Today I Will Make A Difference
Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.
I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.
I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble...I will get up. It's OK to fail...I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.
I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.
Today I will make a difference.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
the people you meet affect your life.
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there…to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, will power or heart.
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. THE PEOPLE YOU MEET AFFECT YOUR LIFE.
The successes and downfalls that you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious
to whom you open your heart.
to whom you open your heart.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can for you may never experience it again.
Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every
right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it!"
Share this with anyone whom you believe has made a difference in your life.
right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it!"
Share this with anyone whom you believe has made a difference in your life.
Friday, February 20, 2009
timing the universe.
or is it the universe and it's timing? it's really hard to explain, right? here's my most recent experience:
yesterday, i add an application that post Good News stories only. then in my web design class later that afternoon, my brain starts churning ideas about how to spin it into another business. i brain storm about social media outlets, blogs, iphone apps, etc. i make a mental note to contact chris hughes, one of my business and personal development mentors to bounce some ideas off of him.
today, he is randomly in los angeles for business and comes to an event, unscheduled. we don't get much of a chance to talk, but in a quick phone conversation we learn that we've had similar ideas. we discuss positive, pd related ideas online. it turns out that last night i tried to search similar website domains that he owns. he even tells me that he follows a guy's personal development blog. this person is steve pavlina, at www.stevepavlina.com. the kicker? i used to teach steve pavlina tae kwon do years ago!!! i ran into his blog and messaged him a while back. we then agree to possibly discuss some ideas down the line...a little more brain storming, which is awesome!
see how the universe works? i definitely need to follow this through. seriously.
yesterday, i add an application that post Good News stories only. then in my web design class later that afternoon, my brain starts churning ideas about how to spin it into another business. i brain storm about social media outlets, blogs, iphone apps, etc. i make a mental note to contact chris hughes, one of my business and personal development mentors to bounce some ideas off of him.
today, he is randomly in los angeles for business and comes to an event, unscheduled. we don't get much of a chance to talk, but in a quick phone conversation we learn that we've had similar ideas. we discuss positive, pd related ideas online. it turns out that last night i tried to search similar website domains that he owns. he even tells me that he follows a guy's personal development blog. this person is steve pavlina, at www.stevepavlina.com. the kicker? i used to teach steve pavlina tae kwon do years ago!!! i ran into his blog and messaged him a while back. we then agree to possibly discuss some ideas down the line...a little more brain storming, which is awesome!
see how the universe works? i definitely need to follow this through. seriously.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
i figured it out. i'm a super hero.
i figured out a minute distinction about how i work. it's amazing when you come to one of those "aha" moments. you ask yourself, "is this really it? yeah!!! i can't believe it!" then, suddenly you're hit with a multitude of flashbacks proving that same "AHA" theory.
for anyone that knows me, i've been categorized as the nice guy. I like to give --- a lot. and i used to believe that it was for the sake of giving (which i whole heartedly believe in). but, in my relentless acts of selflessness, i find that there tends to be some remorse. now, don't get me wrong; i am not remorseful about giving. it's one of my strongest values. moreso, it's the ACT of giving. i tend to be lazy at times. and to be honest, sometimes i just don't give a damn. i'd rather wallow in my own crap, smell it and just let it be --- crap (i'm working on that, lol)
so here's my distinction: i truly give and make something a priority if i feel i'll make a difference. if the extra thought, small action or shared experience will make a difference in the other person's life, i feel compelled to give --- to act. that's when i feel powerful.
it's like i'm a super hero. i am a super hero.
for anyone that knows me, i've been categorized as the nice guy. I like to give --- a lot. and i used to believe that it was for the sake of giving (which i whole heartedly believe in). but, in my relentless acts of selflessness, i find that there tends to be some remorse. now, don't get me wrong; i am not remorseful about giving. it's one of my strongest values. moreso, it's the ACT of giving. i tend to be lazy at times. and to be honest, sometimes i just don't give a damn. i'd rather wallow in my own crap, smell it and just let it be --- crap (i'm working on that, lol)
so here's my distinction: i truly give and make something a priority if i feel i'll make a difference. if the extra thought, small action or shared experience will make a difference in the other person's life, i feel compelled to give --- to act. that's when i feel powerful.
it's like i'm a super hero. i am a super hero.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
single awareness day
in honor of cupid's holiday, i'd like to remind you of justin's hysterical cameo that reflects some of the women out there...
Beyonce and Justin Timberlake SNL Skit (11/15/08)
Beyonce and Justin Timberlake SNL Skit (11/15/08)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
2 great things today.
1. i bought 4 coffees at starbucks and utilized their coffee stoppers. these stoppers are amazing! whoever thought about the idea to create something to prevent a spill while driving is even more amazing! but what's even most amazing is the fact that the stoppers only block it coming out of a lid. IT DOES NOT STOP COFFEE FROM SPILLING IF YOU BREAK HARD AND ALL YOUR DRINKS POP THEIR LIDS OFF AND ROLL AROUND IN THE NEW COFFEE BATH ON YOUR CAR FLOOR!!!!
2. i was on stage tonight laying the foundation as the new charity representative for the LA Core Training charity events. looks to be fun and exciting. i just gotta make it work
2. i was on stage tonight laying the foundation as the new charity representative for the LA Core Training charity events. looks to be fun and exciting. i just gotta make it work
Monday, February 9, 2009
ashton kutcher
i follow the guy on twitter. here's a quote he posted:
"It's not how much you love when you love some one, but how much you love when you hate."
Pretty good, huh?
"It's not how much you love when you love some one, but how much you love when you hate."
Pretty good, huh?
Friday, February 6, 2009
beware of dog...
especially if it's a $60,000 trained attack dog.
so today, i witnessed one of my business partners and friends train their newly received dog. this german sheperd will listen to your commands, protect you and tear shit up. seriously.
i watched him attack one of the trainers as he protected the bedrooms. hammer, the dog, barked ferociously at the "intruder," and even more violently as he approached.
at about the 3rd step from the top, hammer would attack on command, and release on command too.
who ever thought a dog would cost $60,000? but even moreso, what is mark smith, a millionaire with his new expensive puppy, really thinking?
so today, i witnessed one of my business partners and friends train their newly received dog. this german sheperd will listen to your commands, protect you and tear shit up. seriously.
i watched him attack one of the trainers as he protected the bedrooms. hammer, the dog, barked ferociously at the "intruder," and even more violently as he approached.
at about the 3rd step from the top, hammer would attack on command, and release on command too.
who ever thought a dog would cost $60,000? but even moreso, what is mark smith, a millionaire with his new expensive puppy, really thinking?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
i have self-respect.
it's amazing how a short life time ago, i couldn't 100% believe that to be the truth. but tonight proved that i've grown.
short story, but tonight i had a verbal argument with a cousin (my cousin's husband) at Father's Office in Culver City. basically, he put me down about my physical appearance after i turned him away from eating MY FOOD FOR THE 3RD TIME!
i firmly countered his demeaning statements with "you do not disrespect me!" and though a physical fight was instigated, i regained my composure and avoided the bigger scene.
both mentally and emotionally i found myself standing up for me. that was an amazing feet. but the greatest shocker was the fact that he was family. over a handful of years, i've carefully selected my friends and influencers. i am not going to have my family and friends put me down. you're associations are as almost important to your success in life as your attitude.
all is good on my end. i'm not too sure about anthony, though. he tends to hold grudges against people. in this incident, i did nothing wrong except calling him out in public. it was necessary, though.
i hope that everything will be a-okay in the future.
oh yeah.....and HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY EARL!!!!!
short story, but tonight i had a verbal argument with a cousin (my cousin's husband) at Father's Office in Culver City. basically, he put me down about my physical appearance after i turned him away from eating MY FOOD FOR THE 3RD TIME!
i firmly countered his demeaning statements with "you do not disrespect me!" and though a physical fight was instigated, i regained my composure and avoided the bigger scene.
both mentally and emotionally i found myself standing up for me. that was an amazing feet. but the greatest shocker was the fact that he was family. over a handful of years, i've carefully selected my friends and influencers. i am not going to have my family and friends put me down. you're associations are as almost important to your success in life as your attitude.
all is good on my end. i'm not too sure about anthony, though. he tends to hold grudges against people. in this incident, i did nothing wrong except calling him out in public. it was necessary, though.
i hope that everything will be a-okay in the future.
oh yeah.....and HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY EARL!!!!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
restaurant week and the foundry.
in honor of restaurant week, Samantha, Cristina and I headed over to a new restaurant in WeHo. amongst the many choices featured in DineLA, we ended up The Foundry on Melrose. executive chef eric greenspan comes from Patina, one of the top and well known restaurants here in los angeles.
decor was nice. to me, it appeared to have an elegant industrial feel with blacks and earth toned colors throughout mixed with simple modern designs.
because it's a winter season, the outside patio was covered. it would be nice to have the bare night sky, but i prefer comfort over environment, usually.
on the prix fixe menu, i chose:
i will say they did offer delectible pastry-like appetizers. we had biscuits two ways: one with a guava, balsamic vinegar gravy and another with garlic butter. also, we had an amazingly cheesy miniature parmesan toast that looked similar to a cinnamon roll. what trickery....but it was great nonetheless.
(object is smaller than appears)
overall, it was a good night. though it did seem more of a reunion for cristina and samie, i can't complain. i was with some of my oldest friends, and it's great to see people reunite, even if it's over "girl-talk."
would i go there again? yes, but i doubt it'll turn into a regular spot.
decor was nice. to me, it appeared to have an elegant industrial feel with blacks and earth toned colors throughout mixed with simple modern designs.
because it's a winter season, the outside patio was covered. it would be nice to have the bare night sky, but i prefer comfort over environment, usually.
on the prix fixe menu, i chose:
- first course: albacore tuna tar tare
- main course: hangar flank steak with potatoes
- desert: honey creme brulee with candied apricots and a melon frozen yogurt
- cocktail drink: the Tennesse _________ (fill in the blank), consisting on jack daniels with peach nectar and ginger.
i will say they did offer delectible pastry-like appetizers. we had biscuits two ways: one with a guava, balsamic vinegar gravy and another with garlic butter. also, we had an amazingly cheesy miniature parmesan toast that looked similar to a cinnamon roll. what trickery....but it was great nonetheless.
(object is smaller than appears)
overall, it was a good night. though it did seem more of a reunion for cristina and samie, i can't complain. i was with some of my oldest friends, and it's great to see people reunite, even if it's over "girl-talk."
would i go there again? yes, but i doubt it'll turn into a regular spot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
