ruffle a few feathers I may not mind too much as the needs of many far outweigh the needs of a few. I am not in anyway trying to force an opinion or belief on anyone, I would like to see indivduals even in 2012 embrace differences and know that we could do amazing things together. It really is okay to admit you don't know some things, but discredit what you don't know because you are actually fearful of knowledge.

I know that there is still quite of progress that needs to be made in my life and that is probably just a small reflection of the progress that is still needed in the world. Collectively, I know that if we believe in something as simple as #PositiveMovementsForward we can continue to progress with the messages in Dr. King's I have a Dream speech. It won't happen overnight, but we need to be committed to make a difference somehow some way.

I challenge you to actively be a part of progress so that we don't regress any further.

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

-Mark Victor Hansen

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.”

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

“Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation”

-Oscar Wilde

“Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”

-Shirley Hufsteddler

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

-George Bernard Shaw

“We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”

-C.S. Lewis

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday Evening Thoughts on 'Finding Your Purpose' 1/15/12

As I look at the date, I can confidently say that week 2 of 2012 is in the books. Not sure if it is because I am starting to get older but I swear that time is really starting to pass by pretty face. Only 2 weeks in and I can't wait to see what else in store. This past week couldn't have started better as I was able to watch the University of Alabama's Football team win their 14th National Championship.

I was able to talk to a few people that are important to me as I shared birthday wishes with them. To the Godfather, Gerald, Ms. Allen, and Sister T I know that the anniversary of your birth was amazing. Whether it was a few moments or a lengthy conversation I did have the opportunity to catch up with some folks that I do care about a lot. Funny how whenever I have casual conversations with people that I care about they manage to leave me with something to think about.

As I sat down over the last couple of days trying to organize my thoughts, I figured out that it was purpose which has been stuck in my head. I bet you are wondering what I could be thinking right now. My thoughts are all across the board, but I know that it is all going to make sense in the end. I am challenging myself to create something that shows that I am still growing. It seems like I am fueled by the desire to do better with my purpose in life to make the world better.

I think that it is kind of funny last night that as I was talking to one of my homies that he was telling me about how much he enjoyed a piece I wrote around New Years. He went on to tell me that out of all that he has read from me that it was one of my strongest pieces that he has read. What I am learning over time is that based on where we are in life that my writing may have more meaning to some than others.

The original intent of putting my thoughts on paper was to release anything I was feeling to gain clarity about where I was. When it all started I never would have thought that all the writing would serve a much larger purpose in the long run. While therapeutic for me, I didn't realize that I was also giving others reasons to do a little self reflection themselves. At the end of the day, I have grown to love writing and sharing a message or two.

I guess I shouldn't even think that its ironic that on Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday Weekend that my topic of conversation is 'Finding the Purpose.'

We all have a purpose in life, but have you found it? Have you matured enough to see that all the events that have happened or are happening in your life are designed according to your purpose? Even in terms of your relationships, there are people that are examples for you and others in which you are an example to. Whether you believe it or not, everything has a purpose even if you don't realize it at that moment. As I sit here and type my thoughts I know that there is a reason why I am doing it at this very moment.

I can only suggest that you find purpose for what you do and figure out what makes you happy in all aspects of your life. I think I know that my purpose here is to share all that I have to offer with the world. As you move into this new week, I challenge you to channel your energy into living a purpose driven life if you aren't already. Put your best foot forward in all that you do and remember that #PositiveMovementsForward will get you where you need to be. Live life, be amazing, and embrace your purpose no matter what it may be.

“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.”

-Og Mandino

“It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others”

“It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is.”

-Hermann Hesse

“Life without a purpose is a languid, drifting thing; every day we ought to review our purpose, saying to ourselves, 'This day let me make a sound beginning, for what we have hitherto done is naught!'”

-Thomas Kempis

“A warrior…feeds his body well; he trains it; works on it. Where he lacks knowledge, he studies. But above all he must believe. He must believe in his strength of will, of purpose, of heart and soul.”

-David Gemmell

“Man is not born to solve the problems of the universe, but to find out what he has to do... within the limits of his comprehension.”

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Some people are born to lift heavy weights, some are born to juggle golden balls.”

-Max Beerbohm

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

-Mitch Albom

BCS National Championship Monday Afternoon Thoughts on 'Your Service' 01/9/12

One week into 2012 and I can only say that if Week 1 is any indication of what the next 51 have in store I am more than ready! The first week of year is always a prelude to the exciting things coming my way. I am blessed to be here and so very blessed to see another year as I celebrated my 34th birthday on Thursday.

This wasn't a normal birthday for me as it was the first time in several years that I have actually worked on my birthday. After I got passed that little hurdle the day brought me more than I could have asked for. I can honestly say in some form or fashion I talked to or heard from via email, facebook, text, or twitter.

As the clock struck midnight on January 5 I was on the phone talking with one of my dear friends who wanted to be one of the first that wished me a Happy Birthday. Before I even knew it, we were talking about life and I was actually doing some Social Media consulting for him. Later on in the day I got the chance to receive birthday wishes from my big brother. Outside of the birthday wishes we did have an opportunity to have some life discussions amidst the celebration. We talked about Spencer Johnson's book Peaks and Valleys. I have read it in the past, but he suggested that I read it again as I move further into 2012 to figure out how to leave my valley.

Those two conversations had me thinking about more about life: where I am and what I am doing. I realized that even when it is supposed to be about me that I find myself doing things for others. So it made me think a little more and reflect on what it is I do here everyday. The older I get the more I understand how it feels to make a difference in the lives of others. I have learned that when I am in a valley and things just aren't how they should be I reach out to others to bring the joy back to my life.

What are you really here for? Are you helping others or just helping yourself? Are you someone that others seek out for help? How do you feel when help others? Do you feel that the world would change if people had a mind set of service?

These are questions that I have asked myself and it all makes perfect sense now. It even goes back to something that we all learned when we were younger. Treat others as you would have them treat you. I know that a lot of people can confidently say that they put their families first before anything else. That is where it all starts if you really think about it.

If you aren't already doing it, try to live a life of service as your deeds will not be done in vain. No matter what you choose to do from this point, Live Life, Be Amazing and remember #PositiveMovementsForward!

Thank you again for all the birthday love the last several days. Make it an amazing week!

Last thing I have for you today is if you happen to be watching any football this evening make sure that you are saying #RollTide!

“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

-Buddha

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Gandhi

“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

H. Jackson Brown

“If you want happiness for a lifetime - help the next generation.”

-Chinese Proverbs

“Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

“How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?”

-Vincent van Gogh

“We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.”

-Ben Sweetland

“The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.”

-Lee Iacocca

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.”

-Benjamin Disraeli