My brother really likes Eric Thomas.

He is a motivational speaker who also goes by the name The Hip Hop Preacher.

His story is inspirational and so are his messages.

Here’s a kinetic typography video someone put together over part of his speech.

Pain is Temporary

Check out the video and some more of his great videos here.

I am not sure who gets the initial credit for this quote, but for the sake of this post it’ll go to Charles Cooley.

Cooley introduced the “looking-glass self” that poses, self-image is formed largely by the messages we get from others and an individuals’ interpretation of those messages.

I love this painting. It has many interpretations and like most pieces of art, what it ‘says’ to you is a reflection of your thoughts; it will speak differently to every viewer.

What or how do you see yourself? Is it based off the way others see you? Is your self-perception positive? Is it true? Are you working to change it? Is perception really reality?

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Be Selfish… First

I know, I know. You aren’t supposed to be selfish, you’re supposed to share your fruit snacks, hold the door open for others, buy your little brother a souvenir too.

Well, I’m speaking of the same word but a different application.

Have you ever tried to give someone a ride to work but you don’t have a car? Have you ever given someone $20 when you only have $10? Nope, not possible right?

You can’t give someone something you don’t have. You can’t give people a ride or money if you don’t have it, but you also can’t give them love, help, or encouragement either, because you can’t give out of lack. If you don’t have it FIRST, you are of no use to yourself and cannot help anyone else either.

A sick and run down parent is not of much help to a sick kid. A hurting friend can not be an authentic friend to others until they deal with themselves and their issues first. Take care of yourself first and THEN you can take care of others.

Fill up your cup first, be selfish-concerned with your own well-being, first. Don’t be afraid to put yourself first, you and those you desire to help and support will benefit.

Happy Birthday

It’s my BURFDAY!

Birthdays always bring a few moments of reflection, gratitude, and planning for me, in that order.

As I think of the days that have passed, give thanks for all I have and don’t have, and plan for what I want the next year to look like, I can say that I am proud of the life I live and I look forward to improving it.

I am excited for another year of life to make a difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s to Fear

I couldn’t choose one, so enjoy both.

          Happy Mother’s Day

Irreplaceable

There Is No Irreplaceable Man

Sometime when you’re feeling important,
Sometime when your ego’s in bloom,
Sometime when you take it for granted,
You’re the best qualified man in the room.
Sometime when you think that your passing
Will leave an un-fillable hole,
Just remember this simple example,
And see how it humbles your soul.

Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in up to your wrists,
The hole that you make when you leave it,
Is the measure of how much you’ll be missed.
You may thrash all you want when you enter,
You may stir up the waters galore,
But just wait for a moment
And it is still the same as before.

The moral of this is quite simple,
Just do the best that you can.
But please always remember
There is no irreplaceable man.

I have a like/dislike relationship with this poem.

I first read it when I was in high school and liked it.

At the time it seemed like a great reminder that no person is irreplaceable. I never thought of myself so great that I was the ‘best qualified,’ or that I was all that ‘important’. But, I liked the sentiment that life is fleeting and there will be others after you.

I dislike it for some of the same reasons. You can fill a position, hire someone new for a job, but you can’t replace people. There are no two people exactly the same so it’s not possible.

Just because people may forget your name or because your current job may not be your lifelong career, that doesn’t mean you don’t work hard, do your best work, and do work that makes you proud. 

Sometimes I feel like a friggin’ superhero.

Nearly Invincible.

But sometimes I feel beat down, exhausted, defeated.

(Note, still a superhero, but maybe one hoping for a break.)

 Sometimes things are a bit too much for me to handle on my own. Sometimes I don’t want to be the strong one, the brave one, the independent one.

Sometimes I wish I had a me in my life. The last week has been one of those times.

Then I think about how much stronger (physically and otherwise) I become when I face things alone and get through them. I think about what I learned, especially what my  mistakes taught me.

I think about the learning I would have missed out on had I given up because it seemed too hard. I think about the people who would love to have my life, including my ‘problems‘.

Those thoughts recharge and empower me, so I brush off my superhero costume and boldly face whatever is coming next.

I do have a me. Me.

Do you ever read the comments people post beneath tweets, Instagram pictures, or online articles?

Sometimes they are informative, comical, and encouraging.

Sometimes however, they are rude, mean, and downright attempts to be hurtful. People talk really ‘tough’ online and via social media, and usually to people they have never met. Some people do it for attention, some do it to gain ‘followers’, ‘likes’, or just plain attention. Whatever the reason, it does not change truth. What you say, reflects on you more than it ever does the person you’re speaking ill of. If all you can find to say are mean, rude, or hurtful things, stop before you press post and think about the source of your comments. Is there something in your own life you need to address and not project on others?

Truths:

• You become what you fear.

• Hurt people, hurt people.

• You create your own experience.

Everyone has things they don’t like, even people they don’t care for and for valid reasons. But what if you decided to focus more on the things you do enjoy, people you do like; using your time and energy for the good of uplifting or supporting and leaving the other stuff to the simpletons? What you chose to say or comment on would say a lot about you, but what you chose NOT to, would say a lot more about the person you are (or at least are striving to become).