Right Here, Right Now...

I almost wanted to cry...or shout...or scream....to someone, anyone...And when I got the news that the music video I was supposed to Direct was canceled, I was in the worst wall to wall traffic that I had ever seen on main and side streets in all of LA.  Having to sit in that traffic forced me to really think about what this meant to my life.  The artist was cool.  He had other things that he had to devote his time to so, although he really wanted to do the video he was ok because he had other things he'd done to help propel himself forward.  After a few minutes and I am proud to say it was only a few, I was able to see how fortunate I was to be where I was.  I was able to get a place here to stay when I first moved out, my current apartment was all but handed over to me, I was gifted a car after almost 2 years of renting cars to work, I never had to get a "real" job....  My life out here hasn't been easy, by any means, all the same...if I was supposed to move back to Atlanta, I would have done so by now.  I haven't gotten every single thing that I've wanted, per se, but every single thing that I needed.  And like that traffic forced me to take time to think, not being able to do that video forced me to take a sec to see clearly.  I have no idea what the silver lining is just yet, although I'm sure it will become apparent soon enough.  I am basking in the knowledge that I was protected.  

There is a daily encouragement that I read that states, to paraphrase, every prayer will be answered the key is to keep your focus on your goal.  Even if it takes time, use that time to reflect on yourself and see what else, what more you could be and do.  When it does come to fruition it will be in a form greater than you had ever hoped.  So, that's where I am.  I decided that I had to make sure I continued to beat on my craft and make myself the best that I can be.  Last night I put in more pages on my screenplay and that made me feel like a winner.  Maybe I have to soley put out my own works?  I am working on another short short with Maya & Sakinah.  Shak has a fantastic idea I cannot discuss for fear of some penalty worse than death.  lol  So things are definitely coming up...this is all an opportunity as opposed to an obstacle.

When I was driving and noticed the streets were just blocked off and there wasn't an accident (thankfully) I knew something was up.  Come to find out, the traffic that put our entire city on pause last night was President Obama coming to visit.  Can't be mad at that.  Welcome to LA, Mr. President, especially because it was for a fundraiser.  Well, that traffic was there to protect him and I think this pause was given to me to protect me.  Thank you, Universe, 'preciate it.  :)

100.

Bright  

On Checking Your Faith Quotient...

Alternatively entitled:  

"You can never have too much faith."

Shirt by: The Billionaire P.A.

Something has changed, or shall I say resurfaced in a new light, within me.  My faith has grown tremendously and especially in action.  A couple of years ago I was very diligent about doing my prayers morning and evening everyday.  I may miss one morning or one evening here and there but I was pretty on top of it.  Then, I fell off out of nowhere.  I didn't lose my faith but I wasn't putting in nearly as much effort to do my prayers everyday.  As of the last month or so, I've stepped up my game 10 fold and what a difference I've seen in myself and in my life.  I mean I am really in flow with everything and everyone around me, again.  People just want to help, people are kind.  Green is super green and blue the bluest blue. I'm catching sunsets that are amazing.  "Coincidences" are happening at lightening speed and you wouldn't believe how many people are willing to help on my first music video which is coming up.  Everything is so effortless it seems.  My gratitude for it all is in direct correlation to what I'm putting into my life and everyone around me.  

Took this with my camera phone.  It's the reflection of the sunset through my side mirror.  I was late for an appointment due to crazy traffic.  Because of that, when I was leaving my appointment this was in the night sky.  How amazing.

As a Buddhist, I'm taught not to feel guilty about missing prayers.  I believe one mustn't do things begrudgingly, be it hanging out with friends or what have you.  What I have realized in hindsight, though, is that by letting that aspect of my life fall off, I lost my footing in life...for real.  I became irritable, worried, depressed and insecure.  These are not qualities I possess on any given day in my life.  That's just not me.  Slowly but surely as I stopped taking quiet time for myself to reflect upon my life, my spirit became disconnected from the Source and I was like a fish out of water gasping for air.  Only as of late have I realized where my true grounding in life comes from...practicing my faith.  For me, it's a base from which all things spring forth.  The way I interpret and communicate with others, the way I live, love myself and others, workout, create....  Geez, I really must have felt so arrogant or lazy to think I didn't need to put in the effort no matter if it was even 5 minutes in the morning and evening in front of my altar.  What does it feel like to be back?  Winning!  And you know how much I love winning.  :) lol  It really does feel amazing.  I feel like my old self but way more dope (if it's possible lol).  The reason is because I have this experience under my belt now.  I took my practice for granted.  That's it!  That's what it was.  I took my practice and thereby myself and my life for granted.  I wasn't practicing appreciating every moment and so more moments seemed to start sucking.  lol  But for real...having had this experience not only increases my faith but it's a reminder of how precious decisions truly are.  When I decided that my practice could take a backseat to most everything in my life everything became backwards, seriously.  Damn, it's all a reflection of me.  Everyday, that rings more and more true.  How much power we really have is incredible once we learn how to be in tune with the universe and wield it responsibly, we can see and create beauty in everything we come in contact with.  Everyday and evening as I remind myself that I am a Buddha and so are you I am in touch with the beauty, love, peace and compassion that encompasses and and surrounds us all.  (sorry, i just teared up for a sec.)  When I remind myself of that and continue to practice that on the daily I am more frequently enlightened.  Enlightenment is not a destination it's a practice.  Everyday we may have a moment or many moments where we are at one with everything.  To sustain that truth and understanding is my goal.  I know I can do it and am doing it.  Thank you and this is my sincere prayer.  With love...  Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

100.

Bright

p.s. please check out this guy The Billionaire P.A who made my new shirt (that I'm ordering), the pic above.  I t-t-totally love his philosophy..."I am going to help over a billion people speak their dreams into existence!  That is why I call myself "The Billionaire P.A."; not just to acquire a billionaire dollars, but to inspire over one billion people.  My success will come through helping billions of people develop wealthy minds.  The best part about what I do is I save lives tomorrow that want to die today."
http://www.wealthymindsclothing.com/

I'm Inspired By: Acting

Many times when we’re on our journey we become exhausted by the grind itself or loss in the sauce. LOL And that’s why we have to stay inspired. After leaving an acting workshop a few weeks ago and listening to the panel (writers, studio heads, playwrights, acting coaches, and marketing experts) I listened to the panel talk about what it takes to make it in the acting business and the fact that 98% will fail (OUCH). They covered topics about marketing, saving do-re-mi, networking, taking classes to sharpen your skills, and hustling. Some even ventured to talk about the mystical aspects of being a believer and “highly favored” or “lucky” enough to find the right opportunities on their path.  I happen to be a believer.  :) 

And for a moment I thought to myself, “of course everyone wants to get the prize (money), the glory and the fame”.  But today thinking the workshop over I realized that something was missing. Something wasn’t quite acknowledged in that theatre on that day.  It was the acting GRIND itself.  Putting in countless hours to become better at what you love is also a major reward.  A person becomes forever changed.  There are countless folks who make it to the top without putting in "the work" sort of speak.  But I always wonder if they appreciate it as much when they're not respected by their peers.  There are countless stories of drug abuse, addictions and negative behavior that plague the industry for countless reasons.  The money and the fame definitely can't guarantee what we all want which is happiness.  And personally, I'm most happy when I'm embracing the work itself.   All the risks and rewards are in the work itself.

Every time someone goes on stage; their Failure rate is huge, they can miss the mark and become unsuccessful in the worst way possible…publicly. It dawned on me that no one had even made the slightest mention of this at the workshop. Actors are already winning.  98% of the world would never take those types of risks.  Images come to mind of my friends and fam who are still waiting to take their next step in life but are reluctant for fear of failing.  I imagined dragging each of them on stage, kicking and screaming, to get rid of their fear for once and for all. :)

Besides I turned to acting for something entirely different.  I wanted a bigger challenge in life (not grinding in Hollywood but acting itself) and to become great at something totally different.  If I had never tried out for an audition; I would have never found out my innate gift of recalling my emotional memory.  For me landing a tv show or a major theatre production is extra.  The risk/reward is already built into acting itself.  One of the workshop panelist actually said that she was a horrible actress but always worked in the business because she knew how to “market” herself.  I don’t know if that was supposed to inspire us to take her course.  I actually felt bad for her.  Why go after something that you don't want to do? Or did she really want to act but was covering up her fear? 

What we put in is what we get back.  It might not seem that way but it’s physics. That’s why if you are going to do something half ass you might as well not do it at all. Our brains will record that as a pattern. Too many of those patterns and we’re in big trouble doing the same ol’, same ol’.  Of course she’s no longer acting, she’s teaching marketing workshops to actors.  And one by one each person on stage told their story about how they had started in acting but had ended up doing different things.  I don’t know if anyone else took notice.  But I wanted to know why did they all leave acting behind?  Some were presented with amazing career opportunities.  But I couldn’t help but wonder where the successful actor story was that day?

A teacher told me, “When a painting is criticized the painter can step back and detach himself from his artwork.  Actors are the canvas and the painting, there is no detachment.” Maybe, no one wanted to say it. But it’s not just the hustle and/or the lack of work that sucks being a "working" actor; it’s the acting work itself that is the most grueling.  Most people don’t like to open up to one person around them.  Most of us live our whole lives trying to avoid rejection, but that’s impossible as an actor.  It's an actor's job to expose the inner most part of herself in order to connect with her audience and hopefully make them feel something.

What a crazy opportunity for actors then!  To learn how to take rejection over and over again in order to hit a specific goal, and I'm not talking about a callback.  I'm talking about making the casting directors, the audience or whoever is watching in that moment FEEL differently because of your performance.  WOW!  A callback or being casted is extra, it's icing on the cake.  But no one can take away your performance, your ability to affect people in that moment.  And at the moment, I can’t think of a more worthwhile pursuit while I'm alive. 

Shak
100.

Vulnerability vs Wounds in a Frame

When we first began this process I thought of myself as more of a behind the scenes kind of player.  Shak really encouraged me to write and share.  Ugh, no way...sharing means being vulnerable, having an expectation placed on me or being judged and I kinda just like to do my own thing...all the time. lol  What vulnerability means to an artist and people in general, I suppose, is the difference between having an opportunity to be understood or none at all.  It's the difference between letting the vision out completely and pulling the punch.  When we put ourselves out there on that stage, on that site, in that relationship we give an opportunity to someone else and to ourselves to be heard.  Without stepping out there it is assured that opportunity will never take place.  Shak said to me last week, "if you never let anyone in how can you really expect to let anything out?"

There are a host of reasons why people don't share who they are or what they think.  It usually surrounds some previous incident where their feelings were hurt/ego bruised/fell on their a$$.  I think we hold on to those embarrassing occurrences thinking that remembering the experience will shield us from ever having to experience that again.  I know I have.  What really happens though is that we lead lives full of never sharing how we really feel, doing what we love, trying something we like for fear of looking stupid or someone using our good nature against us.  And honestly that only creates more of itself.  When I open up and share myself people respond in like kind.  Usually someone is so happy someone, anyone finally said it...what ever that may be.  People are dishonest or withhold info in business because they think that other people will try to cheat them.  What really happens is that people will always respond in like kind.  Holding on to these past experiences and keeping them alive every day remembering and thinking about it instead of letting it heal is like placing a wound inside a frame and posting it on your wall.  Gross right?  Yeah, I think so, too.  No more wounds on the wall.  It's just another part of the drama we create in our daily lives instead of living and loving in the now.  

Vulnerability is truly courage.  Think about it...who gives a shit if someone breaks your heart?  You will meet someone else and the experience was grand wasn't it?  You know why?  You went for it!  Who cares if you fall off stage?  No one else in the audience had the courage to even get up there.  You went for it!  Time out for all of that b.s.  We hold onto things because we know what that pain is like but when you step out into the sun again you feel healed and you don't need to cloak yourself in that misery.  Letting go of the pain doesn't make the experience null and void, it allows you to have new experiences.  And if you bump your head again and think "damn, why am I here, again?"  The reason is because you didn't learn what you needed to so that you could go beyond it...beyond.

100.

Bright 

"I'm Like Rubbin' 2 Logs...."

Feeling on fire.  Since my post on F.E.A.R., I've felt strangely liberated.  I mean, I feel something kinda like A-Ma-Zing.  It's like when I made the decision that I wasn't going to let my limited view or that of others affect my destination the world became my oyster, so to speak.  I have felt so incredibly inspired as of late that it's almost ineffable.  The ideas are pouring forth so quickly and clearly and even from other sources, as well.  The universe is truly my ally and the reverse is true.  

The funny thing about how we feel and what we see is that it can change from moment to moment and from day to day.  That's, once again, the beauty of an ever changing life.  I am feeling appreciation and ownership, knowing that my environment changed because I decided to.  Being more of myself is a necessity and it hurts so much when I can't see me stretching and reaching for all that I want to gain and share.  I realized that when I said that I am worth more and will get more, my life reflected that.  Making ends meet cannot be the end goal or product because that cuts me off from the source, my creativity.  If all I think about is how I am going to get my bills paid then that's all I will bring into my environment.  I began to seek clarity of vision, knowing that it comes from within because that is my gift, envisioning.  I'm a seer and it's so painful when it feels like I can't even grasp a coherent thought.  When I began to return to myself and the way that I do things the well seemed like it sprang forth.  I even had an idea to go have ethiopian food at a spot I'd never been to before and ended up in a conversation with the owner because he had a picture of himself with Stevie Wonder posted.  I knew seeing that photo was a confirmation of my need to be in that place at that time because Stevie is the truth!  I digress...(lol)  At the end of my meal he invited me to come back for live music and then decided that he wanted to show me the back area of the restaurant that was only open during the evening.  When I walked back there I knew instantly that was the place I was supposed to shoot the video for the treatment I'd just written (which, incidentally got rave reviews from the artist ;) ).  I inquired about cost and he told me hundreds of dollars as opposed to thousands of dollars which is what most locations would charge.  He even talked about the crew being able to eat lunch there, so on and so forth.  We established a phenomenal rapport immediately and I am so grateful for the time and connection.  

Everything is definitely meant and I know that I have to make sure I keep my mind in the right space at all times because I sometimes take for granted my innate happiness...that is until depression rears it's ugly head.  Then, I can't see the forest for the smog (what up, shak? lol).  I feel blinded by it but I'm continuing to learn to share all of those moments (positive and not so very positive) because when I let people in they can help me see more clearly and help.  Life retains it's color and I'm a blaze of inspiration to myself and others.

Still t-t-totally winning..... :)

100.

Bright

F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real.  

- Hill Harper

I am not afraid of most things.  I cannot wait to jump out of a plane.  I wasn't afraid to go to Jordan.  I'm really not afraid of dying.  I like going places by myself.  No problem going to dinner alone.  The movies by myself = cool with me.  I am afraid of failure.  I am afraid of not winning at being a director.  I have been going through this whirlwind of emotions and thoughts... So many thoughts.  I am unhappy with my current job.  Not because of the people I work with.  I think they're awesome.  My job is stressful but it's exciting.  The hours are ridiculously long (think 80+ hour work week) but I get to see cool stuff.  I mean in the span of 2 months alone we worked with a live elephant, rhino (yes, a real live rhino!) and Danica Patrick (cooler than a fan).  My problem, my frustration is that I am helping to put out other people's dreams, not my own.  My home is a safehouse for dreamers who grind...My sister, her best friend Sakinah, my friend Damani, my friend Shawn....  These are all people who have made the leap and I love them for it.  But not me.  I haven't made the jump to go after what I want 100%.  For the third time in my life, I feel alone.  I see myself standing at the top of the cliff and watching all of the people I love and admire and brainstorm with one by one smile at me, turn to look at the cliff and take a running jump.  They disappear from my sight for a second and reappear with wings.  They motion for me to come.  "It's ok...it's easy", they say.  But I'm paralyzed.  I look over the edge and wonder if my wings will sprout, too, or am I not special enough.  Maybe they're different than I am, maybe they're better, more talented.  I have tears in my eyes now because I want it so badly and I am ashamed of my lack of confidence, faith, belief.  Where did it all go?  This is NOT me, I feel like an alien in my own skin, in my own mind.  When I found out my mom had cancer, it exacerbated my anxiety.  I felt like time was running out.  I have to show her that she did an amazing job.  She did the right thing.  Prove to her that everything she has gone through having us was a winning move.  "I just wanna be, I just wanna be successful...." keeps playing in my head.  My vision is blurred and I'm having difficulty tapping into the source.  I go go go but feel like I'm running in circles.  What's funny is that when I moved out to LA 5 years ago, I was not afraid in the very least.  I left every person who knows and loves me to make that leap by myself.  I moved clear across the country to fulfill my life's mission without one ounce of nervousness.  This jump somehow seems greater.  And it is, in a sense...This is the most important decision I have had to make to date.  I know that I am prepared and that the people who love me will love me always no matter what happens.  In my heart I know that I will be ok but my mind, my inner hater, tells me I'm not ready yet, that I don't have what it takes.  Fuck you, hater.  Seriously.  

"...let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

That's so real.  So, what am I going to do?  I get into this cycle with work where I need to pay my bills so I work but then I'm exhausted.  Tapping into my creativity after not utilizing it at all feels impossible.  I have to remember to make the things that matter most to me a priority.  That means praying, writing and shooting.  This also means that I will buy myself a new computer so that I can upload footage to work on editing to improve my vision.  I will budget money better so that I don't have to take every job that comes my way because of some wack scarcity mentality.  This will allow me to stay in the creative mindset longer to actually see my vision clearly and create it.  Making this decision is an act of faith.  I have been extraordinarily protected and will only have the opportunity to win if I truly tune in and take care of me.  That's what I'm here for anyway.  Besides, this site isn't called "Inspire the Wackness/Complacent/Fearmonger", so I'm going to leap.  I have to...I owe it to myself.  I'm going all in because I'm sure as hell not going home.  

100.


Bright

The more things change the more they...well, change

Alternatively entitled 

"The C word"

I've never understood the real ending of that, you know..."the more they stay the same."  I guess someone was trying to be ironic but yeeeeaaaah, not so much.  lol  I digress.  So, I've been trying to decide whether or not I wanted to post this but it's on my mind so, on with "keeping it real."  I found out just under two weeks ago that my mom has breast cancer.  This news shook me to my core.  I was stunned, scared, nervous and a host of other not so great feelings.  What does this mean?  I mean, everything has changed.  My mom is my only mom, you know?  She can't go anywhere AND she's a trillion miles away in Atlanta so, I can't just go see her and feel her energy and know she's ok.  I'd just started a job when I found out and was at a loss as to what to do.  I decided to stay on the job because in order for me to have some kind of piece of mind about going to see her I needed to stack that do-re-mi before I bounced.  The job is almost over and I made it through with only crying on the job once.  

What I am facing is change...dancing in the storm, so to speak.  I was(am) nervous about being strong for my mom.  I know that she needs me to be that way for her so that we can make it through this entire thing.  As much of an "adult" as I felt before the news I felt equally like a little girl afterwards.  I'm not ready to take care of everyone, yet.  I thought about all of the accomplishments that I hadn't made to date to show my mom that she did an amazing job raising me.  I felt overwhelmed.  Shak and my friend Ife have both counseled me on trying to shoulder this alone.  I am learning to set aside my pride and to ask others for help.  Because the truth is I cannot handle this on my own.  I am so happy that my sister was working in Miami and could go up to Atlanta.  At the same time I was pissed that I couldn't do the same.  The real is that Maya(my sister) sacrificed what she was doing on her grind to be there for my mom.  I have to sacrifice not being able to be there right away to make sure that we (my sister & I) still have a place to live in LA throughout this experience.  There are a myriad of emotions I may feel at any given moment.  For the last couple of weeks, I've felt mostly incredibly numb.  Like I just can't let the news permeate me because I have to continue to move forward, to finish my job, to be "strong".  But I haven't completely felt "strong" this entire time.  The strangest thing is that I know that my mom is going to be ok, like I know it in my heart, in my spirit, in my soul.  My faith is not shaken in the least.  I know that it will only get stronger through this.  Faith isn't the absence of nervousness or being afraid, I don't think.  Faith is continuing to take the steps forward to move through in spite of those things.  The other side of that, though, is that I can't control this..this change.  This was a very sobering event that shook me to my core because everything is truly transient.  And amazingly enough, that is the beauty of all existence.  When it presents itself in different forms it looks like an obstacle but when we are on the other side of it we realize that obstacle was really an opportunity.  I'm training myself to see the opportunities at present.  I see the opportunity of being closer with my mom and sister and my friends.  I get to be in the same space with my mom and sister and we haven't been in years.  My friends are allowing me to lean on them for emotional support and I am learning to relinquish that control of having it all together.  I never want to seem like I can't handle a situation or that I'm not strong enough.  I never want people to pity me.  But it's my own fight with my ego that I have to work out.  

I finally balled my eyes out yesterday and it was so cathartic to just let go at Shak's house.  For some reason, I couldn't let myself do it even alone in my own space.  I felt so much better after that release.  What I am learning and why I wanted to share this is that our lives may take a trillion twists and turns on this path to greatness.  This grind and my individual process of growth will shape me to be able to tell the stories that I need to share, to speak to people and inspire them from all of my experiences.  Being a liv-er is not about going through life unscathed, it's about how you heal and flaunt your scars.  lol

100.

Bright

I'm Inspired By: Faith

Happy Holidays Everyone!

I’m inspired by this piece, Allegory of Faith by L.S. Carmona (1752-53). It reminds me that almost everything we see around us: cars, cell phones, computers, lights, buildings etc. was once unseen; unimaginable except in the minds of those who had inner vision, and the belief to make their creations visible to the rest of the world.

My New Year's Resolution: Believe more in the unseen=Have more faith.

Shak

100.

I'm Inspired by Walt Disney

This b-day week has been Amazing! I went to Disneyland on Sunday and a Laker game on Wednesday. What could possibly be next? Best part about Disneyland was the end. When Bright and I were walking out on Main street it started to snow (fake snow of course) and the fireworks started to light up the night sky. A soft feminine voice announced over the speaker, "Happy holidays and remember to believe." I started thinking about what it means to believe in things as if you're a 6 year old walking around Disney's park for the first time. Kids don't reason about the time it takes to get on a ride or how many calories are in a damn funnel cake. All they know is that they're going to get on the rides they want to ride and live it up. Ask an adult about Disneyland and he'll usually tell you it's much smaller than he remembered, too crowded, too noisy and he's just there for the kids.

What is is about adulthood that kills our ability to look at things from a fresh perspective? Why are we no longer impressed with running around in a circle with our jacket over our head? Why can't we laugh at ourselves anymore?

I mean who and the hell wrote the book on being an adult anyways? Whoever they are, they pretty much suck. That's my best, humble opinion of course. One of my gentleman suitors gave me the greatest compliment recently about my age. Of course he didn't realize it at the time. He said, "you can't be turning 30 this year, where's the mature attitude? Shouldn't you be more worried about your bills." MUAHAHHAHAHAHHA! Umm really? I've had more bills and responsibilities than most folks my age since 16, however, I choose not to let those worries define who I am. Bills are bills are bills. I can take em or leave em. They're going to be there so why worry about them?

But how we choose to see the world is ALWAYS up to us. We decide. And up until this crazy point in my life where I finally feel kinda grown up, after all, I am 30 ish. I choose to live my life like it's brand new, exciting and an adventure. It's more fun that way, you don't know what to expect and chances are guys 10 years younger will still find you attractive. Not because you're wearing skinny jeans but because they'll actually think you're their age. Ok maybe that's the downside of this whole be-whatever-age-you-think-you-are thing. There is always a plus and a minus.

"All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them". ---Walt Disney

Shak

100.

I'm Inspired By: Change

The wonderful thing about life is that it's always changing. Hell, even the things we perceive to be solid like the cubicle we sit in at work, the floor beneath us, and the car we drive is actually not solid. I'm not going to get into the quantum physics of materials and particles because frankly I'm not a scientist. But here's why change matters to you and I. It matters because it means that we're not locked into being who we are today. THANK GOD FOR THIS!

That means that no matter if you come from a broken home (Mom & Dad weren't there), I'm one of these kids; or you had an abusive upbringing; or you were born homeless; or you were born to a rich family that was always gone; or well I could keep going...the point is your destiny is not bound by circumstances. Whatever hereditary patterns that have kept you dating elusive women/men can be changed. How can I initiate change you ask? Well it's simple if your eyes are open, but you have to look around. If the last 10 dudes you dated all have mommy issues, there is a 99% chance that you have mommy issues too. Remember your mom or teacher used to tell you, "Show me your friends and I'll tell you who you are". Well, that statement applies to your entire life including your mate, your job, your friends, your lifestyle ETC. So if something in your life (job, boyfriend, friend, habit) seems way outta line from what you really desire; when would be a good time to examine it? HOW ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

Some call it change, I call it evolution. When an organism becomes too big or too great for its current position, it changes, sometimes the entire species of that organism changes. And people will start looking at you in wonder. How in the hell did that bum become a freakin' CEO? How did that chick who slept with everybody under the sun get happily married? Folks are very short sighted. They like to see you stay in one spot, it's comfortable for them, after all change can be painful, scary and downright risky. I never understood why Humans resist change so much. If you look around in nature it's all around us, constantly in action. Then again, you can resist the change that's trying to happen to you in this very moment. I'm sure it's easier to remain a caterpillar in a tight cocoon, on one branch of one tree. I've resisted change several times in my life until it got down right unbearable. Sometimes we don't have a choice, a mysterious force propels us to change. Maybe that's the real reason why you got fired. :)

I started small. I asked myself how can I be a lil bit better today? After all, changing one's physical, spiritual, financial and emotional state all at once can be paralyzing. But with each small success the momentum builds and real growth starts to take place. Don't worry, you'll start to fly and wonder why you waited so long to grow your wings.

Shak
100.

Mirror Mirror On the Wall...

I must have written about 50 emails to Bright this past week entailing information about obtaining success. On our mighty quest to find the ingredients for success aka THE BLUEPRINT for dreamers; I've found that one particular flavor overpowers the entire gumbo. I've been consciously researching success for at least the past 4 years. In fact it is the main reason for this site. We wanted to discover, and share with all, the blueprint to finding one's dreams. We thought, hell if we could learn how to grow and to gain success; perhaps others out there would heed the call as well.

In the beginning I thought it was talent, that if one was talented enough they could surely become successful. Maybe one had to be born with a hidden genius that predisposed her to a particular occupation thus giving her an advantage. But after a few years in the music industry trying desperately to "put on" a music producer with superb talent; I noticed that wasn't the case. There were several talents (producers, rappers, singers) who were highly successful (meaning they had obtained their initial dreams) with marginal amounts of talent (that's subjective of course).

That led me to research work ethic, maybe in order to make it to the "top" of the pile, one had to train like a total psycho, give up all comfort and attain success THE HARD WAY. I reasoned it had to be perseverance. If one could only persevere long enough he could finally reach his goal of being a (fill in the blank). In 08, I begin training with religious-like attention, waking up at 4:30 am, running the hills of Los Angeles and torturing myself with sprinting with chains and tires. I would work after and then hit the repeat button the next day. But I started to find counter arguments to this hypothesis, there were lazy people, chillin' at the gym, and all around me who had also found a way to manifest their dreams. How in the hell could this be? They irritated me as they sipped their lattes at Starbucks.

Well maybe it was education. In order to reach a certain level of one's dream one would have to possess the faculties of higher education via experience, college, a master's program or doctorate. If one had enough knowledge than he could reach his goal of obtaining one's dream. I looked at my own situation out of desperation. The majority of my friends had obtained an advanced degree (masters/doctorate). Maybe it was time for me to take it up a notch and gain more knowledge in order to get closer to my dream. The problem was, some of them didn't even have a job let alone a dream career. Most of you know someone with several degrees that hasn't gained any ground in reaching their dreams. Kanye, is a poster boy for this argument.

Then what the hell is the secret ingredient to success? You guys have no idea of my level of exhaustion, to what extent I've tiredly studied until the wee hours in the morning seeking this answer. I've studied ancient philosophers, religious doctrines, self help gurus, rappers, poets, actors, teachers. You name them, there's a 50/50 chance I've researched their theories. I couldn't shake it, I had to find the damn answer to the riddle, assuming of course there was an answer or answers to be found. Poor Bright, sometimes I wonder how she can deal with me at all. I would call her at totally unacceptable times of the night out of sheer excitement that I had gotten a step closer; only to realize the next day that I had found a dead end.

And when I finally saw the truth, it was so familiar to me, I'm convinced I knew it but lost it along the way. I realized how the truth is so simple. It sucks that it always is...kinda makes you feel a bit dumb for spending oh I don't know 3, 5, 10 years trying to rediscover it. The truth is that when you begin to believe in your own God-given power, NO ONE...and I mean NO ONE will be able to come close to what you are capable of doing. That's it...the secret ingredient to success is the power of BELIEF. And whether you want to believe this or not, everything that you have in your current life is because you believed it was so. I know I didn't want to accept the bad stuff that was in my life; that actually is what caused me to blame others and not take personal responsibility. On the flip side, I realized I had become a teacher, a music industry analyst, a corporate trainer because I believed I could. And most recently, I've decide to become an actress...and yes, you've guessed it...I'm acting.

"What so ever ye desire when ye pray, that ye receive and it shall be given..." As a man thinketh, so he is". --Mat 21:22
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened". --Mat 7:7-11

Not to get all religious on yall, because clearly I'm not an expert on the subject but it's in almost every religous doctrine, and it's also in every get rich book, soon I believe the same truth will be proven scientifically as well. And please don't take my word for it. Spend 2, 3, 6, 10 years discovering the truth for yourself. Perhaps, you may have to in order to gain the belief. That's the next puzzle I'm trying to solve. How do you give one belief? Is it possible? You tell me. I mean people see miracles every day and still can't see.

So I don't want to hear anymore nonsense about how Soulja Boy has ruined Hip Hop, or how Tyler Perry isn't that talented or how Britney Spears is a horrible singer, or how (fill in the blank) has no reason to be where they are as an excuse to why you're where you are at currently. Talent, ultimately does not matter in terms of obtaining one's dream. Yikes! What did she just say? Of course it's wonderful when one has an amazing talent; then we can revel in the beauty, the experience, the wonder of that person's gift. But it's all subjective. What I love you might hate. So is it helpful to have talent? Of course. But necessary it is not. Wait I'm starting to sound like freakin' Yoda here. (Jedi in training baby, you best believe it). Sorry, ok talent, drive, great work ethic all play there part in becoming successful. But the key is without belief, those ingredients are powerless. I REPEAT on the loudest, imaginary bull horn that you are now listening too: Belief in and of itself will give you the ability to gain talent, to gain vision, to gain drive and finally to succeed. Now how do you begin to cultivate that inner belief? Sorry, I'm still a pedawon in training. More to come from my research.

P.S. It's gotta be a damn good day. Google has cookie monster on it. (And I love cookies) Random but not really. Become everything you want to become. Just be careful about what it is you want to become. It's simple, look around you, listen to those around you...they will tell you who you are and what you've believed this far.

Shak
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