Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Possibilities are endless

It’s the end of a most wonderful year for me and – for the first time in a long, long time – I’m looking forward to the next one.

When I think of 2011 (just around the corner), I think of the goals I can finally reach: growing closer to family and friends, and, just as importantly, my continuing efforts to touch the hearts and minds of many of today’s wayward youth.

Yes, the possibilities are endless; long live possibilities.

2011: Bring it on.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Looking ahead

I often reflect on my life – where I’ve been and where I’m going. And I think reflecting is a good thing when it’s put to good use.

But I used to find myself looking back and feeling gloomy and depressed. It used to stop me from getting up in the morning, from feeling that I have something worthwhile to offer, from feeling any self-worth.

Yes, I was once in that place. But today I refuse to ‘go there.’ I refuse to get so bogged down with past regrets that I can’t see a better tomorrow…or even look forward to today. I realized that if I allowed the past to haunt me, to paralyze me with fear, that it would be the same as spitting in the face of Almighty God – the same God who gave his son in order for ME to have hope. Real hope.

So if you’re that person who keeps looking to his past with regrets, who allows it to stop you from being the best YOU that you can be, remember that someone great died a tortuous death in order for you to be worthy of his kingdom.”

Yes, you ARE worthy.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thankful…so very thankful…

In my book, “From One Thoughtless Act,” I rarely discuss the trait of being thankful. For certain I’ve thanked my son, my mother and all my family and friends who provided support throughout my 28-year incarceration. But in the truest meaning of being thankful – I’m just coming to know what that means.

You see, this past Thursday I shared meals and laughter with family and friends – as we all should do. Those are things that make life worth living. But we should all be grateful and thankful for every single day of our lives, knowing that not all of us were blessed to see “this day.”

So from this respect, I guess I am still growing, still maturing, still pressing on to perfection. Yes, my life, like everyone’s, is a constant struggle in becoming better than we are. Better today than we were yesterday.

And today, I am truly thankful to know the difference.

…yes, these days I am truly thankful…

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I Never Dreamed…

If anyone would have told me just last year that today I would be a published author, a motivational speaker and a contribution to society (in a positive way), I would have gladly given them my meds.

I never dreamed this could be my life.

If you’ve read my book, “From One Thoughtless Act,” you know why: dysfunctional upbringing, homicidal tendencies, and warped beliefs – they all boil down to worthlessness. Or so I thought.

No, I never dreamed that my life could be what it is today. And that’s why I continue to do what I do, to speak with the youth and others who feel ‘things just can’t get any better for me,’ because (believe me) they always can. Or they feel that ‘nothing good can come of my life,’ but I’m living proof that that’s not necessarily the case.

Yes, life is filled with possibilities beyond our wildest imaginations! And although you don’t know what the next day will bring…whatever it is, grab it with both hands and make the best of it. Because there’s something out there greater than yourself…and it’s waiting for you…

…even if you never dreamed…

Friday, November 5, 2010

WE ALL FALL SHORT

Not one of us is perfect: We all fall short – and you’re no exception. That doesn’t mean that we give up, although we might give in. It means we try harder, we push farther, we propel forward.

That’s the message I want to leave my readers in my new book From One Thoughtless Act. I know about falling short of the glory of God. If I didn’t know any better, I’d believe I created the concept. But that’s not the case. Man has fallen short for millenniums – and we’ll keep falling short. But it’s not the falling that matters; it’s the getting up.

I should know: I've been down most of my life, yet I'm back on my feet again. And if I can get up anyone can! So stop feeling sorry for yourself. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off. And start all over again…not now, but RIGHT NOW!

No, you are no exception.

We all fall short.