Today's Reality

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; your hand may
hold with great strength yet
your mind can lose it's grip;
now that's a reality, forget
the script.

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; so say what
dare, be courageous in
your cares; now that's a
reality, face your fears.

Reaching back for evidence
to use today, you may lose
your space; embrace that which
time can't be wasted, displaced
intentions, allow your passions
to lead, remain relentless; now
that's a reality, swing for the fences.

Back Up Again

As the school band played, he noticed his palms were not cold, and definitely not sweaty. He was calm…very calm, which was a relief. He had practiced his Valedictorian speech all week. He even worked a few jokes in with what he felt was great timing.

BUUZZZZZZZZ!!!

Oh man I just need to turn this thing off, he thought as he reached for his phone. His cousin, Danny Jr., had sent him an urgent message.

“Jay, I know this isn’t the best time but do you remember when we used to jump off of Grandma’s roof? We were so crazy back then. Never would’ve thought we’d be here now. Funny how we let go of those things…as long as we don’t let go of it all right? Can’t wait to hear your speech!”

As he walked to the podium, the words of the text message resounded inside of him like a loud bass drum. As he began his speech, he couldn’t shake the thought of “letting go of it all”. After a short pause, he realized his prepared speech meant nothing anymore and decided to speak from the heart.

“You know...before I got up here, I received a text from Danny Jr., my cousin and I've got to say it's changed my perspective on life…stand up Danny.”

The entire auditorium appeared to focus on Danny Jr., who welcomed the attention and waved vigorously at the crowds of people, thus causing a short response of laughter. Jay crumbled his speech and tossed it to the side of the stage, then positioned himself back at the podium.

“For many years, I believed I could fly. I’m not sure if it was the result of being a fan of comic book characters, cartoons or learning of the powers people possessed in the Bible. By the time I was privileged to watch Michael Jordan play basketball for the North Carolina Tarheels, the seed had already been planted and had established roots into my belief system.

Whether it was jumping ramps with our bikes that we created with planks and bricks, running as fast as we could to jump over or down into the creek or swinging on the park swing set so high that when we’d jump out of the seat, we paused in mid air, just long enough to pose for a picture, the dream of flying was expressed through our creativity. My cousins and friends and I even jumped from the roof of my grandparent’s house, some holding sheets or shirts across their backs for the effect of a cape. This belief in flight was contagious!”

More crowd laughter spewed in appreciation of Jay’s honesty but Jay kept speaking, seemingly unaware of how captivated he held his audience.

“As I grew up, some dreams of flight were realized, thanks to US Airways and others, while other dreams of flight dwindled as an overly used candle. For years, those feelings that had once inspired me lay dormant, often looked upon as fond memories of a naive child…yet, today I feel that inspiration returning. I feel a drive building inside of me to propel myself up, up and away; though not as the Man of Steel but as a Man of Will."

Jay paused briefly, looking down at his classmates and into the audience. Touching his chest, Jay continued. "I can feel it...building inside of me and I can’t help but embrace the belief again…that I can fly."

The words Jay spoke were building emotions inside of him that he hadn't felt in years, if ever. He took a step back from the podium to gather his thoughts. Simultaneously, more applause and cheers rang out, with words of encouragement for Jay to continue speaking from his heart. Even the professors and school officials appeared to sit on the edge of their seats, hoping he continued. Jay regained his composure and approached the podium.

"I am determined now, more than ever, to build my wings, to train my body to endure the extreme velocities needed for extended flights because once I go up, I don’t plan on coming down anytime soon. Sure I may dip down to the coast for a refreshing drink but then it’s back up again.

I wish I could give you this feeling…this feeling that no one can stop me…this feeling of confidence, of purpose, of peace that I’ve found my reason for living. I am here to fly. I am not here to serve as anything other than an inspiration to the world that anything is possible…because in fact, once you step out on faith, you may find yourself flying too. I believe I can fly…do you?”

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause in a standing ovation. There were chants of “Yes, I can fly!” coming from every angle. The senior class, the audience and school officials...all were out of their seats, cheering and chanting Jay’s name. As he gazed around the auditorium, he stood in awe of what a little inspiration can do.

Her Awareness

The blaze roared; devouring the oak dining room table and chairs her dad created for as their wedding gift. She heard a slight whistle seep from the cushions of the couch as they fell helplessly into the flames. As the rage of flames consumed the curtains, minuscule flakes sprang from the burning fabric. For a second, she awed at its beauty; its majestic form dominating all in its path. Escaping from the house, she could hear the sirens blaring. Her glossy eyes reflected the image of an inevitable truth--the hopelessness every human being encounters at least once in his/her lifetime--the loss of something you love. Although she was deeply saddened watching her home disappear before her eyes, one thing was clear--her awareness of who she was, which always proved to be in her favor.

I survived. I always survive.

As Jim arrived, he was overcome with emotion. He ran towards her, arms spread out in hopes to comfort her; yet she knew, he was the one who needed comforting the most. For the past nine months, Jim, his dad and his father-in-law, all worked on renovating this house, which finally began to feel like home.

“Glad we didn’t buy that welcome mat,” he offered, as a poor attempt to make her smile.

Jim was good at making me smile, but not tonight. She was focused on one thing. Survival. What would they have to do tomorrow? Meet with the insurance agent; go down to the police station and fire station to complete all reports…

“THE SAFE!”

“It’s fire proof Sweetie. I insured the paintings too. I know you thought I wouldn’t remember,” Jim joked, with a strained smile on his face.

She could tell he was hurting more than he let on. That’s what happens when you invest so much into something and all of the sudden, it’s gone. You feel depleted, immediately emptied and weighed down all at the same time. And she felt it too.

“Your dad always says, ‘B.S. happens…to some more than others. It’s what you do after that really matter.’”

“We’ll survive,” she whispered to Jim, smiling, knowing that Jim cleaned up her father’s words. Jim’s always been good at making me smile.

Taking a Break vs. Quitting

Recently, I’ve been analyzing the things in and around my life. Through this analysis, I am becoming more aware of what makes me tick. In doing so, I’ve had some profound revelations be revealed and confirmed by others who I consider have like minds. A more recent revelation has come from my love for gaming. It’s no secret that I enjoy playing video games. I’ve played, believe it or not, for close to 30 years! Regardless of what anyone says, playing video games challenges your senses, concentration and tests your determination to see tasks through until the end. As I thought about my desire for gaming and how involved I can become with a game, I posed a question via Twitter & Facebook: How do you know when to quit completely or when to take a break?

A good friend of mine, Mr. Griggs replied, “If you know what you need to do but keep making the same mistake, it’s time to take a break.” This is such a profound statement and should be applied to life in general. Taking a break is never a bad idea, if done for right reasons. Generally speaking, life can wear you down. If you’re giving all that you can and not seeing sufficient improvement, “it’s time to take a break.” To paraphrase another good friend of mine, Mr. Graves, in most cases, it’s good to get away from a situation so you can clear you mind and assess the situation from afar. Maybe you will discover that the game really isn’t worth any more of your time…or maybe you will find the answers you desire.

Lastly, my brother Mr. James told me, “You can never quit.” I believe in this completely. Quitting is never an option. If there is a way, I’m going to find it and I will be victorious! Please do not confuse this with any real life situation in which you may be in danger, physically or emotionally. Walking away or moving on are not the same as quitting. Quitting is when you haven’t given a sufficient effort. You didn’t try your best or even give the situation a chance to work out. In real life, you may need to walk away or move on. This doesn’t mean you’ve quit; you’re just choosing a different game to play; one where the rules and environment are conducive to your growth and success.

A Reluctant Truth

Ever had more than one puzzle box,

and some of the pieces from one

are raked into another? When you try to

put the pieces together to complete the puzzle,

some pieces may fit into the picture but once

the puzzle pieces are in place, the picture is

still not complete. The picture will have a

distortion in colors or it may be an obvious

irregularity that throws off the image you've

tried to create.

This lesson can be applied to every day life.

Some things and some people, no matter how

fond you are of them, do not fit into your life.

Whether it's a love of sweets and you have diabetes,

salty foods versus high blood pressure, or even

in relationships. Some people do not fit into

your life. And that's okay.

The challenge is to accept this reluctant truth

and have the courage to move forward.

"Puzzles have pieces that may fit into others;

yet fail to complete the picture." -- AAW

Doing Too Much

“Let me get that,” his baritone voice insisted.

As he reached for his wallet with his left hand, his right hand touched hers for the first time. First dates are usually the most revealing and misleading of all experiences of a young couple. She had to admit it was refreshing to have a genuine offer to pay for dinner and not have to endure another passive-aggressive reverse psychological exchange where she ended up paying entirely for the meal.

Enjoy the moment. Don’t get too far ahead of yourself Estelle. He does have a beautiful smile, kind of like David’s. Oh, how I miss…No Estelle! Focus on the present. It’s been three years. Besides, this is the first guy to take you to church without you suggesting it! Oh no…have I been staring at him all this time? Oh God! Wait…has he been staring at me? Oh my God he was!

She dropped her head, and slowly, looked up at him, raking back her hair with her left hand.

“Those are very nice earrings. They really bring out your eyes.”

He compliments earrings and compares them to my eyes? Who does that? This guy is too good to be true…no…I’ll be positive. Just stay on your toes Estelle. He may be doing too much, but I like it…

The Awareness

I can see it so clearly.

Sure I wear glasses but there isn't any glare;

Only well-defined edges, sharp colors and

the awareness of the slightest movement.

I can feel it's near.

Sure I'm hairy but none are standing on my body;

Only the feeling of distinct breezes, cool and warm and

the awareness of the slightest movement.

I can definitely hear it.

Sure I'm musically inclined but this isn't familiar;

Only vibrant rhythms, vocals, instrumentation and

the awareness of the slightest movement.

I can surely taste it.

Sure I'm hungry but there's also an undying thirst;

Only it's not for consumption, but of achievement and

the awareness of the slightest movement.

I am confident I know it.

Sure I'm only beginning but I've got a head start;

Only because I'm wise enough to seek wisdom from

the awareness of the world's slightest movement.