With my son graduating 8th grade yesterday and my daughter set to graduate from high school this Saturday, I look back with fond memories of them when they were just mere babies to who they are now and what they are becoming. I am literally amazed at what they can do and what they can accomplish. Granted my wife and I gave them the tools to navigate their way through life but they managed perfectly using their own sense and sensibilities. Everything that they’ve achieved so far was due to their unique personality and innate traits; their exterior demeanor belies their true potential. It is because of this that I cherish being a parent. My children’s vim and vigor, no holds barred quest to grab a hold of what the world has to offer and run with it, is truly inspiring. It keeps me on my toes, anxiously waiting to see what unfolds for them and how they’ll astound us. Reflecting on my children’s journey into adulthood overwhelms me with pride and joy and is one of life’s gifts that I am truly honored to accept.
Midlife Reflections
My Family in Six Words

“Love, support and trust for me.”
To Find Oneself

Confidence Boosting Haikus

Believe in yourself
Obstacles can be broken
The world is all yours

You are capable
God gave you gifts to succeed
Display your greatness

All signs point to you
Master your destiny now
Make your dreams come true
My Personal Daily Affirmation
Straight To The Point

If there’s something in your life that you don’t like, then do something about it. You truly have the power to make a difference. Nothing is set in stone, so be brave and initiate change. Get a clear picture of what you want and go for it with gusto. You may encounter failures along the way but stay true to yourself and know that you eventually get there if you don’t give up. You have one life, so live it the way you want to. There’s nothing that is so bad that you can’t fix or make better. Believe in yourself and have faith that life can be to your liking. Just dare to try.

Mid-Life Reflections #7

We live in a hustle and bustle world where every minute of our lives is bombarded by things left and right. There are times when chaos ensues and others that leave us completely dumbfounded. Usually at the end of the day, we are completely exhausted both physically and mentally and end up sleeping it off only to continue with the hubbub the next day.
I’ve learned that too much exposure to all this commotion can sometimes cause us to freak out and wonder “What the hell?!”
“Is this how it’ll be for the rest of my life?”
“Will it ever end?”
“What is my purpose in the scheme of it all?”
“Things have to get better right?”
All these questions must’ve popped into our minds at one point in time. We’re either just starting to experience this, in the process of it or finally getting over it. Whichever one we’re in, just know that in spite of everything, we need to stop and catch our breath.
Look around and take delight in your children, your pets, your siblings, your parents, your grandparents, your friends; just watch them and know that you are what you are because of them.
Watch the sunrise or the sunset; by doing this know that you are lucky enough to live another day.
If your life is not to your liking, change it. It’s as simple as that. Have a job that sucks, quit. In a relationship that’s horrendous, end it. Want to try something new, be fealess and go for it. That cliche “Life is too short” is really true.
You got to where you are because you endured a lot and overcame obstacles that seemed insurmountable. You can go much further and better yourself and situation if you just have faith in yourself. Life is precious…so dare to be bold and custom life to your liking!
My Wife…in six simple words

“She effortlessly touches my heart everyday.”
Spreading Sunshine

As you go through life
be there for the people around you…
loved ones,
family,
friends,
those in need
Be the foundation for their support,
lend a shoulder to cry on,
give a big, tender hug,
share a warm, caring smile,
bring humor to the table
Displaying your light
with unabashed pride,
that’s how
you make everything better…
by
“spreading sunshine”

Almost, But Not Quite There Yet

When life throws you a curve, what do you do? We are faced with making many decisions on a daily basis, some minor, others life-changing ones. How do you decide which course of action to take? Do you rush into it with emotions running high? Do you take a step back and think things through?

Lately, I’ve been pondering the decisions that I’ve made within the past several months. Were they good ones…well it’s hard to say. From my perspective, it might’ve been the wrong ones. I think the past several decisions were based purely on emotions and in hindsight I should’ve taken a breather before jumping headlong into a predicament that exacerbated what was already a stressful situation.

As always, I live and learn. My comfort is in the fact that I have the power to do something about it and that it’s not something that’ll last forever. No matter how bad the situation I’m in, I’ll find a way to resolve it. I just need to look for the little signs that God has placed for me to find. Once I can identify them and learn from it then it’ll be when I can move on. Life is way too short to just give up and be content with where you are.
Granted I’ve made mistakes that led me to where I am today, but I have faith that this is the path that God designed for me. I am eternally hopeful that this will ultimately lead me to where I was truly meant to be. As long as I keep the faith, stay positive and persevere, I’ll be just fine.
