A Better Happiness

Uncategorized

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

The One Thing They Won’t Forget

There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Read More

Get Out of the Rut and Into the Groove

Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

The One Thing They Won’t Forget

There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Read More

Get Out of the Rut and Into the Groove

Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

The One Thing They Won’t Forget

There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Read More

Get Out of the Rut and Into the Groove

Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
Read More

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More
Lion happiness

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

The One Thing They Won’t Forget

There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Read More

Get Out of the Rut and Into the Groove

Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
Read More
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…

Optimism and pessimism are both choices. Avoid negative influences. Seek positive influence’rs. Control your mind. Control your thoughts.

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…

The United Strength of (an imperfect) America

[caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignnone" width="432"] African American Woman Sewing Flag[/caption] Am I so naïve to think America is perfect? Not at all. However, I have the wherewithal to understand something in the air has changed. There is a noticeable difference in the way people dialogue. There is a misunderstanding of others. We don‘t trust intentions. This causes fear. Fear gives way to anger. We yell. We point blame. Does this way accomplish anything? It may validate a point of view. But what do we want? If we could come together as people imagine what we could accomplish. Come together America. Leave the divisive rhetoric and see us for who we are. We…
Read More

Oiesis: The Deception

“When you are told from childhood that you are expected and commanded to behave in a way that will be acceptable only if you do it voluntarily... you remain permanently mixed-up. That, if anything, is permanent brain damage...” - Alan Watts I knew I would need to take a good, long and honest look at myself. Others had defined me to that point. I had assumed a role put upon me by someone else–by my parents and by the Jehovah's Witness community. They had told me who I was to be.  I had allowed this as it was the only way I knew. That is how life must be. Now, that role was…
Read More

Refocus:

[caption id="attachment_1361" align="alignnone" width="300"] Refocus[/caption] There are time in our lives when we will need to refocus and do what is right for ourselves.  And, what is right for self may not be right for others.  That’s okay.  Part of the beauty of life is we can continue to grow as individuals and shape who or what we want to become. This has been my space in 2018.  I had to do what was right for myself.  Most individuals trying to promote a betterment lifestyle through writing would not do that (https://betterhappiness.com).  But for me it’s been a year of change and growth, some expected and some not.  Most of…
Read More

Living Life in The In-Between

But life doesn’t give a shit. Life moves on even while we live in the past. We can’t undo what’s done already. Yesterday is no more. If we hang on to yesterday, we’re trying to live in the past and squandering the present and what may be for our future. You will make mistakes. That’s part of life’s journey. When you do, rectify them as soon as and as best as you can, and move on. Though some will try to hold you to your past, it’s up to you to let it go.

Read More

3 Human Principles for Better Happiness in the New Year

Lion happiness
We are at the twilight of 2016.  Another year retired to the annals of history.  Looking back, 2016 was a good year for me.  I had my ups and downs. The ups far outweighed the downs in my pursuit of a better happiness I'm glad to say. As a whole though 2016 was a strange year for the world. My point of view of the world as a 52 years old, middle-class African-American male and former Jehovah’s Witness is substantially narrowed.  However, I’ve heard similar sentiments from friends from all walks of life and feel confident it’s a shared point of view by more than a few. Increased political unrest and…
Read More

The One Thing They Won’t Forget

There are some experiences in life that just stick with you. One of mine came courtesy of Victor, my friend VJ's dad, who had become something of a father figure to me. One morning when we were out early morning preaching to people on the streets (we were Jehovah's Witnesses), Victor decided it was a good time to teach me, my friend Danny, and his two boys VJ and Paul a life lesson. He waved us over enthusiastically and said "Hey, I want to show you guys something. But before I do, think about this. What's the most precious thing you have?" Victor was good at making us think about…
Read More

Get Out of the Rut and Into the Groove

Have you ever felt stuck in the proverbial career rut? That walking purgatory where instead of waking up each day excited and motivated to go to work, you feel agitated and simply uninspired? When we've been in a career role for a while it’s not uncommon to lose our passion for the work we do. When what we do day-in and day-out becomes routine and frankly boring, it becomes a challenge to get out of a rut and back into the groove. But aren’t “rut” and “groove” the same thing? Yes, they are. The difference is simply in how we feel about it when we're in it. I've been in the legal…
Read More