October Updates

Now that Weathering The Storm has been released (August 28th), I am working to expand my footprint as a new author. This takes significant time and effort, but thus far I've made tremendous progress towards accomplishing all the goals I set. Part of this expansion includes establishing a presence on Goodreads (amazing site) and Amazon, and letting that presence trickle down from there. In the coming weeks, I will also have more information on niche events I'm planning to schedule in both Ohio and Virginia. All of the work I do now will serve as a major launching pad into 2013, which is usually how the life cycle of a book operates. In the meantime, here are a couple of links -

Goodreads, October Giveaway (will hold monthly) - http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/35579-weathering-the-storm 

Goodreads, Weathering The Storm page -
 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15897883-weathering-the-storm

Goodreads, my author page -
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6496672.J_Junior_Reynolds_II

Amazon, Weathering The Storm seller page -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1618627457/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Amazon, my author page -

www.amazon.com/author/jjunior2

These pages are all still under construction, so will change a over the course of the next few months. If you'll note - Amazon lists the book at a $7.99 rate instead of the list $9.99 price - consider it a sale. Since these books will come directly from me, books purchased via Amazon will be signed.

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By the first day of 2013, my goal is to export my blog (Live Unconquered) to its own website. This will allow me more formatting and web creation freedom than I have under the Blogger domain, and offer a united website to post all my links (Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). I have already started working on this project and look forward to completing it over the holiday season.

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With all eyes already focused towards 2013, Live Unconquered's mission will shift towards psoriasis advocacy. This was the foundation upon which Weathering The Storm was constructed, and is the true direction I would like to steer all of my future efforts. Of course, the topics will remain viable to everyone - but in working to create a "mission" for Live Unconquered (and my goal to make it more than just a blog), I will be using my fight against psoriasis as the bedrock for everything here on out. I plan to post the full official mission statement of L|u by Thanksgiving.

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Please keep updated on changes as I will be more active on the blog (and other websites) going forward, including a motivational/ inspirational writing towards the end of every month. As usual, stay positive, and make the most of everyday because tomorrow is no guarantee.

LIVE | unconquered

October 17th, 2012

J. Junior II

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

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

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

The Introduction

"The Dawn of a New Era"

A Word to Those in Need - The Beginnings

The purpose of this blog will be to help all, and give you the confidence and foundation necessary to "Live Unconquered" - to live prosperously, happily, confidently, free of stress and worry, focused on what's important and ignorant of negativity. Don't stress, just shake off the "mess".

I'll kick start my first blog off by asking a favor from everyone. This week, I'd like you to go out of your way to meet someone new, or strengthen a current relationship that's in your life. On top of that, show someone important to you appreciation, especially someone close to you who may feel unappreciated in regards to you. We tend to focus more on the negative than showing appreciation for the positive - and the first step to being positive and having a positive life/ outlook is to show examples of it. You never know, you could make someone's day by saying "Hey, I appreciate you and what you do". Even more, if you know someone who has been working hard (and doing a good job), let them know. "Job well done", or "Excellent work", - it only takes a couple of seconds.

 Today was another one of those dreaded Monday's, and worse yet, the Monday following a holiday. For those of you who returned to work today (myself included), we all know how it can be. We dread the return to normal, our bodies are soggy with candy, food, and liquid, and we're a little sleep deprived. As much melancholy as Monday can bring, I implore you to change it around. Try to start Monday with the same attitude as you do Friday (and my apologizes to those with unorthodox work weeks). Start positive, end positive. The beginning of the work week is a detriment to most, but try to serve as the up-lifter for those with a "case of the Mondays".

Relax, don't worry over what you cannot control, and maintain perspective for what you can. Everyday isn't going to be a piece of cake, but don't make things worse by harboring a negative attitude about yourself for everything that goes wrong. Do what you can to fix what you can, but not at the expense of your own sanity and safety. Try to stay within the ethical and moral boundaries that guide us, and always put your best foot forward in whatever you do. Success for you is right around the corner, no matter your situation - just keep working hard and doing what's right. "Live Whole..."

Last but not least - don't ever bow into someone else's pessimism. Maintain a radiant glow about yourself - stay out of drama and gossip (keep your head above the fray) - and be someone that's approachable and level-headed. Avoid being pompous, arrogant, and a person that talks down/ belittles others. Everyone's ideas, thoughts, and opinions are important - even if you think they're laughable. If you're in environments that lean toward the negative side of things - be the positive example. People will gravitate toward you, and you will slowly find that your positivity will take root and spread among those around you. Be a leader in all that you do, it's one of the many steps in living unconquered.

Be prosperous,

J. Junior II (4/25/11)

Live Unconquered