Facing All Challenges

It has been far too long since my last post; but I had to take a hiatus in order to complete several other projects going on all at the same time. Now that I'm back in action, the first topic I'd like to address on my return is the idea of challenges (and if you must, challengers).

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chal·lenge (noun) 1. a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.; 2. something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc; 3. a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.; 4. a demand to explain, justify, etc.: a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.; 5. difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.

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The emboldened definitions are the ones I want you to focus on, in particular the difficulty in a job or undertaking. Life is a funny thing. Everyday of it is a gift, yet there can be those days that come with a set of challenges that push you to the brink; that sometimes can make just being alive seem like a burden unto itself. The thing is no matter what you are going through, your goal should be to just keep living, keep perservering. Rise up and answer the call - face your challenges, your obstacles, your impediments, and your nay-sayers face on. Don't let anything distract your efforts and that which you are out to accomplish. To help with the process - here is a five step guide I've created to help you overcoming and move forward.


>>> IDENTIFY - Be aware and know what challenges you have faced (past), what challenges you are in the midst of (present), and what challenges could arise in the time ahead (future). You'll have the mindset of being currently aware, the knowledge gained from your past tribulations, and the ability to prepare for your obstacles on the horizon. Sit and ask yourself, what are my challenges? Always be honest. Get out a note pad and write an outline. What are your challenges, and what are the ROOTS of those challenges (the causes/ instigators/ agitators). Be thorough, and be truthful; that is the only way any progress can be made - shatter any denial(s).

>>> RESOLUTION - Come up with a game plan. How will you get out? Who can/ will help you get survive the challenge? What do you need to do to fix the situation? When can the problem be fixed (and be realistic...)? Set goals and timelines. Have a starting point, and a finishing point. Know where you are, and where you want to be so you can monitor your progress. Don't be afraid to "coach" your way out of turmoil. Be methodical and thoughful; not rash and irrational. Sometimes moving out of a predicament can be tough, but be up to the task. Again, be realistic with your goal setting. Garnish all the help and positive influences you can - let your family and friends know your plans (you need support to succeed).


>>> EFFORT - This is an important key before you initate your plans. You must put yourself in a positive mindset, and gather your strength. It's not just enough to come up with a solution to your challenges, you've got to get ready to implement them and that takes work. Rallying your supporters to help you is a vital step in both creating a resolution, but in putting that plan into place as well. Get yourself in the shape you need - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Exercise, it'll help with all three. De-stress by finding hobbies you enjoy and gravitate your mind away from your problems. Stimulate yourself - don't just lay stagnant without anything to do - all that does it leave your mind fixated on your problems.


>>> IMPLEMENTATION - Devising the remedy isn't the end of the story. Just like a New Year's Resolution isn't enough - you have to actually follow through with it and that's where a lot of people slip up. Moreover, you can't just start down the road, quit halfway (or give a mediocre effort) and think you're going to get to the end of the road. You've got to give your solutions your all, and dedicate to becoming better/ overcoming the challenge. Enact your solutions, and stick through them thick and thin. You can't falter, you can't quit, and you can't put up a sorry effort towards your plan. Create a journal and keep track of your progress and to take general notes. Do a check up and evaluation with your support group, have them help you monitor your progress.

>>> PROGRESS MANAGEMENT & SUSTAINING - So you've put in the hard work, you've singled out your challenges and what is causing them. You created a solution/ way out; built your effort up, and then begin putting your plans in place. So now what? Now comes the really hard part - continuing to make progress. Maintaining and sustaining can sometimes be the hardest things you do when you're on the upswing. Too often we let ourselves plateau or "coast" once we've hit a certain point. Don't let yourself get into that phase because before you know it, you can begin going in reverse. Effort and implementation will continue through this stage, you will constantly need to revitalize your effort and re-implement your game plans. The notes of progress should continue, and every so often you should create a new outline, a new starting point, and a new ending point just to stay fresh. If you're having a hard time and feel like you've hit a ceiling at any point - consider it a new challenge and restart the whole process from step one. It won't be the end of the world if you occasionally stumble, just keep notes in your journal/ outline you've created on whatever happened, and come up with ways to avoid it from happening again. We're all only human; to hold yourself to any higher regard and seek out absolute perfection is a mistake in itself.

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Challenges in your life will arise all the time. Just when you think you've conquered one thing, three more will pop up in their place. It's all about managing them, taking them in stride, then constructing your way either out or around. Being a champion or someone who succeeds does not mean you will go without struggles - keep in mind that every set of situations or circumstances can present it's own unique challenges (which is why you should always be careful about what you wish for). Difficult times and situations will arise, so be prepared not only to endure, but to fight your way through/ out. Practice the I.R.I.E.P. steps above. Lean on your support (family, friends, love ones, co-workers, associates), and examine your landscape for resources than can help you (financial, social, psychological, weight loss, etc.). It might not always be easy, but where there is a will, there is a way. Life is too short to do anything but dance while you have the chance.

Until the next time, make it a great week!

J. Junior II
12/8/2011

Motivational Tid Bits

Just a few thoughts and "tid-bits" to get your fall started right...

> First and foremost, life is never about the mistakes you make, have made, or will make way down the road. It's about the lesson(s) you take from them, and the journey they place you on. If a mistake placed you on the road to destruction, know that while mistakes can't be changed, the actions and/or results in/ of their aftermath can be altered. You write your own storyline. Plan and choose to write a successful one.

> Maximize your potential as an individual. Scan over your dreams, your hopes, and creative desires that you have. Don't let any hidden talents escape, and worse yet don't let any hidden talents sit unused. Your hidden/ unused talent(s) could be the things that bring you forward into a brighter era within your life. Don't be afraid to hone and fine tune your talents either. Everyday should be a day of betterment. Train yourself and your talents if necessary, give them the soil they need to grow.

> Know the different types of motivation and adjust accordingly. There are two general branches - intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation refers to the motivation driven by the interest in, or the enjoyment of the activity itself, rather than external pressures. Extrinsic is just as it would sound - a motivation that is derived from the external environment of an individual. For example; rewards, coercion, threats, prizes, and recognition. While not all extrinsic motivations are bad in nature, try to focus on the things that come more natural, and thus are likely intrinsic to you (internally based).

> Plan out a realistic timeline for your future, whether short-term or long term, and stick to it. This can give you internal motivation to accomplish whatever goals or complete whatever projects you have out there. This can also serve as a source of optimism if you're lacking.

> Always enable those who surround you if you plan to succeed yourself. You cannot have constant success if your growth stymies those around you. Growth should be done in conjunction. Growth amongst your surroundings will lend itself to more growth; whereas you growing yet breeding a stagnant atmosphere around you lends to your eventual upending.

> Remember that your struggles are polishing you up for a better place. Don't get distracted, distraught, or disorderly when things don't work out as they should. Unfortunately, they never do. With anything, expect the unexpected but don't let it bend you out of shape. Maintaining a positive attitude even in chaos usually makes the struggle not so bad, and makes it pass you by just a little faster. Keep your mood together and push forward.

> Comprehend, communicate, achieve, succeed. And as always, live unconquered despite your circumstance, not conquered because of.

- J. Junior II
9/21/2011

"Weathering The Storm" Timeline

As I push forward with my new manuscript project - which will carry the same name as this blog - I was excited to get an update on Weathering The Storm, which will allow me to offer a pretty firm timeline on it's production course.

Currently, WTS is in the copyediting phase, which will last about a month. Afterwhich, it will go through a three month period of conceptual editing. To kick off the new year, a cover will be designed, followed by two months of layout design. As spring nears, the book will be finalized, afterwhich I can begin the preliminary distribution of copies. While WTS won't yet be on the full market, books will be available through me and at any various events I hold (book signings, etc.). The book goes into a 90 day marketing phase, in which I work with the Publisher (Tate) to find my niche, build support, and ready all the markets for the "official release date". This gives Tate time to have copies ready for distribution once sales go mainstream. At the end of those ninety days, the book is officially released, and available in all major markets.

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Here's the timeline in a date format...

Copyediting - currently through the end of September.
Conceptual Edit - Phase I - October
Conceptual Edit - Phase II - November
Conceptual Edit - Phase III - December
Cover Design - January 2012
Layout Design Phase I - February 2012
Layout Design Phase II - March 2012
Book Finalized - on/ around April 15th, 2012 (copies available via me and/or my events such as book signings)
Book Marketing/ Preparation Phase - on/around April 15th, 2012 - July 15th, 2012
BOOK RELEASE DATE - on/ around July 15th, 2012
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These dates are not exactly set in stone, but a general timeline that will flex and flow as the production process moves forward, and give you a general idea of the "what/when" process for WTS. It may seem like a long time off, but I'm sure the time will fly by, especially as WTS nears its "birthday".

In the same time, I have also developed the timeline to complete the manuscript for "Live Unconquered", which will be the follow up to WTS and follow the scheme developed by this blog. I'm working now to draw out a frame for Live Unconquered, which could take a month or so. Afterwhich, I'll start filling the frame with the selected material, and give the manuscript a clear concept and message, all the while serving as a sequel to WTS. I'd like for the whole process to be done by the end of January, 2012. Once the manuscript is complete, I will begin the process of finding and selecting an appropriate/ compatible publisher (more than likely Tate) - and the production process will start all over again.

It'll be a lengthy but rewarding process, and I already can't wait for it to be complete. I'll keep working hard until that day...

JJR II
Keep Living Unconquered
9/8/11

Weathering The Storm Update

As my first book production date begins (less than two weeks away), I thought I would go through some of the first steps that occur for Weathering The Storm to go from manuscript to actual book. It may not as be as easy of a process as you think; it's certainly been more complex and time-consuming than I ever would have guessed. Moreover, as a first time author, this is a completely new process for me so it's not entirely surprising.

The first step Weathering The Storm will enter is a copy-editing phase of production. This process will obviously be completed by my publisher, Tate Publishing. They will work to improve the formatting, style, and accuracy of my manuscript. They don't change the actual text, but make it more clear, correct, concise, complete, and consistent.

Once Tate has completed the copy-editing, they will turn it over to the conceptual editing area of their company. Conceptual editing looks at the overall book and see what's missing from it, what I could do to make it a better project, what needs to be expanded, and what areas I could condense. This stage, in a sense, gets the message I want to portray across in the most understandable manner. In addition, this is also where the appropriate illustrations and graphics are incorporated into my manuscript. If all goes to schedule, this should happen around a month after the copy-editing process begins - so around the beginning of October.

I imagine this will be a busy and exciting time. I cannot wait to see how Weathering The Storm progresses, and everyday that goes by is a day closer to its release date. I will continue to provide updates (and hopefully in the latter stages I can offer previews), and concurrently begin working on the manuscript for the next book in line - Live Unconquered.

Always remember to make the best of your time. Be productive, and have optimism. Life is too short to be a downer - stay positive, stay motivated, and keep living unconquered.

J. Junior II
8/22/2011

Live Unconquered - The Next Project

In the next couple of weeks, my first book - "Weathering The Storm", will hit the editing and production phases. I will be working with Tate Publishing to make this dream become a reality and bring WTS into market. Concurrently, I have began to develop a concept for my next book, which will carry the same name as this blog. I have already started working on this next project, and hope to have the manuscript completed around the time WTS is officially released in early 2012.

Live Unconquered

breakthrough to a brighter day...

The goal for WTS was to bring you through and out of turbulence; Live Unconquered will serve as the follow up and move you forward/ away from the fringes of said turbulence. My goal is for Live Unconquered to be more in depth and hit more specific topics, in addition to giving you the tools and motivation to live undeterred no matter your circumstance.

This will be a busy yet exciting time. I'm a newbie to this whole area, but I am confident that everything will run smoothly. I look forward to working with Tate and creating the best book possible out of "Weathering The Storm", and constructing another viable manuscript with the Live Unconquered theme --> that of continuous growth, development, transformation, reorganization, faith, hope, and motivation.

Of course, I'll give all the details and exact dates as they arise. Thanks to all my supporters, and don't forget to keep living....

UNCONQUERED.
J. Junior II
08/08/11

A Time To Review - Part II

This week, I’ll continue going over posts from the last two months. Rehashing and refreshing is a vital point in the goal to live unconquered. It is easy to become sidetracked; to get completely off-course. It’s not about straying off your path – we are all human and will at some point or another – but getting back on your path in due time without inflicting damage to your life.

New Beginnings - They are important. Sometimes, you will need change and to start over – all environments will stagnant and become routine overtime without it. If you ever feel like you’ve “worn out the welcome mat” – that’s only a sign that it’s time for a fresh start. Don’t fear change – embrace it. I can’t tell you how many times I lamented something being changed – and later found out it was in my benefit…

The Healing Process… - Don’t take two steps forward, only to take three backwards. Let the past go, and turn over a new page. Former chapters need not be a reflection on those yet unwritten. Forgive, which doesn’t mean forget, but letting loose and moving forward. Letting things linger can act as a dead weight on your life, and for many years afterwards. Being unable to let go can also give you an irrational mindset, and lead you into making uneducated, rash, and harmful decisions/ choices. So, stop focusing on yesteryear, because it hurts your planning for the next year.

The Power of Knowledge - It is a key to many doors. It can pave a way out of trials when isn’t a clear path present. It can lead you out of dark and into the light, and deflect detrimental circumstances and situations. It can serve as armor around you if you surround yourself with it. The power from it is infinite if used properly, and there is no task impossible if used with morality. Never end the quest to educate yourself.

Get Out! - If you live in a bad state of affairs, then you need to run from under those clouds as soon as you can. Don’t make excuses, and don’t look for ways to NOT get out. You deny yourself growth and development by sitting in a unfavorable environment. Why live suppressed and defeated, without any goals, hope, knowledge, or faith. Why be in an atmosphere that drains all of your will and strength? You shouldn’t. GET, OUT.

A Tragedy --> A Triumph - Turn your disasters into blessings. Catastrophic events will happen to all of us, and for all their negativity, try to find something positive to take away from them. A horrible event can serve as the seed for something immense. Take a tragedy and create something that is for the good of all. Don’t forget that once your tragedy is a triumph; be sure to assist others to their breakthrough as well.

Beat All The Odds - If you have a negative mindset, you already enter a situation with defeat on your shoulders. Always go into with whatever you do with confidence, a positive and winning mindset, and believing you can achieve – and you can do this without arrogance or pompousness. You can defeat any odd you set your mind to – or at least go out trying. Do not ever concede defeat. You are not truly beaten unless you give up and throw in the towel. Hang in there even when the going is tough, stay motivated; you can accomplish all you set your mind to if you believe you can first.

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Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.
Albert Einstein
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The power of imagination makes us infinite.
John Muir

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Keep Living…
J. Junior II
08-03-2011

A Time To Review - Part I

While I take a quick "sabbatical" to move, create my back cover for my book, and round up interviews for a new position at Ohio State, I thought I would take the next two weeks to review previous postings. To make points stick home, it's always best to keep things fresh in your mind - otherwise they get placed in your brain's disposal.

The Introduction - Use this time now to start anew. You can start writing a new chapter everyday, the power of that pen (of life) lies in your hand. Use it wisely, and be smart. It doesn't matter what your past has, why let the storm clouds of yesteryear linger into next year.

Attitude Checks - I have to preach this one to myself all the time. You will always come in contact with people whom you could do malicious things to. Don't lie to yourself, we all know that person. Instead of wanting to get somebody -  get anybody, stay positive. As my co-worker always tells me - don't let someone else still your shine. In the same token, don't let circumstances and situations be a detriment to you, who you are, and what you stand for. Move forward, and accomplish big things.

Rising Above - Stay above the fray. Keep your name and your reputation out of debauchery. Don't knell down to those who thrive in idiocy. Repel those who speak blasphemy, and who desire nothing more than for you to participate in their games of ignorance. Life is too short; don't make a mess of everyday...

Move >, Move ^ - Don't take steps backwards. If you feel like for every step you take forward that you end up taking two back, evaluate yourself. Something needs fixed. Press forward whether you're going 1mph or 95 mph. Never fall into the trap of thinking you always need to go 95 mph either, try to adhere to life's speed limits. Or at least, within an acceptable range over...

"Weathering The Storm" - I can't wait to distribute signed copies... Early 2012, mark it down on your calendars! Soon enough, I should be able to give a solid "release" date. And announce my next book project....

Those Seeds You Sow... - We all reap what we sow. If you are continuously throwing around negative "seeds", they will take root, sprout, and destroy your environment. Promote positive things, and positive things will come to pass onto you. It might seem like you're having unending bad times no matter the good you do - but don't be deterred.

Watch What You Do... - ...because your enemy is watching too, and plotting. Don't ever put yourself in vulnerable situations and circumstances. We have enough day-to-day problems to manage, why bring unneeded trouble your way? All the while, your adversaries are watching and waiting for what fuel they can get to bring you down. Don't let it happen. Do what's right, don't cheat, don't lie, and make yourself a trustworthy person. Stay above the fray!

"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until next week, keep striving to leave a legacy. Every little thing you do matters in the grand scheme of things. Let your clouds loose, get them out of the way of your sunshine, and live unconquered.

JJR II

7-26-11

Defy All Odds

When you set out to live unconquered, you must realize that you will face obstacles, distractions, derailments, and difficult conquests around every corner you turn. Your personal will can, and will, always be put to the test. There will be situations where your character is pushed to the limit, and that you’re asked to keep moving even though it seems hopeless. You never know what hurdles and obstacles will be thrown at you in your lifetime, but what you can do is make a dedication that no impediment placed in your way will be a deterrent to you continuing along the path of life you set. 

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson   

I’ll turn your attention to Eric LeGrand. For those of you who don’t know, he was a collegiate football player at Rutgers University who was injured this past season. He suffered a severe spinal injury, and was paralyzed as a result. Since his injury October 16^th, he has consistently made it his initiative to defy the odds, stating numerous times that he will walk again. In his latest update, he tweeted pictures of himself alongside his mother in therapy – standing upright. This is the same person in mid-October of 2010 that doctors – for all their intelligence and medical expertise – incorrectly stated he would never walk again. Those same doctors, who predicted LeGrand would be attached to a ventilator the rest of his life. Another misdiagnosis. Whether it be fate, a miracle, or by his sheer will, he has already defied the odds – and continues to every hour, every minute, and every second. Can those of us who complain (myself included) about the simple things, do the same, without complaints or negative attitudes? When I see people such as Eric, or the cancer patients I work with on a daily basis – individuals are defying the odds every second – it gives me the motivation and dedication to hurdle my own hindrances which are minuscule in comparison.

Click for link on Eric LeGrand's progress....

Whatever route through life you choose - always be aware that a detour is available around obstructions if needed. Even if you storm through rough patches like a bull in a china shop – just ensure that you make it through. The saying that “nothing is impossible” is spot on. You are only defeated by a circumstance when you wave your white flag and surrender. Remember – don’t let something conquer you; and in the same token don’t have the mindset that you’ve got to conquer everything in sight. The goal is to be unconquered by your environment, and then being more than a conqueror all-the-while being an example, a leader, a protagonist, and a role model for those who surround you. Don’t feel like you are required to conform to stereotypes or statistics, go against the grain and be a standout.

The odds you experience will vary, but none are too great to be defeated. Have strength, and never succumb to your milieu. Whether you’re in what seems to be an unending and grueling battle with cancer, seeking to walk again, kick that decades long addiction – whatever it is – don’t give up your fight. The road may be hell, but I can assure you the light at the end of the tunnel is there. Always persist, and know that some journeys you depart on may not come to an end. Moreover, if you never reach whatever “destination” it is, it is better to be in the act of traveling, than have given up along the way. Cherish the moment, cherish the journey, and cherish the struggles. A day of struggles is better than no day at all…

Root for those around you to defy all odds too. Do the unthinkable, do what no one believes you can do. I personally believe in vicarious victories. Always support and push forward those in your life with a positive and well intended agenda. All it takes is one person to experience their breakthrough to trigger an avalanche of encouragement, success, and accomplishments. Live united; it’s even better to defy the odds as a posse.  

“Standing tall, we can’t fall….”

- Eric LeGrand

Defy & Live Unconquered.

JJR II

7/19/2011

A Tragedy --> A Triumph

On Independence Day, I spoke of getting out of bad situations, circumstances, atmospheres, and predicaments – in addition to getting away from those who perpetuate inclemency in your life. Sometimes, a lot of the times actually, it is easier said than done. Some events that happen will be out of your realm of control, blind side you, and not necessarily be events and/or circumstances that you prepare for. These tragedies, while they are often accompanied with a horrible set of emotions, must be overcome as well.

Tragedies, misfortunes, heartbreaks, calamity, disaster – whatever you refer to them as – usually strike so hard because of their shock value. That being said, you are expected to have some “depression” or “depressed states” afterwards. The key is to not let this valley linger on so long that it begins to alter you, or leave you in a vulnerable state and prone to slip ups. We all see it, time and time again, how mistakes and wrongs of a person’s long past show up and inflame their circumstance/ situation/ environment of present day. Never let chapter 3 have a direct influence on chapter’s 4, 5, 6, etc. in life – your life should be a direct continuum. Yes this or that may have happened in your past, but don’t let it be the paver of the road that is your future. If you let something that happen ten years ago hover as a cloud and cause turmoil in your present day life – you have essentially empowered that element. Use your knowledge, yourpower, and your keys to get out from under whatever storm clouds are over you, and turn your tragedy into a triumph.

Vow that whatever tragedy happens to you – that you will learn from it, it will mold you into a bigger and better person; then dedicate to create something great out of it. There is no end to the amount of good that can be created out of a personal catastrophe if we all adopt this mindset. Strive to leave a legacy in the honor of whatever misfortune and suffering you suffered. Your goal is to be able to say, “yes this incident happened/ is happening to me (and/or those you know) – but look at what I created out of my ashes of adversity.” You should always be superior to the grief you undergo. Your personal will and strength should always be greater than your surroundings. 

An important key is to turn anything negative that’s happened into something worthwhile. Shape-shift agony into a motivating fuel. Let me break it down with some examples... So someone told you that you can’t/ couldn’t do something? Questioned your skill, goals, purpose, etc.? Work hard to do that very thing. Get it done, BUT don’t do it just to prove your nay-sayers wrong. You do it to prove to yourself you can/could/will do “it” – whatever you set your goals to be. This goes for it all – death, disease, poverty, adultery, employment, disarray, and dysfunction, anything negative. Put a positive light on it. Tell yourself – I’ll accomplish (a, b, c) because of this – then press forward with those plans. Don’t plan for something, only to have the ship you build never take sail… 

I would rather be labeled a failure having dedicated to a great cause and purpose than have great success by supporting malevolence, deceit, and disorder. 

Another important element is knowing that the day you decide to turn over a new leaf that you don’t/won’t/can’t ever go back. Throw out the rear-view mirror. Take the past chapters and tear them out and start anew if you need to. What is the point in turning a calamity into a achievement, only to let your new-found accomplishment be a doorway for more woes in your life? Don’t stumble; keep moving forward even once you’ve reached disaster-induced victory. Lifting yourself out of the chaos and storm clouds doesn’t mean your journey ends. In fact, it’s one of the easier parts if you focus, have discipline, and set steady goals. Instead, you should start sending down “ropes of support” so that those important to you can climb out of the turbulence too.

Anything that causes you pain, disorganization, pessimism, ignorance, debauchery, to be addicted, to steal, to cheat, to hurt others, etc. – let it go. Take out your “mental scissors”, and cut it loose. Everything won’t be something physical, a lot of the times it will be mindsets, thoughts, prejudices, attitudes, and routines. Free up space for your triumph to grow…

The past is just that, the past. It isn’t a foreshadowing experience. It should not have any bearings on your present, or your future. Cut loose any anchors and leeches attached to your side; they’re weighing you down and zapping you dry of your life source. Let a healing onto yourself, get out of any “mess”, and transform your tragedies into triumphs. L-I-V-E….

JJR II, Unconquered.

July 7^th, 2011

Get Out!

If you’re in a bad situation, be sure that you get out. If your circumstance or environment is damaging your essence, get out. Drug addictions, hustling, stealing, lying habits – get out. Bad abusive relationships, a wreck of a financial situation, and depression all qualify as well – get yourself out of those conditions and move into a better area of life. Have things that are weighing you down and crushing you? Get out from under them.

Don’t make excuses of why you can’t get out. Don’t ever say you can’t get out either, because you can if you really want to and set your mind to it. You may struggle when you get out, but in the end it will be for the better. Don’t let fear hold you back from getting out, better always comes when you get out of a bad predicament. I don’t care if you have to crawl, roll, flop, or have someone drag you by your feet, just find a path and get on it, and start moving towards the light. The path to getting out can be just as tough as any hellish situation you were in; stick it out. The road to triumph is not for the weak or ill-willed, be sure to have your priorities, your house, and your courage in order before proceeding. Try to not let stubbornness and the dreading of change move into your way either; you need to move forward with open eyes and an open brain.

Sometimes the reason trials and tribulations in life can seem ever-ending is because of laziness. To get away from a “storm”, sometimes you’ll need to pack it up and relocate. There could be sunny skies just a block away, but if you’re too lazy to move out of a bad environment, you could just continue to have unending rains and storms in your life. Not all storms just quickly pass; sometimes you will need to relocate out of them. Placing yourself in a better surrounding isn’t always “running from the problem” if it’s in your (and those around you) best interests.

If you can’t get out, then plan on working it out. As I spoke of last week, use your knowledge and the power it creates to wield yourself a key, a door of opportunity, a car to drive you through, a better financial life – whatever it is that you need to succeed and allow contentment in. No one wants or deserves to live in continuous melancholy, and to be quite frank life is too short. Get out of and away from a life of “stress & mess”. Move up and into bigger and better things, and live for a purpose.

For the things that surround you that are zapping you of your strength, bringing chaos and turmoil into your presence, taking joy in anarchy – tell them to GET OUT. It’s your life, and your responsibility to keep things away from you with mischievous agendas. Don’t ever knowingly let evil slumber in the bed beside you; kick it out. Tell it to go on, and don’t let it destroy your goals and what you’ve worked hard to attain. The mere association with iniquity can crumble you and everything you stand for. You should desire to live unconquered and not under the control of your circumstances, your environment, or your situations. The closer you are to getting out and telling evil to get out, the next step you take to reaching that goal…

Always live unconquered, and pledge to be more than a conqueror. Happy Independence Day

JJR II 

Knowledge = Power & A Key

First, let’s run through the definitions, as according to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary. I pulled the subsections that best fit with this particular blog.

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knowledge (noun)

2a (1) : the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association (2) : acquaintance with or understanding of a science, art, or technique; 4a : the sum of what is known : the body of truth, information, and principles acquired by humankind.

power (noun - often attributive)

1a (1): ability to act or produce an effect (3): capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect; 2a: possession of control, authority, or influence over others.

key (noun)

2a: a means of gaining or preventing entrance, possession, or control; 2b: an instrumental or deciding factor; 3a : something that gives an explanation or identification or provides a solution.

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Knowledge is a true power and a master key of life. The sum of what you know can be used to act and produce effects. You can mold the power you extract from knowledge to provide solutions, maintain control of your life, and prevent the ignorant and ill-intended from gaining entry and/or possession in your life. You can also use that power to influence others, so always be sure that you are on the right side of moral responsibility. Power that is obtained by deceitful practices and knowledge is tainted and hollow, and produces “defected” keys which in the end could cripple any and all of your efforts. 

Let your quest of knowledge be infinite. The more knowledge you obtain, the more power you will supply yourself with, and the more keys to life you will be able to forge. Educate yourself so thoroughly that you have keys to doors you may not even encounter; it’s always better to be prepared than sorry you didn’t. Not all educating can be done through academia either; some things are meant to be taught through life lessons and the mistakes you will sometimes make. A mistake is not a truly damaging thing in life unless you do not learn or take anything from it. If a mistake becomes a learning tool for you, then the blunder is sometimes not as bad as it may seem. In the scheme of time, grave mistakes can end up being tremendous breakthroughs…    

Use your knowledge to repel attacks, adversaries to your mission, and those who seek to undermine you. While a foe is trying to destabilize your “foundation”, if you’re knowledgeable, you will know just what to do to repel their actions all the while maintaining your reputation, dignity, and integrity. To have extensive knowledge is an intimidating factor to those who are purposefully ignorant, so they can sometimes seek to bring you down to their level with personal attacks, lies, and snake-like behaviors. Use your knowledge to maintain your power over moronic actions; participating in debauchery can strip you of influence and your keys to open doors as a result. In anything you do, you always want to be the “smart” one and take the safest routes possible. You don’t ever want to be controlled and taken possession of by others due to a lack of brain power.

Having a strong intellectual capacity can put you at the forefront of removing yourself from bad circumstances or situations, in addition to avoiding them altogether. You will make more sound decisions the more aware you are, and will find yourself in less risky positions. You will have more power the smarter you are, and be able to erect more keys – never a bad thing. Whenever a door or opportunity arises, you want to be able to open it. If you don’t have the “key”, you could be left in the dark. This is especially true if you’re going through trials & tribulations. It would be a shame to come upon a door and a way out, but not have a key to open it. Let your knowledge serve to lift you out of darkness, into the light, and into living life unconquered.

JJR II

6-27-11

Let A Healing...

Last week I spoke about ushering in a new era in your life, and that to do that, you have to let your past go. What happens sometimes is that we let the past go, forgive others and ourselves, and move forward. Yet, we still feel hollow. More than likely, it’s because you’ve forgotten to let a healing in; not uncovering your wounds so they can get air and heal. Remember that you can only keep band-aids and bandages over a deep wound so long; it needs to be exposed to sunlight and air to properly heal over. Deep wounds do tend to leave a scar regardless, but you’re in a better place if you have a blemish than a wound that is continually reopened in your life. 

Letting a healing occur isn’t always easy, and everyone has different methods of completing this process. Sometimes conversing with someone you trust (and who is trustworthy) helps, whereas some individuals have to seek out counseling. Some of us can heal ourselves as we take a step back and soul search, whereas some need to introvert themselves to recover. Do whatever you need to do, but open your mind and let yourself recover. You can only be the victim of your circumstance for so long, and in this era there isn’t much empathy from others to go around. Always ask yourself – what problem or circumstance has the empathy from others ever conquered?

If you don’t allow a healing – whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional – your “scars” can slowly create permanent and lasting damage in your life. Your circumstance and situation can continue to stagnant and then deteriorate, until you find yourself in a place that you don’t know how to escape. Letting “scars” fester and not heal can pull you into depression, create addictions, and perpetuate bad habits. “Scars” in life are almost as “potholes” in your foundation. Leave them unattended and they can spread, start spreading cracks through your whole foundation, and ultimately lead to your destruction. You cannot not allow that to happen; let a healing happen…

The theme remains the same, be sure that you’re in a positive environment. You will heal much faster when you are in conditions conducive for growth. Don’t get in the mindset of thinking you’re broken beyond repair, because you aren’t. This mindset can lead you to settling for less than you deserve; it’s not selfish to desire the best for yourself no matter your circumstance or situation. Keep the faith, keep pressing forward, open yourself up to be healed, and then be sure to let a healing begin for you immediately…

6/20/11

JJR II

The Dawn of a New Era

There are times in life where things can get so bad, that the best option can be to start over. While you should never find yourself creating new “starting points” all the time – every so often is necessary to maintain sanity and sanctity. Before you create a starting point – you should ask yourself these questions…

Where am I now? (and be honest with yourself)

Where do I want to be? (set realistic goals)

How do I get there? (don’t take the easy routes)

Am I willing and ready to put in hard work? (you will need to)

Who will be affected by my changes? (know your environment)

Before starting anew, you will need to envelope yourself with positive environments and individuals – otherwise your plan to “renovate” yourself won’t succeed. You will need daily encouragement and motivation for your new beginning to take root. This applies whether you’re escaping a bad relationship, abuse, an addiction, a bad job environment, or financial plight. You need to set a standard, and you need to stick to it. Be aware that things may get worse before they get better once you’ve decided to begin anew, and you cannot toss in the towel. Be sure that you have the courage and tenacity to tough things out. Don’t let fear of starting over hold you back – sometimes you only make your circumstances worse by not just moving on. Avoid letting empathy be a barrier to future opportunity and the chance for a fresh change of pace.

- A New Beginning -

- A Fresh Start -

Track your progress, don’t isolate yourself, and don’t smother others in the meanwhile. Maintain your focus and discipline, and know there is no situation or circumstance that you cannot escape. You might feel like you haven’t made it back to where you may have once been, but you need to understand that your life is what you make of it. You can always attain maximum satisfaction with what you have in the present day if you have true appreciation and focus on the positives in your life. Always avoid using your past to determine where you should be in your future, because unfortunately life does not work in that manner.  For you, make this the dawn of a new era. The past print in your chapters can't be changed, but after today they should have no bearing on what you "write" for your future. Closing the doors on the old will assist you in ushering in the new, and get you a step closer to living unconquered.

6/13/11

JJR

Your Enemies Have Eyes

This week, I’m going to tackle the notion of defending yourself from negative attitudes, people, and perceptions – because in this day and age, they are all around you. Moreover, you must always maintain a course of integrity, because your enemies have eyes that are always watching. In mere seconds, one small mistake can cripple the mightiest dynasty build over decades. Your enemies have eyes, lots of them, that are always watching, waiting for you to slip just that once...

On the quest to do better and living unconquered, you will come across many pitfalls. Obstacles in your life are continuous and without end, so the best advice you could be given are to learn how to manage impediments, and progress in spite of. One of these obstacles will be those who seek to pull you down into the muck, speak ill of your labors, and actively attempt to disrupt your advancement. Your enemies, or antagonists if you will.

Always remember that misery loves company, so a miserable person has no better agenda than to cause desolation in your life. That is why it may seem some people are put on Earth just to hinder you; because in a way, they are – it becomes their scheme in life. While truly unfortunate – you would think someone who is truly despondent would instead seek out assistance from others verses seeking to snatch down those within reach, it is the way things operate and something you’ve got to learn to handle. Ignore malevolence, because the biggest fuel you can provide it is to let the source know you’re being affected by their insolent actions.

Try to avoid those who operate with reckless regard, because they’ll be the first to bring down your efforts. You cannot surround yourself with those who live life in contempt of others, because they have no true loyalties but to themselves, and sometimes they can’t even have loyalty for their own soul.

This all leads me to the title – your enemies having eyes. Someone who is an active antagonist to you will always be watching and waiting for the one crack they need to insert themselves (and their "agenda"). It avoid putting yourself into compromising situations. Even if your adversaries aren’t the ones actively watching, they have eyes in the form of minions, vultures, and associates that survey in their absence. Malevolence does not take a day off, so you cannot afford yourself any downtime, or the enemy will sneak in and strike you down.

Do not feel for one second that being on a “righteous” course will repel devious behaviors. In fact, it is opposite. The better you try to do for yourself and those around you, the harder the opposition will seek to bring you down. If you’re running a dynasty, you better run it with humility, because if it falls you don’t want to have scorched all the bridges around you. In this day and age, it would seem that no matter how good one is doing, a cloud of disarray will be lurking close by. All you can do is to ever-increase your “protective force-field” by always operating in truth, integrity, and be accountable. Don’t deviate to a road lesser traveled because it seems easier. Keep your eyes fixated on your goals, but not to the point you lose your sense of reason and ration (because an irrational action is just the “crack” in your foundation your adversaries need). 

Use sound judgment, and always educate yourself. The pool of knowledge is never-ending, so you should always continue to increase your intellect. The smarter you are, the better decisions you will make, and the more awareness you will have. Make sound and steady decisions on a constant basis, and no matter how many eyes your enemy has, you will be protected from their debauchery. Don’t let them bend you out of shape, but let them shape you. Better be than the disorder they promote. When all of your foe’s eyes are fixated on you, blind them with your brilliance; send them running into the cowardly shadows they belong, and continue on your quest to live unconquered.

Make it a great week.

J. Junior II

6/6/2011

The Seeds of Life

To be in the land of the living, is to continuously be a farmer of sorts. You are always planting seeds, and you are always harvesting those seeded in the past. The planting of your seeds is involuntary; everyday you exist, you lay down kernels that for future harvesting – another process that’s involuntary. Your goal should be to lay down as many positive grains as you can, because when they come to fruition, you don’t want to have an entire crop of spoil goods to reap. Misery loves company, and some people go through life with seemingly no other purpose than to lay down as many germs of malevolence as they can. Don’t be that person. Dedicate yourself to a greater cause than bestowing your misery upon others – because in due time that same desolation will be reaped upon you if you do (and usually to a greater degree).

Examples of negative seeds include stealing, lying, cheating, killing, co-mingling in drugs, prostituting yourself, excessive drinking, arrogance, self-absorption, greed, envy, and drama just to name a few. Lay down these and they will come to past, even once you have decided to clean yourself up. Negative seeds act as a ghost, because they always seem to show up when things are going better for you or you’ve decided to change and clean things up. Because of their “longer lifespan”, you have to be even more diligent to avoid bringing them into existence. A negative seed can lie dormant for eternity, waiting for opportune moments to besiege your reputation. A negative lifestyle can often be the one of glitz and glamour in the short term, but be unsteady in the long term. Stay away from the vacuum of a so-called “high life”, and opt for the longevity and security of a “good life” instead.  

Seek to be an optimistic and industrious seed planter. Be honest, hard working, morally just, benevolent, judicious, a leader, encouraging, loving, and caring. Stay away from bad habits such as drugs, gambling, and alcohol. Avoid bad environments such as strip clubs, bars, and pool halls – because bad environments usually are a precursor (and harboring place) for detrimental situations. Just being seen in an off-putting location can tarnish your reputation. Stay clear of debauchery, and surround yourself with people who maintain a constructive lifestyle. Humans are naturally sponge like, and will slowly absorb the things they surround themselves with.

If you’ve laid mostly nonconstructive seeds in your life, take the time to vow for a change, and change your sowing patterns today. All of your past crops may come to roost and still put you down, but remember it takes time to clean your act up. It is not an overnight process, and you have to be willing to work. Sometimes, it will be a struggle in itself to better your life, but don’t let that challenge scare you into maintaining ignorant ways. Start today on the quest to live unconquered…

Until next week, avoid the heat.

J. Junior II

06/01/2011                 

"W. T. S." Project Groundbreaking

After a pretty hectic, back-and-forth type week, it is with great excitement that I announce I have signed on with Tate Publishing to bring my manuscript into print. This project (code name "W. T. S.") is of the inspirational and motivational genre, and I am glad to see the work put into it come to a fruition. When the idea was first developed a year and a half ago, I would have never known then that in 18 months, I would be a first-time author.

There are many who I owe credit to completing the “W. T. S.” manuscript. While I the idea did come to me a while back, I didn’t complete the bulk of the material until this year, which is where many thanks do come in.

First, there’s my supervisor Alicia Coats, who helped me through many a rough day and gave me tremendous knowledge into becoming a better and well rounded person. Instead of letting me move backwards, she forced my hand and kept me moving in a forward direction and in The James Comprehensive Cancer Center. I cannot say how much working there has opened my eyes and gave me new insight to life in general.

Next up would be my “culturally unfroze” mentor/ coach (and mentee at times) Cheryl Jackson. She has always served as a “check-and-balance” in keeping my attitude on a positive level, which kept me focused and helped me get “W. T. S.” completed. Need I mention she has served as my personal assistant in the last week as I worked hard to get everything I needed to ground break my first book.

Last would be what I would call my “inner-circle” – friends, family, loved ones – who have all supported and boosted me during the process. They served as an injection of “new life” whenever I got down, and helped me proceed forward even if I wasn’t up to the task. There aren’t enough words to express my true appreciation for everyone who has helped during this time, and it is the start of a new era in life, not only for me, but I hope for countless others as well.

Next blog topic – “A New Beginning”
Until then, keep moving forward & live unconquered
J. Junior II
May 22, 2011

Moving ^ and Moving >

Good evening everyone. Sorry for the delay in the posting, a little late getting it up due to problems with the Blogger log-in. The theme for this week is moving up out of the bad, so you can move on and move forward with the good in your life...

Moving ^ and Moving >

To have a positive attitude (two weeks ago) and to rise above ignorance (last week), there is one thing that you have to do in life, and that's move up, and then move on. More often than not, negative attitudes can dwell from past perceptions, actions, or events in your life. The best step to having success today is to let yesterday (and anything else beforehand) go. Letting go doesn’t mean you necessarily forget, but you forgive, which in turn allows you to move onto bigger and better things. Feeling scarred from bad friendships or relationships in the past? Move yourself up, and then move on. Annoyed about being undermined or stabbed in the back? Let it go and move forward.

Another thing you want to ensure is that you aren’t moving in reverse. Whether you’re moving forward at a snails pace, or at the speed of light—there is never a day in life that you want to say you lost progress. You should never take one step forward only to take two steps backward. Be sure to do a thorough analysis and ask yourself these questions if you feel like things aren’t progressing for you…

1). Why am I in a stagnant place and not growing/ developing?

2). What can I do to improve my situation without suppressing others?

3). Am I surrounded by a positive, encouraging, and winning team?

4). Have I become a victim of my environment?

5). Am I putting my best effort forward no matter the circumstances/ odds?

6). Are there negative things in my life that need removed?

7). Are there any antagonists/ anchors weighing me and my goals down?

8). Have I forgiven and let all my past ill-wills go?

9). What work do I need to done in order to surround myself with positivity?

10). Have I worked to empower those around me, or do I act as a suppressor?

You have to be aware of these in order to know what needs fixed, and begin your forward progress. Create a “starting point” today, and move forward from that point every day. It’s never too late to have an epiphany, whether you’re 25 or 75. It’s not the years in the life, but the life in the years. Be sure that you move on with your life and start the ball rolling on a forward moving path, and you’ll be one step closer to living unconquered…

Start living your legacy TODAY.

J. Junior II 5/16/11

Rise Above Ignorance

Last week I spoke of having a positive attitude, and this week I'll talk about rising above ignorance. You have to these days in order to maintain an attitude. Throughout the week, the average person faces more than their share of ignorance and ignorant type behaviors. First, practice the two wrongs don't make a right theory. Having an ignorant response to an attitude you don't like with only make situations worse. Be the better person, and keep it moving. Don't waste time and energy on waging senseless battles, or holding grudges over situations most everyone else had forgot about. If you have a grievance, say something and try to resolve it in a civil and adult manner, don't internalize it and have it to stew on some months down the road...

A big point to remember in rising above ignorance is to not empower an "ignoramus". This is someone with idiotic ways, behaviors, thought processes, beliefs, actions, and personas. Often someone you would think of as immature, shady, uneducated, and irrational. An "ignoramus" feeds off of anarchy, disorganization, disagreement, and strife. Cut their food supply off at the source. Don't buy into their schemes and childish ways. An ignoramus lives just for elevating your blood pressure and getting under your skin, but they can only do this if you let them. Strip them of their power; ignore them. Build your "dynasty" on stilts, to stay above the choppy waters an ignoramus can stir up. Remember - they travel in flocks. So if you find yourself surrounded by a herd of ignoramus...

More often than not, you'll find yourself around someone who lives off the glow of others, instead of going out and making their own glow. Don't let others steal your shine and glow, but don't think you always have to call them out on it. You should always remember that fool's gold will be proved false under both examination/ pressure. It may pass the eye test in the beginning, but whether given a more thorough screening or put under pressure, it will not hold up. True 24k gold will endure. It won't crack, weather, fade, peel, flake, or turn you green...

Take this week, and prepare a plan for making yourself a better all-around person. Call it your "Top Tier Candidate Program" - TTCP. You want to be the best candidate for whatever you're going to apply yourself for, so be sure to take this week to make a plan and lay out how you can do just that. Whether it's getting back in shape, furthering your education, repairing relationships and networking, etc. Call it your spring cleaning if you need to; your goal is to further your growth, and move closer to living unconquered...

Until next time,
J. Junior II  5/9/11

A Positive Attitude

It's another Monday, and I hope everyone is approaching it with the positive Monday attitude I spoke about last Monday. They aren't the best of days, especially when it's raining out, but you've got to keep the "it is what it is" attitude and push forward (especially as far as the weather is concerned).

In regards to being positive, you really shouldn't just focus on a certain day, instead focusing to stay positive 24/7/ 365 (or 366). You should have so much positive in your life that you dream it, keeping it going while you sleep. With that - one of the big things with keeping a fresh attitude is to not let someone sink your state of mind. People with idiotic ways feed and live off the bad moods they can tend to put you in - just remember most do it with the intentions of lifting themselves out of their own melancholy. What a sad way to gain a better attitude, right? Two wrongs won't make it right either. Sometimes, you will have to defend yourself and "check" certain people, but don't get bent out of shape and let it torpedo your whole day/ week. Don't be rude, attacking, or vindictive if you do have to "check" someone, and don't go around thinking everyone needs "checked"; sometimes you'll have to "check" yourself first then proceed with caution...

Don't let the moronic ways of your life's antagonists change your mood, your way of thought, or your actions. Keep doing what you do, do it with optimism and positive intentions, and things will work out for the best. You may lose some battles in life, but don't fear a defeat. Just because you lose the battle doesn't mean you've lost the war. Sometimes, you can even attain victory out of a defeat. Your enemies and antagonists might laugh, but with life - everyone will get theirs soon. Don't be the person who is laughing at someone else's trials and tribulations because they could one day be in the crowd laughing at and rooting against you.

Your nay-sayers will come in many forms, including the form of friends, lovers, and family. Keep open eyes, and use intellect in deciding who to surround yourself with. Maintain a winning team (which will assist in keeping a positive attitude and way of life). Try to avoid petty actions, envious behavior, and jealousy, especially in an attempt to even the score. This will do nothing but devalue your own stature in the mind of others. Be honest, have integrity, be genuine, and try to associate yourself with those who do the same. There is nothing worst than someone who presents their self as a saint, and then when you're not around have the actions and behaviors of a demon. Some will stop at nothing to bring you down, especially when things are going good for you (this is why the fight of life never ends). Deflect insolence and those who wallow in it. Rise above ignorance, and do everything that you do (whether a small task or a large project) to the best of your ability. Never cease in your pursuit of excellence, and use every day that you are blessed with life to grow and learn, and then be sure teach and lead. It'll help in your goal of living unconquered...

Until the next time,
Be real & have success.
J. Junior II - 05.02.2011