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Mastering Your Mind
Thoughts become things. Our thoughts have the power to manifest into reality. That’s good when it comes to positive thinking and goal achievement.
Sometimes our thoughts can be our biggest downfall. There are thoughts we shouldn’t think anymore, things such as past trauma or past mistakes. Those things have happened in the past, but as long as we still dwell on them, we give them power to control us in the present or future.
Just like in sports, you’re supposed to have a short memory in order to continue to perform to the best of your ability; the same goes for real life.
It’s key to deal with a situation and then not think about it ever again. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s possible nonetheless.
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Embracing Empathy
I believe that while we are all born sinners, it doesn’t necessarily mean we are born as inherently bad people.
The perception of someone being “bad” is often subjective. My perspective on people was shaped early in my childhood when we used to visit my dad in prison.
Those visits were enjoyable, and I had the opportunity to interact with other prisoners in the visiting room. None of them seemed scary or intimidating; none of them appeared to be bad people. They were all in good spirits, spending time with their families. Perhaps a single bad decision led them to jail.
It’s difficult to comprehend the experiences of others and understand why they are the way they are. That’s why I try not to be judgmental. Everyone faces challenges in life, some more severe than others, and we all cope with these challenges in different ways.
Therefore, regardless of who the person is, I attempt to see the best in them and treat them accordingly. I believe that empathy and compassion are more impactful than judgment.
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From Planning to Action
It’s crucial to plan because it helps you figure out what you need to do and how to do it, making things go smoother in the end.
It’s only half the battle, though. I know for me, there are times when I can get too caught up in planning and not do enough. Sometimes we can even continue to plan as a way to avoid the task.
Nowadays, I’ve got to take things into action as soon as they are planned. This helps maintain momentum and prevents procrastination or potential loss of motivation.
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Start, Consistency, Achievement
You have to start somewhere.
Sometimes, when the goal is big, the road to achieving that task may seem overwhelming. If you just start where you are, even if it’s something small, you’ll be good.
You may have these grand fitness goals, but starting off with just a small walk can be a great start. You may want to write a book. Writing just one sentence today would be a great start.
You have to start somewhere.
Sometimes it’s just about starting and consistently doing something after that, then you gradually increase the load until one day you accomplish your big goal.
So whatever it is that you’d like to do this year, just start.
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Generosity and Giving
Today, I donated a lot of my clothes to The Salvation Army, and it felt good for several reasons.
First, it was beneficial to clean out my closet and get rid of clothes that I’ve been holding onto for too long. It’s important to let go and create space for new things to come.
Also, I genuinely enjoy giving back in any way I can. I could have taken my clothes to one of those stores that buy and sell gently used name brand clothes, but not everything is about gaining money. I prefer to give and expect nothing in return.
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Prepared for Victory
Forewarned and forearmed, being prepared is half the victory.
There’s no worse feeling than being presented with an opportunity and not being fully prepared. During my rookie year in the NFL, I had a workout with the Lions. I had partied the weekend before, and I felt that I didn’t give my best performance at the workout. That could’ve been a missed opportunity.
I vowed to never let that happen again and always be ready for whatever opportunity God blesses me with. We pray to God for blessings and opportunities all the time. However, it’s important to ensure that we’re ready to receive them.
There are many things I still want to achieve in life that I haven’t accomplished yet. I just have to control what I can in the present moment, and that means making sure I’m well prepared for any opportunity or blessing that comes my way.
This gives me peace of mind and the confidence to conquer opportunities when they do present themselves.
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Embrace Change for Better Results
They say insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting different results.
We cannot continue repeating those actions and hope for a different outcome. It might be time to establish new goals, adjust bedtime and waking up times, try a different diet, and increase our workout routine. It could be the moment to explore alternative ways of communicating with others.
Overall, it may be necessary to adopt a fresh approach. If we have been persisting with the same actions and not achieving the desired results, the good news is that we can attempt something different.
Sometimes, the solution can be that simple. Let’s not disregard this and think otherwise.
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Heart Over Appearance
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7 NIV).
It is easy to get caught up in physical attributes, jobs, or college degrees. None of those things matter as much as having character, integrity, and simply being a good person.
Focus on your heart first, and everything else will follow. Focus on others’ hearts before getting caught up in materialistic things or their outward appearance.
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Radiant Grins
A smile goes a long way.
I can be having a bad day, or even an indifferent day, and a smile from a stranger brightens my day and changes my mood.
A simple smile from my wife or daughter can melt my heart.
I know how much a smile means to me, so I make sure to smile at others, even if they have a look on their face that doesn’t welcome a smile.
Most importantly, I smile at myself. If I look in the mirror and smile, it can change my mood for the better (I guess it helps that I brush my teeth and floss twice a day, lol).
Thoughts become things, and actions can become feelings. So if I carry a smile all the time, I know that it can positively affect my mood and others around me.
So, smile 😊
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Birthdays: Cherished Moments, Endless Joy
Birthdays were the worst days…just kidding, birthdays were always the best days.
Growing up, I knew I’d have at least one more present after Christmas. I always liked having my birthday on the second day of the year. It always felt like I was starting the year off on a positive note.
As a kid, I used to love going ice skating for my birthday. We’d go to the indoor skating rink and skate all day, taking breaks to play on the air hockey table and drink hot cocoa. That’s when I knew I was a little different. We’d be the only Black people at the skating rink. I used to love inviting my friends and watching them struggle to ice skate for the first time. I’ve always loved thinking outside the box and trying new experiences.
Birthdays are still the best days. My wife makes me feel so special every year. There was a period when I’d tell myself that birthdays were just another day, but once I started dating my wife, she changed my mind. We all deserve a day to be celebrated.
This birthday is even more special because it’s my first one spent with my daughter. I write this blog as I walk in the park with her, and just seeing her subtle smiles at me makes this day even better.
I used to not want to get old, or not say how old I am, but now I’m grateful for every year. I’m now 31 years old. I’m now at the age my mom, aunts, and uncles were when I was a kid. It gives me a new look and understanding of them during those years. They weren’t as old as I thought, lol.
I appreciate this birthday and the ones that come after this. I’ll appreciate every birthday I’m blessed with. They say the more you have, the longer you live.
FLY, BLACK BOY 