Tuesday, September 07, 2010

What I Learned this Weekend & How it May Help You


This past weekend in New York City, I had the pleasure of seeing old friends and forging new relationships. Additionally, I attended a spectacular gala for a company that I have worked with on and off, for the last few years. Besides the long hours of partying my nights away and eating slices of New York Pizza, I was blessed to be so renewed.

The Power of Networking and Friendships
We all are very familiar with the age old saying, "it's not what you know, but who you know." After this weekend, I think it should be updated to: "it's not what you know, but who you know and how well you stay in touch with them." At a very young age, I was not only taught to network, but to strive for very strong and genuine relationships. It was also instilled in me to cut the ties of connections that hinder and affect me in ways that do not produce growth (literally and metaphorically). If we surround ourselves with individuals who see life through dirty, cracked lenses, then over time, we may begin to view life just as pessimistically.

Surround yourself not only with those who are just as dedicated and passionate as you, but also with those who are more dedicated and more passionate. In the end, growth will be the prize, I guarantee it. As you continue to forge new relationships and strengthen older ones, always remember where you come from, who originally helped you and how you felt before you were helped (and from there, begin to help others). We all have times in our lives when peaceful solitude is what we need, but with a great network, we should never see days of dissatisfied solitude. Be a friend and business partner not only in times of need, but also in times of giving. Network to your net does not work anymore, and if that one happens to wear, tear and break, get a new one.

Being un(Realistic) and Following Your Dreams
If you are a dreamer, then make a promise to yourself right now to always remain one. If it was not for individuals who 'see the world and ask, "why not," then half of the things we utilize and see everyday probably would not exist. Over the last few weeks, I have been told by several individuals to start being realistic about my life and future. Two words are coming to mind right now: Fuck That! I am very aware that there is very, very thin line between realism and idealism, but be honest with yourself right now, would you be here today if you never had some sort of dream? Would you have fought so hard to graduate from college if you did not believe in yourself? Would you have raised beautiful children to always follow their hearts and do what they love in life if you personally did not believe what you were saying? Would you have practiced so hard on the baseball diamond or in the piano room if you did not believe growth was possible? All these instances take some sort of dreaming whether it is minuscule or very large. To be honest, I think those who dream the biggest are the most courageous.

Do not take this the wrong way, I do not support dreaming while sitting on your ass. If you want something or dream of something great, then you are going to have to work for it (and work even harder as your dreams become more elaborate). Be passionate about your days and begin to look at your life and your future with a smile. Smile for the simple fact that you alone have the power to make the choice to live life as you imagine it. Nothing that is earned should come easy in life and hardships will make the acquisition of dreams that much sweeter.

Ask yourself one last question: If there was nothing I dreamed, wanted, desired, craved, ached, fancied, longed, preferred, needed, thirsted, wished, yearned, aspired or wished for before I went to sleep yesterday, would I be reading this today?

live well my friends,


One Life, You Decide™



"There is a fine line between dreams and reality, it's up to you to draw it."
-B. Quilliam