Play your own tune...

People crack me up.  Was just watching the morning news and looking at the two news anchors.  Both had on glasses, you know the ones we used to call coke bottles back in the day.  Thick, dark frames, kinda nerdy...yeah those.  Just when did these things come back in vogue?  Especially since so many people used to run from these things, and now they're cool?  Wow.

 This is yet another example of how so many of us allow the media and people on TV, in the movies, etc...dictate to us what is considered "in" or "cool."  But, I say play your own tune, set your own pace and yes be prepared to not be Miss, Ms., Mrs. or Mr. popular.  There is something to be said about individual style.  In fact, is it just me or do you too observe that so many people in their quest to be different look just like everyone else.  Actually, this phenomenon starts back in Junior High School and slowly, meticulously perpetuates ever so forward.

So I say dare to be different and take the road less traveled.  Sure it might be lonely at times, but at least you'll be you.  Plus, you might turn around and see you have a few folks joining you.

Peace! 

"Stand up, count your blessings, dust yourself off and move onward"

So, why do some people just whine and blame others for their failure?  Why is it that they can't take ownership for their lack of not making things happen for themselves?  Is it because it's just easier to blame someone else for their lack of perseverance?  Their lack of confidence?

I have made many mistake in my life and I will make many mistakes during the remainder of my days on this Earth.  But, I take ownership for the choices that I've made in my life and deal with the consequences that choices yield.

I try to Lead and interestingly enough some people actually listen.  I wish I was as self-confident as people think I am.  Don't get me wrong, I believe in myself as I know I am God's child.

Life will sometimes knock you down, but Life begins when you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward.

Until next time...  

2010: "Are You Ready?"

A new decade beckons and I ask myself, "What exactly have you done to affect change in your circle Mr. Smith?" I'd like to think that in my own part of the world that I've Led, and influenced many lives in a positive manner, but in the deep recesses of my gut I know that I could have done more, much, much more.


Fact is, our ability to influence the life of another person is the most powerful gift that we are given. That said, do we do it? Or do we allow petty differences (i.e., I'm a "democrat", she's a "republican", I'm "pro life" and he's "pro choice", I am a Christian and she's Muslim, etc...) to continually get in the way? So, what's your vice? Greed, envy, vanity, sloth? I battle with pride constantly due to the fact that I was raised in a household where do for self and do not look for a handout reigned supreme.

As I look forward to the second decade of this millennium, I realize more than ever that my time on this earth is finite. Subsequently, each choice I make on each day becomes that much more precious. Is it just me, or do you too ask yourself if you've told a person that you love that you indeed loved them? If yes, were your actions in sync with your words?

Do you give or do you take?

This upcoming Monday (January 4th) I will have the honor of addressing a couple of hundred people at Chosen 300 Ministries in Philadelphia. Chosen 300 is a passion of mine, it's an oasis for the homeless and working poor. It remains the most rewarding, disconcerting and humbling experience that I embrace on a regular basis. Why? Because I realize that this could so easily be me and that I have been blessed. The subject of my talk is the same as the title of this article, because I will ask my audience if they are ready? I will challenge them to the same challenge I am demanding of myself - to "be uncommon", to "be different" and to "make a difference" in the lives of others.

Enjoy the last moments of 2009 and charge your battery for the next chapter of your life. Make a conscious decision to make a difference now.

2010 is quickly approaching, are you ready?

"Embrace the Call to Leadership"

A day does not pass that I inevitably wind up shaking my head at the lack of Leadership I see demonstrated by people who possess "positional power" and an "alphabet soup" of letters and certifications after their name, but do not know how to lead - it's sad.

In America, we are currently plagued by a paucity of Leadership, especially in the corporate and legislative world. Disagree? Well then, pick up a paper, any paper, especially the business section and witness the ongoing saga of corporate greed (i.e., TARP recipients who use government funding to pay bonuses, are you kidding me?). The question is, "What kind of message is this sending to our children?"

Am I surprised? Quite frankly, no. But, I have taken it upon myself to do my own part to stem the tide. I have chosen to forgo the blame game and ramp up my personal efforts in my community to affect change and play a more pronounced role in the development of future Leaders.

I challenge you to do the same - "Embrace the Call to Leadership" or please do not complain.