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Authentic Self: Embracing Happiness
Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve always felt like the same person.
Even though I’ve grown, learned, gained wisdom, and picked up many skills over the years, deep down, I haven’t really changed from my preschool days.
If you met someone who knew me a long time ago, I’m pretty sure they would say that I’m still the same. I find comfort in this feeling of staying true to myself.
While life naturally brings changes, I make sure to hold onto who I really am. I focus on doing things that genuinely make me happy and behaving in a way that reflects my true self.
In life, we often learn to fit in or face events that really impact us. While these things are understandable, I believe it’s important to reconnect with our core, with what makes us who we are.
It’s within that space that true happiness lies, like embracing the essence of the young child we were before the world influenced us.
Making a conscious effort to be true to ourselves is exciting and often necessary to reach our full potential. As Dr. Myles Munroe wisely said, “Your future is not in front of you. It’s inside of you.”
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Unleashing Possibilities
Anything is possible.
That’s what I like to remind myself from time to time. I’ve seen it with my own eyes – I’ve witnessed the wildest dreams come true and people achieving their ambitious goals.
Regardless of how improbable something may seem or how many odds are stacked against you, it remains within the realm of possibility.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that this possibility applies to both positive and negative outcomes. I’ve experienced things I would consider “bad” that I never thought were possible before. It could be losing in sports, failing a class, or falling out of shape – anything is possible, even the negative.
It’s crucial not to believe that certain things can’t happen to you. Taking the right actions is essential in preventing unfavorable circumstances. If you choose to neglect the necessary steps to avoid these outcomes, they become more likely to occur.
Never underestimate the effort and actions required to succeed, but also be mindful of the effort and actions that can lead to failure.
Anything is possible.
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Finding Fulfillment Alone
Sometimes, when I visit a department store or similar establishment, the employees often ask if I need assistance in locating items.
While there are instances when I am indeed searching for a specific item without knowing its location, I usually decline their help and state that I’m fine on my own.
Although it would be more convenient and time-saving to accept their assistance, I derive enjoyment from independently exploring the store and locating items by myself. Discovering something on my own within the store is fulfilling and adds to the overall experience.
In life, there will be moments where the support of others proves invaluable and can simplify our journey. However, it’s important to also embrace the opportunity to embark on personal journeys and accomplish tasks independently. There is a sense of fulfillment in relying on our own skills and resources. While it is acceptable to seek help when truly necessary, it is equally essential to dare to tackle challenges on our own.
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Unlocking Results: Embracing Change
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” – Albert Einstein
You may possess aspirations or numerous objectives that you wish to achieve. Perhaps you have been diligently working towards those goals, yet have not witnessed the desired results.
Avoid falling into the trap of repetition; instead, explore new avenues. It is possible that adopting fresh approaches, habits, and actions will be necessary to attain your desired outcome.
If your current circumstances fail to bring you contentment, consider embracing change and trying something different.
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Nearing Blessings: Mirror Insight
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
The things you see in the side mirror of a car may be nearer than they seem. Drivers must be cautious as the objects in the mirror might be closer than they appear, enabling them to accurately assess the distance and make safer driving choices.
This applies to life as well, where it is crucial to make accurate judgments in various situations, including problems and unfortunate circumstances. By making the right decisions, we can evade many difficulties and also realize that good things and blessings are closer than they seem.
It is important to persevere and continue making the right moves on our life journey. Those blessings may appear distant in the mirror, but they are nearer than they seem.
Whether it’s driving or life, control what you can control and make the right moves, allowing you to avoid numerous problems and get closer to your blessings.
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Knowing Better, Doing Better
“If you knew better, you’d do better.”
This saying suggests that our actions and decisions are influenced by our level of knowledge and understanding.
In my early life, we experienced poverty. Initially, I didn’t mind, as it was all I knew. However, when we moved to a nice neighborhood and bought a beautiful house, I witnessed a different way of life and new possibilities.
Although we had to return to the poverty-stricken area after a year, my perspective had changed. I had glimpsed another way of life and refused to accept the previous hardship. I knew that the situation was temporary, and I didn’t want to stay in the hood forever.
I had seen too much and knew better.
This realization applies to everything I pursue. Once I see that something is possible, my actions align with that belief.
Sometimes, lack of confidence arises when we haven’t witnessed something being done before. However, it’s important to remember that someone out there has already achieved what you desire. They serve as proof that it’s possible.
Once you learn the necessary actions and decisions, it’s up to you to act. Knowing the answers places the responsibility squarely on your shoulders. Learn from life’s ultimatum, do better once you know better.
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Practice Unlocks Potential
It’s not that you can’t do it or don’t know it; you just haven’t put enough time into practicing yet.
Regardless of what it is, you can achieve it by consistently working at it. It’s what we were born to do.
It’s amazing to have a newborn baby and witness her reaching all her developmental milestones. It serves as a reminder that we all still have the ability to learn and develop any skill, passion, or knowledge we desire. However, it requires time and effort.
Babies start walking around 12 months, which is 12 months of practice. If you dedicate 12 hard months to something right now, consider how much more advanced you will become by the end of that year.
So, even if you don’t know or can’t do something at the moment, with consistent effort, that will change. Start something and see it through. Put in the practice and observe the growth.
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Building Support: Consistent Effort
The marketing rule of 7 states that a potential customer needs to see a message at least 7 times before taking action.
As a marketer, you understand that gaining customers takes time, but they will come if you continue to market to them.
The same applies to gaining support from others.
When starting new endeavors that require support, we often expect instant support and may get discouraged if it doesn’t come right away. However, just because the support isn’t immediate doesn’t mean it won’t come. You need to be consistent and make sure your message reaches others at least 7 times.
Sometimes we give up before others can support us. They may need to see more from us to be convinced or wait until they have the means to support financially. It’s not personal, and it doesn’t mean they don’t support you.
Support comes in many forms and, like marketing, often requires consistent effort to make it easier for others to support you. Keep putting in the effort, and the gratification will come eventually.
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Beyond Homework: Continuing Growth
There are still times when I am at home in the evening, and I have this feeling like I have homework to do or that I should be studying for a test or writing a paper.
The thing is, I’m not in school anymore.
Maybe this feeling stems from spending over 25 years in school, countless nights of doing homework, writing papers, and studying for tests. It’s as if those things are ingrained in me now. In a way, I’m institutionalized.
However, these are still good habits to have. Perhaps the time I spent doing academic tasks in the evening was well worth it. Just because I’m no longer in school doesn’t mean I can’t still have “homework” every evening.
My “homework” can be anything I’m currently passionate about. It can involve doing things every day that I know will help me reach my goals and promote personal growth.
Don’t let the end of formal education hinder your continuous learning. Channel the energy and time you dedicated to academics for years into something relevant in your life now. Embrace the spirit of a child who is always learning and growing. Engage in some form of “homework” tonight.
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Jasmine: My Greatest Blessing
When asked about my greatest accomplishment, many would assume that making it to the NFL holds that title.
It was a childhood dream that required two decades of hard work and dedication to achieve. The feeling of reaching the NFL surpassed all expectations, but surprisingly, it is not my greatest accomplishment.
For me, that honor goes to getting married.
Marriage has always held immense value to me, and building a family of my own is something I’ve always desired. I believe that my character is better understood through my marriage rather than my football career. As a role model, I strive to set a positive example. Choosing to marry is a significant life decision, and I am wholeheartedly proud of my choice in a partner.
My wife, Jasmine, is one of God’s greatest blessings in my life. She brings out the best in me, motivates me, and possesses qualities that make her a remarkable person. She is loving, caring, intelligent, funny, a wonderful mother, and deeply faithful. With her by my side, I know that I can overcome anything.
While I have a deep passion for football and all its experiences, it cannot compare to the joy and fulfillment I feel being with my wife and child.
Sometimes, God grants us blessings that exceed our wildest dreams. Reaching the NFL was one such blessing. However, my wife is a blessing far greater than I could have ever imagined.
Today marks her birthday, and I want her to feel cherished, supported, and loved. Not just today, but every day. On this special day, I wish my earth angel, my wife Jasmine, a very happy birthday. I am proud to call her my wife. I love you, Jasmine. ❤
FLY, BLACK BOY 