One of the goals for many people in life is to improve upon their current or previous situation. Whether it is automobile choice, living situation, cell phone, employment or even relationship, we are all looking for the upgrade in life. Some upgrades are feasible (bigger car or home to accommodate a growing family), while others are just ridiculous (iPhone 4S to the iPhone5 because it’s shiny & new). Ultimately, we all want something better.
But where do we draw the line for our pursuit of greener pastures? Do we have that ultimate goal that once it’s reached, there are no more upgrades that need to happen? Does everyone want to get to the Bugatti and then hope for the next great multi-million dollar car? Are we just programmed to always want more?
I happen to feel that we are indeed programmed to always want more, in general. What we want more of may differ, but we do indeed have something that we all wish we had more of. Some of us want more money, others want time, and so on, but have we ever stopped to think when enough is enough. We all want but how many of us really consider needs?
Basic needs include food, shelter, water, air and clothing (which for some of us is optional, but I digress). After these things, what do we really need? After the basic needs, most people have limitless wants. This is introduced to us at a very early age. As soon as we are able to decipher words and distinguish colors, advertising companies are marketing to us. “You have to have the latest toys or games.” And after that, we all become ‘want monsters.’ Not to say that this is a bad thing, but many of our wants are confused as needs. I don’t say this to make you feel guilty; this is just basic human instinct. Even I have wants.
The challenge in this is to really consider what is needed in all aspects of life, and being honest with yourself about what you truly need. This takes a certain amount of self analysis and self-examination. You have to know yourself to know what you really need in life. Most of us aren’t ready to step back and take that look in the mirror, because we are afraid of what we may find out about ourselves. This shouldn’t be something we fear, but a growth experience that we need to help us make the next step in life.
Understanding what we need to feel a sense of fulfillment is vital to peace of mind. If you are willing to take that step to get to self-actualization, you can find what you truly need in life. You will understand your place and you can then take the steps to get what you truly need. Some of you may even find that you’ve already had what you needed all along.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Friday, April 9, 2010
I Am A Recovering Artist
I am a recovering artist
Recovering from an addiction to things that are seen but not seen
Attracted to the beauty of things like trees and sunbeams
There’s no AA for an artist
This addiction is something I have to beat in isolation
Struggling to get by day by day
Working for some man in some corporation
No more wandering the streets being inspired by the air I breathe
No more writing countless hours about the things that make me seethe
No more of my proverbial land of make believe
But every time I hear a song or a beat
Or just a kid playing in the street
I start to jonesing again
regaining that itch
veins start to twitch
Oh God, I’m slipping again
Looking for that white for one more hit
But the white I use helps me write this hot shit
*breathe*
Lyrically inclined to rhyme anytime I hear something so sublime
My mind is like a timebomb ticking
Slight rhythm tick tick boom...
And the firestorm that’s caused by my words unheard by the masses
But read by the passive soon to be masters
Inspiring those souls to revolution through art and spoken word
Sleeping giants being awaken from their slumber from the silent movement they heard.
*breathe*
I haven’t kicked this addiction just yet
Might be the hardest fight to win I bet
Because I’m inspired by the simplest things like the beat of my son’s heart
Because even in the most basic things, there’s something called ART
*They tried to make me go to Rehab but I said NO! NO! NO!*
Recovering from an addiction to things that are seen but not seen
Attracted to the beauty of things like trees and sunbeams
There’s no AA for an artist
This addiction is something I have to beat in isolation
Struggling to get by day by day
Working for some man in some corporation
No more wandering the streets being inspired by the air I breathe
No more writing countless hours about the things that make me seethe
No more of my proverbial land of make believe
But every time I hear a song or a beat
Or just a kid playing in the street
I start to jonesing again
regaining that itch
veins start to twitch
Oh God, I’m slipping again
Looking for that white for one more hit
But the white I use helps me write this hot shit
*breathe*
Lyrically inclined to rhyme anytime I hear something so sublime
My mind is like a timebomb ticking
Slight rhythm tick tick boom...
And the firestorm that’s caused by my words unheard by the masses
But read by the passive soon to be masters
Inspiring those souls to revolution through art and spoken word
Sleeping giants being awaken from their slumber from the silent movement they heard.
*breathe*
I haven’t kicked this addiction just yet
Might be the hardest fight to win I bet
Because I’m inspired by the simplest things like the beat of my son’s heart
Because even in the most basic things, there’s something called ART
*They tried to make me go to Rehab but I said NO! NO! NO!*
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Love No Limit
I wanna show you that universe type love
The kind that has no limits
That love that takes eons to find the end of
That love that has no gimmicks
Can I show you that timeless type of love?
That will be talked about for generations
The type that women dream of
That gives them that warm sensation
I'd like to show you that priceless type of love
A love that can't be sold
A love you'll never give up
Not even for fortunes untold
Would you like that infinite type of love
A love that knows no bounds
One that never seems to end
No edges can be found
For this love unlimited
I'd give you the world
But the world isn't enough
For you as my girl
Giving you love like no other
Is all I desire
So lady, won't you be my everything
Because my every dream you inspire
The kind that has no limits
That love that takes eons to find the end of
That love that has no gimmicks
Can I show you that timeless type of love?
That will be talked about for generations
The type that women dream of
That gives them that warm sensation
I'd like to show you that priceless type of love
A love that can't be sold
A love you'll never give up
Not even for fortunes untold
Would you like that infinite type of love
A love that knows no bounds
One that never seems to end
No edges can be found
For this love unlimited
I'd give you the world
But the world isn't enough
For you as my girl
Giving you love like no other
Is all I desire
So lady, won't you be my everything
Because my every dream you inspire
My Observant Mind: My Sin=Your Sin
I've seen a lot of people taking shots at each other recently and honestly it's a disturbing trend. People are taking offense to words that are meant to build up and praising words that are meant to tear down. It's sad that people won't accept the words of their brothers and sisters and learn from the lessons they are being taught, especially because of prior transgressions.
The bottom line is this, I am no greater than Jimmy who is no greater than Sue. We are all sinners, whether we lie, covet each other's possessions, have slothful or greedy tendencies or lust carnally. No one's sin is greater than the next. We all will have to face judgement at some point for our earthly doings, but who are we to judge each other's actions? Are we playing God toward one another? Or are we shining the spotlight on each others issues to dim the glaring light on our own? There are a lot of cliches to use for this problem, the pot and the kettle, stones in a glass house, etc. But the problem is not identifying the issue, it is fixing the issue. The thing is, do the people even want this issue fixed?
As much as we complain about the hypocritical nature of man, it is something that it seems will never fade. People have a lack of willingness to check themselves these days, especially in a forum where they have an audience whom will hang on to their every word. Instead of understanding the power of the words they speak, most become drunk with power and intoxicated by their momentary stardom and will rant and rave like lunatics to keep that attention. It's a sad but all too familiar sight.
Don't feel as if I'm taking shots at anyone in particular because I'd be just as big of a hypocrite if I said I have never had this issue and I have to keep a constant check on myself because, honestly, I'm no better than anyone else. Let's be honest, none of us are really better than someone else because we all come in this earth and leave the same way, butt naked and alone. But we all are different in our thought processes and in the events that shape us to be the people we are and the problems we deal with. So instead of extending one finger to point, extend 5 to lend a hand and lift each other up and out of whatever darkness we may encounter.
The bottom line is this, I am no greater than Jimmy who is no greater than Sue. We are all sinners, whether we lie, covet each other's possessions, have slothful or greedy tendencies or lust carnally. No one's sin is greater than the next. We all will have to face judgement at some point for our earthly doings, but who are we to judge each other's actions? Are we playing God toward one another? Or are we shining the spotlight on each others issues to dim the glaring light on our own? There are a lot of cliches to use for this problem, the pot and the kettle, stones in a glass house, etc. But the problem is not identifying the issue, it is fixing the issue. The thing is, do the people even want this issue fixed?
As much as we complain about the hypocritical nature of man, it is something that it seems will never fade. People have a lack of willingness to check themselves these days, especially in a forum where they have an audience whom will hang on to their every word. Instead of understanding the power of the words they speak, most become drunk with power and intoxicated by their momentary stardom and will rant and rave like lunatics to keep that attention. It's a sad but all too familiar sight.
Don't feel as if I'm taking shots at anyone in particular because I'd be just as big of a hypocrite if I said I have never had this issue and I have to keep a constant check on myself because, honestly, I'm no better than anyone else. Let's be honest, none of us are really better than someone else because we all come in this earth and leave the same way, butt naked and alone. But we all are different in our thought processes and in the events that shape us to be the people we are and the problems we deal with. So instead of extending one finger to point, extend 5 to lend a hand and lift each other up and out of whatever darkness we may encounter.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
#savecoventry: From Polished Cleveland Magazine
For those who didn't know, the Coventry area in Cleveland Heights is in dire straits. Check out my editorial on it from Polished Cleveland Magazine. Let's do our part to preserve something special and #savecoventry.
Big shout outs to Robin Thomas, Chris Taylor, Varsity Squad and everyone who appreciates the arts.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
She Loves Hip-Hop
There’s this chick that keeps compelling me
I cal her Rhythm Melody
The reason she makes my heart stop
She loves Hip-Hop
While most chicks dream of a wedding dress
She’s debating with the fellas about which MC is best
When most ladies sit home watching Bridezilla
She’s probably listening to the mixtape tribute for J. Dilla
Most girls are concerned with wedding bands
She’s nodding her head to the Wu-Tang Clan
See she loves hip-hop
And that’s what I love about her
Whether rocking to Wale
Or just vibin to Murs
She prefers shell toe Adidas
Over Nine West boots
She don’t want to her Beyonce
She’d rather listen to The Roots
She’s my favorite kind of chick
Likes to vibin and chill
No need for facades
She just keeps it real
She loves hip-hop
And I appreciate her so
Got me feeling like Fab
I can’t let her go...
I cal her Rhythm Melody
The reason she makes my heart stop
She loves Hip-Hop
While most chicks dream of a wedding dress
She’s debating with the fellas about which MC is best
When most ladies sit home watching Bridezilla
She’s probably listening to the mixtape tribute for J. Dilla
Most girls are concerned with wedding bands
She’s nodding her head to the Wu-Tang Clan
See she loves hip-hop
And that’s what I love about her
Whether rocking to Wale
Or just vibin to Murs
She prefers shell toe Adidas
Over Nine West boots
She don’t want to her Beyonce
She’d rather listen to The Roots
She’s my favorite kind of chick
Likes to vibin and chill
No need for facades
She just keeps it real
She loves hip-hop
And I appreciate her so
Got me feeling like Fab
I can’t let her go...
November 4, 2008
The view on the TV was so surreal
I had to call a friend
To ask if it was real
The first time I ever cried
From the doing of a man
Was the first time an African-American
Was voted President of this Land
My faith in a nation was restored
And now I understand that
Years of Hard work does have a reward
So I vowed from that day
To build a legacy
Not only for myself
But for my current and future family
To be a better man everyday
And to work hard
And never let my mind go astray
To work toward my goals
And never ever quit
To build up my community
And to make a difference none will forget
So I thank you America
For helping me to believe
Because Obama is President
There isn’t anything we can’t achieve
I had to call a friend
To ask if it was real
The first time I ever cried
From the doing of a man
Was the first time an African-American
Was voted President of this Land
My faith in a nation was restored
And now I understand that
Years of Hard work does have a reward
So I vowed from that day
To build a legacy
Not only for myself
But for my current and future family
To be a better man everyday
And to work hard
And never let my mind go astray
To work toward my goals
And never ever quit
To build up my community
And to make a difference none will forget
So I thank you America
For helping me to believe
Because Obama is President
There isn’t anything we can’t achieve
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