I see that life goes fast and we all grow up fairly quick. Last night, I read my journal entries from the time I lived in Italy writing about my hopes and aspirations of my college years. Although those years have now come to pass, I noticed one very important element that was with me the entire way: Family. It is very important to tell the ones you love exactly that, that you love and adore them. As I get older and begin living more and more of my life, consequently, that may mean that I won't be able to see my family everyday because I am no longer a child - my youth is not as young as it use to be, but my love for my family will always remain strong. I encourage you, my readers, to remember that family is everything and our time on earth and with the ones we love is impermanent, thus it is important to tell our loved ones how much we really do appreciate them.
Dear Mom,
You are literally the steam to my dreams. I can not think of a person who has supported me more than you. Whether it was childhood dreams of attending enrichment programs at Mayor Daley College or growing up to become a MLB superstar, you encouraged it. You not only spent money on me, but you spent an incredible amount of dedication and love also. You and me both know that high school was tough and I still think about the time we cried together because I felt like no one was hearing me, but I noticed your true compassion the day after when you wrote me a beautiful card. Your hollering for days has made me the person I am today, whether it was from me receiving yet another disciplinary note for talking in class or because I scuffed up a new pair of Buster Brown shoes and my grey school pants. We have never had much money, but you ALWAYS managed to buy me that one thing that I really desired. Let's not forget the Pokemon cards and games, Beanie Baby conventions and WWF Wrestlers that are now bringing back such great memories. I went through college and even lived abroad with your words, "Don't worry about dating and you better not come home with no wife." I understand how hard it must be for a mother to slowly to slowly cut the everyday ties with her son, but so far, very good job momma. My dreams will never stop as will my love for you. Right now, I am just thinking about all the great times we had together during my childhood and now, during my young adulthood and I just gotta say Thanks, I love you. You are DOOO-WOOP to my life, the steam to my dreams and the 'once and always first lady of my heart.'
Dear Dad,
I definitely know that you are the reason for me being the great young man that I am today. You have instilled in me the strength and integrity of what a true man possesses. A specific journal entry from 2005 caught my eye and heart last night as I recounted the first time you said you loved me while I was a teenager. I can remember the joy in my heart and the level of shocked-ness I felt after you said that to me over the phone. You have always had a strong pressence in my life, especially when I would get in trouble at school. The discipline that you have taught me in my life has made me who I am today and although there were times when it seemed like I was going down the wrong road, you were there to bring me back to reality, my true destiny. Over the last few years, I have seen our relationship improve more and more into that which is very mature. It is no longer older man talking to little boy. It is now older man talking to younger man. It is man talking to man, but it will always remain Father talking to Son and I love that. I know I can always count on you. With the number of single parent households and no fathers to be found, I want to say thanks for being there. Thanks for whooping my ass when I played too much in class. Thanks for giving me such a big hug when I graduated from high school (I look forward to Graduation 2011). Thanks for always staying on top of me saying "B's are not good enough - Go for the Gold Alex. You can do it." And thanks for being the man you are because like I said, it is because of you that I am me.
Dear Ashley,
You may or may not know this, but you are the reason that I am so confident today. Who better else to protect her little heavy set brother than YOU. We attended two schools together and those were some of the best years because I looked up to you and I learned so much just seeing the beautiful sister that you were and ARE. (Anecdote) Remember the time, riding our bikes in front of school and I tried to do a cool trick and my tires busted and I bent my wheel? That memory will always stay with me in addition to every other summer fun in the sun and winter snow ball memory that we made. We are twins, we are side kicks, but definitely living our respective destinies. You are truly my best friend. Sometimes I look back regretting beating you up and calling you ugly, but you know what, if I didn't do those things and if you did not reciprocate, then we would not be the brother and sister we are today. Even in college, I looked up to you, admiring the way you carried yourself and kept such a strong head on your shoulders. Sister, you are very strong and there is a reason for that. As my hopes of moving to Los Angeles later this year reach fruition, I want you to remember that you will always be my sister and my other half, the other AE. I believe in you so much and I know great things are going to happen in your life. Just believe little big sis. I love you.
[Raw Material, El Fin]
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
If You Can Talk with Crowds and Keep Your Virtue
What exactly do I mean by true voices? I look at this as being very cognizant and aware of the times, opinions and events that surround you, but also maintaining a true sense of who you are - listening to your heart, going with your gut, remaining true to yourself.
This is very interesting to me because it is something my mother has been telling me for years and years. I would like to describe this special breed of people as the 'humble humans.' No matter their rank and annual revenue, there remains a internal and external genuineness.
Next, I would like to say good-bye to my thoughts of thinking that global CEOs are on a different level than my peers and I. It is true that many students look for instant gratification and look to the end of the journey as a signifier of success. We like to look at the CEOs of McDonald's and Best Buy and believe that we too, can reach their level, which we can, but we generally fail to realize the path and journey that was taken by these individuals. We tend to forget the hard-fought battles and pain that these individuals might have suffered. We tend to remove the realities which probably lasted much longer than the time that these individuals have actually been top dogs in their respective fields. As a recent college graduate, I have to understand that I cannot focus on the end result because it is the journey and the path that truly matters. I realize that there will be many battles to fight, a few people I may not agree with and even a few broken spirits. Life is tough, but our power to get through hard times can be even greater and tougher.
CEOs ARE on my level. They are NOT akin to gods. In fact, they are akin to us, 'normal people.' With hard work, a great network, luck and a never ending zeal to learn something new, you will one day be a global CEO (that is, if you want to, of course.)
Below, you will find a snippet of the poem 'If,' by Sir Rudyard Kipling that I learned during my process of joining the great fraternity of Alpha Phi Alpha. I want you to really take in the meaning of the excerpt and apply it to your life.
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,Go forward and continue doing what you love. I believe in you.
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! [Woman, my daughter]
Monday, June 14, 2010
Knowing is the Key DailyOM
June 14, 2010
DailyOM
Knowing is the Key
Getting What You Want
The first step to getting what you want in life is knowing what you want. This may sound obvious, but a surprising number of us are going through life without really coming to terms with the truth of what we want. There are many reasons for this, and they range from parental influences that curb our imaginations to external factors that curb our ability to take action. We may feel that getting too caught up in exploring our deepest desires is wasted energy when it seems we want things beyond our grasp. This is a very practical attitude and has its benefits, but it can be safely balanced with a more imaginative and unlimited approach to the question of what we want.
Perhaps you are 40 years old and find within yourself a desire to be a ballet dancer. You see the impracticality and seeming impossibility of this idea, so you reject it without exploring it. But perhaps you should allow yourself to feel this desire and perhaps even take a dance class. Allowing yourself to participate in ballet in small ways may provide inspiration that leads you in a new direction in life. And time spent doing what you want to do is never wasted because it generates energy that can fuel the rest of your life.
You can begin to uncover and discover what you want by doing a simple, timed writing exercise. Set your timer for 15 minutes and write without stopping, starting every sentence with the words “I want.” Writing without stopping for a set period of time enables your inner voice to override your inner censor and helps to unearth buried dreams. It also creates a feeling of relief in the mind, heart, and body. This exercise can also be practiced orally, alone or in the company of a friend. You might try doing this exercise every morning for a week, looking back at the end of the week to see what has come up. Sometimes the simple act of expressing a want actually releases it, while other yearnings retain their energy, asking us to pay attention. When we pay attention to what we want, we are that much closer to getting it.
via DailyOM.com
DailyOM
Knowing is the Key
Getting What You Want
The first step to getting what you want in life is knowing what you want. This may sound obvious, but a surprising number of us are going through life without really coming to terms with the truth of what we want. There are many reasons for this, and they range from parental influences that curb our imaginations to external factors that curb our ability to take action. We may feel that getting too caught up in exploring our deepest desires is wasted energy when it seems we want things beyond our grasp. This is a very practical attitude and has its benefits, but it can be safely balanced with a more imaginative and unlimited approach to the question of what we want.
Perhaps you are 40 years old and find within yourself a desire to be a ballet dancer. You see the impracticality and seeming impossibility of this idea, so you reject it without exploring it. But perhaps you should allow yourself to feel this desire and perhaps even take a dance class. Allowing yourself to participate in ballet in small ways may provide inspiration that leads you in a new direction in life. And time spent doing what you want to do is never wasted because it generates energy that can fuel the rest of your life.
You can begin to uncover and discover what you want by doing a simple, timed writing exercise. Set your timer for 15 minutes and write without stopping, starting every sentence with the words “I want.” Writing without stopping for a set period of time enables your inner voice to override your inner censor and helps to unearth buried dreams. It also creates a feeling of relief in the mind, heart, and body. This exercise can also be practiced orally, alone or in the company of a friend. You might try doing this exercise every morning for a week, looking back at the end of the week to see what has come up. Sometimes the simple act of expressing a want actually releases it, while other yearnings retain their energy, asking us to pay attention. When we pay attention to what we want, we are that much closer to getting it.
via DailyOM.com
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Outsiders
Four days ago, I touched down in Hong Kong, Hong Kong and began a unknown journey of hopeful dream enabling. But let's get to the point. I totally forgot that I was black these last few days. The normal looks and head turns that I generally get in foreign countries have been replaced with smiles. I love who I am, but it has felt good being the outsider, without BEING the outsider. I like this place, but I don't understand shit they are saying(insert sad laughter here).
One Life
One Life
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Saturday, June 05, 2010
27 Things Learned During Summer 2008
As Told by AE
1) Be your own boss
2) Continue to help others because it will only better things around you
3) Don't drink for a whole week straight
4) Take advantage of every opportunity
5) Do what feels right to you
6) Make a lot of friends and acquaintances, but know that a select few will last
7) If you ever tell someone to handle a project, allow them to do so, unless you want to do it yourself
8) Work on a set as a production assistant
9) Read every single day. It helps so much
10) Understand and know the box office and trends
11) Be about business and creativity
12) Never underestimate the power of now
13) The path is the ultimate goal
14) Look into joint ventures, so both sides end up just as happy
15) Be flexible & open-minded
16) Enjoy the ride
17) Always remember the golden rule "The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule"
18) Don't measure yourself against others, always be your best (make high standards)
19) Listen and look
20) Apply what you know and have learned
21) Believe in your product and brand
22) Be bold, but smart
23) Do whatever it takes to get stuff done
24) Get a higher degree or get out and work
25) Be humble
26) Never underrate or underestimate anything
27) If she spits, she quits*
*joking
1) Be your own boss
2) Continue to help others because it will only better things around you
3) Don't drink for a whole week straight
4) Take advantage of every opportunity
5) Do what feels right to you
6) Make a lot of friends and acquaintances, but know that a select few will last
7) If you ever tell someone to handle a project, allow them to do so, unless you want to do it yourself
8) Work on a set as a production assistant
9) Read every single day. It helps so much
10) Understand and know the box office and trends
11) Be about business and creativity
12) Never underestimate the power of now
13) The path is the ultimate goal
14) Look into joint ventures, so both sides end up just as happy
15) Be flexible & open-minded
16) Enjoy the ride
17) Always remember the golden rule "The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule"
18) Don't measure yourself against others, always be your best (make high standards)
19) Listen and look
20) Apply what you know and have learned
21) Believe in your product and brand
22) Be bold, but smart
23) Do whatever it takes to get stuff done
24) Get a higher degree or get out and work
25) Be humble
26) Never underrate or underestimate anything
27) If she spits, she quits*
*joking
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Visualize It
Visualizing who you want to be and where you want to go. Taking thoughts and ideas and applying them to your life. That is what I would like you to do today.
If you see yourself as a world-traveler, begin by visualizing yourself on the plane heading over to the far east coast or to the 'down-under.' Next, read and read more of travel books, magazines and blogs, but continue with the visualization. How do you pay for it? Enter sweepstakes (you never know if you are the ONE in a million), look for funding through contacts, through schools, via google and etc. Keep that visualization going and make it yours.
If you see yourself as a lawyer, doctor, actor or a shoe designer, with hard work, you can become one. Research what it takes to become who you want to be, read about all the masters and upcoming prodigies of your desired field, profession or trade. Visualize who you want to become, WORK YOUR ASS off and it will become manifested. If you would like to start writing short stories, recount the good(and not so good) times in your life. Your best material will come from what you know best, your life. Visualize, visualize, visualize and begin recounting your memoirs and past experiences.
Although there are several individuals who have come to fortune and success as heirs, there have also been individuals who have made something out of nothing, the proverbial 'rags to riches.'
Visualize it and make it yours. And if you cannot visualize it just yet, can you believe the pictures below?
Pictures Via Worth1000.com
Go get em.
If you see yourself as a world-traveler, begin by visualizing yourself on the plane heading over to the far east coast or to the 'down-under.' Next, read and read more of travel books, magazines and blogs, but continue with the visualization. How do you pay for it? Enter sweepstakes (you never know if you are the ONE in a million), look for funding through contacts, through schools, via google and etc. Keep that visualization going and make it yours.
If you see yourself as a lawyer, doctor, actor or a shoe designer, with hard work, you can become one. Research what it takes to become who you want to be, read about all the masters and upcoming prodigies of your desired field, profession or trade. Visualize who you want to become, WORK YOUR ASS off and it will become manifested. If you would like to start writing short stories, recount the good(and not so good) times in your life. Your best material will come from what you know best, your life. Visualize, visualize, visualize and begin recounting your memoirs and past experiences.
Although there are several individuals who have come to fortune and success as heirs, there have also been individuals who have made something out of nothing, the proverbial 'rags to riches.'
Visualize it and make it yours. And if you cannot visualize it just yet, can you believe the pictures below?
Pictures Via Worth1000.com
Go get em.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
As You Believe
June 1, 2010
DailyOM
As You Believe
Create Completeness
The creative power of the universe is infinite. A single molecule's destiny is as important as the consequences of the largest supernova. Human potential is subject to this power, but because we are sentient beings, each of us is permitted to choose whether we will struggle against it or work in tandem with it. When we give voice to our desires through focused meditation or solicit the help of spirit guides, we draw upon the universe's creative power to achieve certain ends. However, because our words are not all the universe hears, the response we receive may surprise us. The discourse we establish through our appeals is a blend of speech, thought, intention, and subconscious reflection. When we ask the universe for something, the unspoken message is that what we want does not exist, and the universe accepts this as truth. Conversely, we manifest completeness through affirmations in which we declare our desires as if we have already obtained them.
When we affirm that we are fulfilled instead of articulating deficiencies, we are asserting that contentment is a natural and necessary element of human existence. Our essence is an expression of fulfillment—the universe wants to satisfy our needs and desires. When we describe our realities in positive terms, we are not denying the challenges inherent in existence. We choose not to focus on lack or dissatisfaction because we understand that the energy of our thoughts will determine the response we receive to our entreaties. Ask yourself how you would feel if your wishes were granted, and then allow yourself to internalize that emotional state. Try to create a picture of satisfaction so vivid that its reality is unquestionable and tell the universe that your vision is fact. At the close of your appeal, express your gratitude, as it is your acknowledgment of the truth of your fulfillment that will set the creative power of the universe into motion.
Working in perfect unison with the creative power of the universe will empower you to manifest spiritual realities in your material existence. As you affirm the beauty, peace, and goodness that already exist within in your life, your capacity to sense and understand their influence will become increasingly sophisticated. To meet your needs and achieve your desires, you need then only banish all thoughts of emptiness so that the energy of completeness can attract fullness into your being.
via DailyOM
DailyOM
As You Believe
Create Completeness
The creative power of the universe is infinite. A single molecule's destiny is as important as the consequences of the largest supernova. Human potential is subject to this power, but because we are sentient beings, each of us is permitted to choose whether we will struggle against it or work in tandem with it. When we give voice to our desires through focused meditation or solicit the help of spirit guides, we draw upon the universe's creative power to achieve certain ends. However, because our words are not all the universe hears, the response we receive may surprise us. The discourse we establish through our appeals is a blend of speech, thought, intention, and subconscious reflection. When we ask the universe for something, the unspoken message is that what we want does not exist, and the universe accepts this as truth. Conversely, we manifest completeness through affirmations in which we declare our desires as if we have already obtained them.
When we affirm that we are fulfilled instead of articulating deficiencies, we are asserting that contentment is a natural and necessary element of human existence. Our essence is an expression of fulfillment—the universe wants to satisfy our needs and desires. When we describe our realities in positive terms, we are not denying the challenges inherent in existence. We choose not to focus on lack or dissatisfaction because we understand that the energy of our thoughts will determine the response we receive to our entreaties. Ask yourself how you would feel if your wishes were granted, and then allow yourself to internalize that emotional state. Try to create a picture of satisfaction so vivid that its reality is unquestionable and tell the universe that your vision is fact. At the close of your appeal, express your gratitude, as it is your acknowledgment of the truth of your fulfillment that will set the creative power of the universe into motion.
Working in perfect unison with the creative power of the universe will empower you to manifest spiritual realities in your material existence. As you affirm the beauty, peace, and goodness that already exist within in your life, your capacity to sense and understand their influence will become increasingly sophisticated. To meet your needs and achieve your desires, you need then only banish all thoughts of emptiness so that the energy of completeness can attract fullness into your being.
via DailyOM
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