Instant Inspiration: Jimmy V

As someone who has struggled with psoriasis, I often find inspiration and motivation from those who struggle with chronic diseases of their own. Being employed at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center reinforces the struggles, pain, and losses ones can experience in battle with disease, and reinforces it everyday.

Part of my breakthrough in 2013 has been finding a treatment plan that works well for me and that I can easily incorporate into my life (home phototherapy treatments); this is often the case for anyone with a chronic condition. As with cancer, there is no treatment for psoriatic disease, but an excellent treatment plan can bring about “remission” of the disease – basically an eradication of the symptoms and side effects in this case. Because there is no cure – that’s only a portion of the battle.

Another part, sometimes the biggest and most complex aspect of “remission”, is recovering on the emotional and mental side of things. To do so, I believe it is important to heed the advice of inspirational epicenters – one of them being the late coach, James “Jim” Valvano. I am a huge fan of sports, so this name is a common one for me. For those who aren’t, Jim Valvano won the 1983 NCAA championship at North Carolina State before succumbing to cancer some decade later at the too-young age of 47.

Before his passing, he gave one of the cornerstone speeches in sports. Aching, ill, and with cancer having metastasized all over his body, he gave his motivational “Don’t ever give up” speech at the 1993 ESPY Awards. His mettle during one of the worst imaginable circumstances one can ever be presented with should give pause to us all – persevere no matter the situation, and not to ever give up.

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.” – Jim Valvano

We all have our struggles, and will encounter situations that create anxiety, stress, melancholy, pain, and turmoil. No matter what, I urge you to always handle them with class, with dignity, with humility, and with the mindset that things will improve with time, patience, and dedication.

Six things we can take away from Jimmy V’s speech to not only help us live unconquered, but to live life in general –
 

§                                      Remember where you come from

§                                      Know where you are headed

§                                      Enjoy your life, and the precious moments

§                                      Keep your dreams alive in spite of hardships, pressures

§                                      Work hard to make your dreams a reality

§                                      “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”

Full Jim Valvano ESPY Award Speech

L | u

J. Junior II

Abracadabra Positivity

It’s been a while since I last posted, and since my last post, a new year has been ushered in for all of us. Whenever we begin our journey into a new year, I’ve found it important that we go into with a “clean slate” mentality. For those of us who have trouble finding a “starting” point for a lot of initiatives we want to implement in our lives, New Year’s Day is a breath of fresh air – hence the throngs of new year resolutions most of us enact.

In my experiences, I’ve found one of the hardest things to alter when we create our resolutions is mindset/ mentality. A lot of the times, when we do attempt to tackle mindsets and mentalities – we really only dress it up with a shiny coat of paint (versus the hard work – sanding it down, identifying imperfections and repairing them, then putting up a new coat of paint). After a while, if you add enough “new coats of paint” to anything without removing some of the old ones – blemishes will permeate through, and whatever you’re painting over will become weighed down.

Think about it – you can paint a pig green, but there is still a pig underneath. Cover it in yellow, and that green layer is still there, along with the pig itself. Proceed to cover it in red; the yellow and green won’t go anywhere unless you clean them off first.

One step in tackling adverse mindsets and mentalities is to indentify the root of the problem and why that mindset/ mentality exists. For example – you won’t just have grudges or prejudices just because (if you’re of a sane mind); they are either learned (taught at an early age) or developed by the examples of negative influences and environments. Maybe a terrible incident happened that created a grudge or a prejudice you hold, sometimes a misunderstanding can cause those feelings as well. The point – the negativity had a seed that grew. It must be uprooted and destroyed for it to dissipate. Visualize all pessimistic thoughts, mindsets, mentalities, and environments as your house in disrepair. To fix it, you can’t simply put up a few coats of paint and new shingles; you’re going to have to do some extensive construction and renovation to get it back to the pristine shape you want.

This is where the term abracadabra comes in. Abracadabra is a word very familiar to conjurors – as it is most often a word used by magicians in magical acts and performances. In elder times, it was a magical charm/ incantation that had the power to ward of disease, famine, or catastrophe of any kind. Unfortunately, try as we might, there is no magic or incantation of any kind that will snap you out of an unconstructive funk – only hard work, restructuring, dedication, and discipline will. You aren’t going to wake up and instantly have all the stars aligned and be this bright and completely optimistic person overnight – abracadabra positivity does not exist – it takes time so be patient.

Since we’re unable to instantly conjure up that state of perfect optimism, we have to draft plans on how to get there the old fashion way – a journey to success. Here are a couple of examples; the more detailed are just a couple of the ones I created for 2013, with a list you may find helpful afterwards.

- Eliminating hurdles present within my controlled environment (those who are voluntarily placed within your realm) – family, friends, associates, co-workers, church members, significant others, etc.

- Work on any physical things that can contribute to me not performing at my best – improving diet, new psoriasis treatment plan, significantly increase exercise, become less dependant on caffeine, vitamin supplements, etc.

- Narrow my focus onto my goals, principles, and objectives for 2013. This would include school, manuscripts for the next couple of books, continue to grow career, continue to professionally network in my career and writing fields, etc.

- In the words of the infamous magnet principle: remember that “like attracts like”. What I become, I will attract. With that in mind, grow in a pattern that will allow me to continue to attract positive/ constructive like-minded entities versus those of the unconstructive/ uninspiring/ stagnant nature.

- Mentoring

- Proctor for inspiring writers

- Volunteering

- Running

- Actively advocating (psoriasis)

- Writing more

- More involved with family & friends

- More extroverted (shake off your winter rust)

- Keep busy (draft daily agendas and objectives)

- Be (or become) more proactive versus reactive

- Be (or become) more aware

- Appreciate everything (and show it)

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The biggest thing is to find something that brings you joy and peace within your life, because it assists with you disassociating with the negative. This can take time, but work on it everyday. Distancing yourself takes on a snowball effect, for the positive and the negative, just make sure you get the ball rolling in the right direction. 

Don’t focus on your anxiety – focus on your productiveness.

Don’t focus on your depression – focus on your gratitude of life.

Turn your eyes away from your fears – embrace change and flexibility.

Abracadabra positivity doesn’t exist – but permanent positivity sure does, and it’s ok if it takes a little time to get there; it’s worth the wait!

Live Unconquered.

1/26/2013

J. Junior II

Even In Defeat

I want everyone to know that you can win even when you lose. Victory can be had out of a defeat. It’s all in how you view your setbacks. Know that for every setback you suffer, there are numerous victories to be had.

#1        Don’t ever be discouraged.

#2        Let your setback strengthen your resolve.

#3        Carefully review your setbacks; do a full analysis.

#4        Once your analysis is complete, go over it.

#5        Take your analysis and mold it into a lesson learned.

#6        Stay prepared for the future.

#7        Construct a fail-proof game plan.

#8        Don’t let outside forces dictate your journey.

#9        After any setback, be sure you’re on a team with winners.

#10      If you find that #9 isn’t the case, realign yourself and your motives.

Let’s go through those steps one by one…

#1        Not letting yourself get down is the hardest part. Setbacks can be a blow to your pride more than anything. Here’s the bright side – pride is a sensitive son of a gun anyway. Pride is too superficial for you to put much stock into it – focus on your character. Character is more of the true you and it gets a giant boost every time you get beaten down.

#2        Strengthen your resolve and purpose. You can tell yourself, “yes I was defeated in this particular situation, but next time I’m going to come that much harder”. I’ve always used defeats to my future advantage; aka used a past stumble to mold the road to a future triumph. If you’re determined not to be held down, you won’t be. It can take longer than you’d like sometimes, but let your resolve and determination lead the way when your patience is non-existent.

#3        Time for a full comprehensive review. Be honest with yourself. Why did you fail? Did your environment hasten your defeat? The team you’re surrounded with? Outside forces working against you? While there are often adversaries working to suppress your goals, focus on self. That means taking accountability whenever possible. Don’t bemoan it too much; it’s perfectly fine to admit hey, I screwed up.

#4        Review, review, and review once more. Be sure your analysis is both accurate and honest. If you’re angry, depressed, shocked, or indifferent about your recent failure – revisit the analysis for a second look at a different time. Once your emotions have settled you will more than likely have a different outlook and opinion.

#5        Alright so you’ve went over your analysis and now you’re sitting and wondering what’s next. Time to mold that failure into a roadway for the future; that means learn from your mistakes and let them guide an easier path for your future. Often times, a failure is really meant to alter your focus to where it really needs to be versus where you think it should be. Change your priorities during this time if the need exists.

#6        You always need to be prepared for what lies ahead. Life goes on once you’ve stumbled; have a plan for what you do after the dust settles. This ties into #5 and building a roadway for the future out of your gaffe or setback. But in this particular instance, you not only need to learn from your mistakes and let them guide your future, you need to have your eyes on the horizon and ready for what comes beyond it.

#7        Use the analysis you created in step #3 to construct as close to a fail-proof game plan as you can. Be humble, precise, and rational; being a strong choleric personality I can tend to create a plan out of irritation, stubbornness, and sometimes being hell bent on revenge. Don’t do that, you are automatically setting yourself up for another failure if you do (TRUST me). Implement patience and intellect in any game plans you create; plans developed in foolishness and developed rashly will ultimately cause you to falter.

#8        While I always preach accountability I know that even if you’re 110% responsible, outside forces will sometimes be against you. You can be doing everything right and to the best of your ability and still fail. Unfortunately, we live in a world full of those who are miserable, who abuse their power, and who will shun you just because they can. All you can do is dust your self off, maintain your integrity, and try your hardest to put yourself in a position where outside forces (those above you, those around you, your environment, past actions, etc.) don’t directly affect your game plan(s). This step takes time but can be done with careful planning and keeping yourself enveloped with a winning team (aka the right people).

#9        Speaking of that winning team – examine yours everyday. Be around people who promote, are honest, support you, and are there during your down times to assist you. Be around those who would rather constructively criticize you than sugar coat the truth. Be weary of those who smile in your face but leak acid behind your back. One of my biggest flaws can sometimes be wearing my emotions on my sleeve as a choleric; but I feel it’s important to be honest and upfront on how you feel about situations (it’s all in your presentation; mine can suffer at times). That being said, always aim to present the most truthful presentation (this doesn’t mean be abrasive or condescending), be respectful, be open minded, and be welcoming no matter what. This will draw the winning teammates you desire to you without you even trying.

#10      So you’ve examined your team around you. This step involves making the necessary changes to both the team and the environment you’re in. I strongly believe that you cannot win in an atmosphere that promotes stagnation – no matter how hard you try. So if you’re in stagnation, indifference, suppression, or pessimism – chart a course and move yourself out of it. I’ve had to do it many times, and will many times more in the future. You cannot expect to win surrounded by losers and in a losing atmosphere; nor can you complain about it if you haven’t actively tried to relocate yourself. Don’t let fears of change deter you; don’t ever be scared of starting over if you need to. Sometimes that move could be just what you needed to get your fail-proof game plan underway.

Know that all of these steps won’t apply to everyone. Everyone’s case will vary except for completing an analysis of your situation. Sometimes this will be the first step, and you can then move into the other steps as you determine necessary.

My mindset on failures is that they are the coal to fuel your engine. Think of yourself as a locomotive – stumbling eventually results in you gaining steam down the road if planned carefully and properly. Be dedicated, motivated, and determined all the while realistic, rational, and knowledgeable. If you are, while it might take some time, you eventually won’t be able to help but live unconquered.

J. Junior II

April 24^th, 2012

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.

---------------------------
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
---------------------------

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

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

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

"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