Review Your Income & Expenses; make sure it's all right-side, up.
Living in the modern world comes with a unique set of challenges and pressures. From the constant need to be connected to the world through technology to the ever-increasing demand for productivity and success, it can often feel like we are stuck in a never-ending rat race. For many men, this can be overwhelming, leading them to consider giving up on the conventional way of life and embracing a simpler, more minimalist existence.
I can personally relate to this struggle as I underwent a similar journey to Atlanta back in 2008. I fully embraced the minimalist lifestyle by living in a cargo van with just a futon mattress, a few items of clothing, and ample storage space underneath the bed. My daily routine revolved around visiting Starbucks and LA Fitness. Although I used an EBT card for food, I was hustling seven days a week and did not allow myself to fall into a sunken place where others might end up in a shelter or jail cell. While I may have been technically "homeless," I never felt homeless. These memories keep me grounded and focused on working hard without making excuses. They help me keep my expenses low and my income high. If my income isn't high enough, that usually means more working hours. Naturally, the average person may not understand this, as you would have had to be there to truly comprehend the experience.
Certainly, the pressures of modern life can push a man to the brink, leading him to feel like he is constantly chasing a moving target. The demands of work, family, and social obligations can leave little room for personal growth or self-care, leading to feelings of frustration and burnout. This is where the concept of "leaving the rat race" comes into play. By getting rid of material possessions and embracing a minimalist lifestyle, men can reduce the clutter in their lives and focus on what truly matters. This can include living off the grid, growing their own food, and embracing a slower, more intentional way of life. For me, it was as simple as an LA fitness membership and a seat at Starbucks, as STARBUCKS had many satellite offices with free Wi-Fi and plenty of entrepreneurs who were also chasing their dreams. However, it's important to note that while there were many like-minded people at Starbucks, there were also plenty of people commiserating there. I remember a man named James Cozine, a 26-year-old White man who made the same Starbucks his office, but he wasn't thinking like me. It only took his car being towed for him to walk into the nearby SUNTRUST bank and turn his life upside down. Upon further research, I found that this guy had robbed a nearby bank in the past, showing that one man's journey can be way more extreme than another's.
Before you think about resorting to extreme measures, there are other ways to change your life. You can shut down some of the clocks in your life that are attached to bills. You might also find an institution or entrepreneur whom you can bless with your physical energy. While your car and home may not exist at the moment, you'd be surprised how far you can come. I'm not bragging about my journey because in life, there is an ebb and flow, and you have to be savvy enough to know when to hold, when to fold, when to walk away, and when to run. That's not just a song; it's grassroots reality.
Even while I lived in a trailer, knee-deep in my off-grid circumstances, I was performing on a top level in life, driving professionally, living on purpose
By embracing minimalism, you can focus on what truly matters in your life. Whether that means downsizing your living space, cutting unnecessary expenses, or letting go of material possessions that no longer serve a purpose, the benefits of a simpler life can be profound.
Of course, this doesn't mean that everyone should give up their homes and move into a cargo van like I did. It's important to find a balance that works for you and your individual circumstances. For some, minimalism might mean simply cutting back on unnecessary purchases or finding ways to simplify daily routines. For others, it might mean making more radical changes to their lifestyle.
The key is to be intentional about the choices you make and to prioritize what truly matters in your life. This might mean dedicating more time and energy to relationships, personal growth, or creative pursuits. It might mean letting go of certain expectations or societal pressures that don't align with your values or goals.
Ultimately, the path to a simpler, more fulfilling life will be different for everyone. It requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to make changes. But if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled, it might be worth exploring the benefits of minimalism and simplifying your life.
And remember, it's never too late to make a change. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, there is always room for growth and transformation. So take a step back, reflect on what truly matters to you, and be open to the possibility of a simpler, more meaningful way of life.
If nothing else I said touches the meaty part of your brain, remember this: “I DID IT, YOU CAN TOO” #relentless
Homeless, not hopeless. And here is how I made ends meet...
To pivot in life, it is crucial to be adaptable and resourceful. Life is full of unexpected changes, and it is important to make the most of these situations. The first step towards pivoting is to recognize that change is necessary and to welcome it with open arms. Although it can be a difficult process, having the right mindset can turn it into a transformative experience.
Being resourceful involves taking stock of one's skills, connections, and resources and utilizing them to find new opportunities. It also means being open to learning and taking on new challenges. Additionally, having no shame in being receptive to opportunities can help one make the most of any given situation and create new paths.
After experiencing a significant emotional event, it may be challenging to get back on one's feet. It's important to give oneself time to heal and process the event while also taking action. Seeking support from loved ones or professionals, practicing self-care activities, and setting new goals can be helpful. It's essential to remember that setbacks are a natural part of life, and with resilience and determination, one can overcome them.
The writer's personal experience illustrates that he successfully pivoted by being resourceful and adaptable. Despite living in difficult circumstances, he was able to achieve success by using his skills and connections to create opportunities. Consistency and mastery of his craft allowed him to build a strong reputation and network. By continuing to embrace change and leverage his resources, he excelled in various industries and fields.
The East Coast of the United States now had no borders or state lines. Instead of pieces of a pie, the entire coast appears to be one big old barren, ruined city. And the only sound we hear now is the wind howling through the streets and deserted buildings, the only structures that remain after the solar meltdown. I hate to say it, but the Sun, the single most important asset to life on Earth… The Sun was to blame for all the death and destruction, and the few of us who survived knew it to be “God’s Will” instead of a calamity or a natural disaster. I guess that’s just our way of coping with it all. But today, the sun is friendly and manageable, even if it's so scorching hot as it blazes down on the cracked pavement where we stand. It's both weird and Godly all at once, how it shimmers across the atmosphere in a kind of heated haze that makes it hard to see. Amidst the rubble, Dalia and I are simply two figures trudging forward, with our faces hidden behind gas masks.
Here in Georgia, yet another ruined landscape, we found some protection under a bridge, an overpass that appears to be as deserted as its surroundings. But we won’t make the mistake of relaxing our own security measures. Naturally, if anyone reads this in the future, you’ve already seen our past run-ins. So you know what’s possible. And so we stand strong and stay vigilant. For now, this is our hidden bunker that blocks the unreasonable and extremely scorching sunlight. Yes, we’re tired, but we will continue to be blessed, to restore, and to remain resilient. We’ll use our natural skills and ingenuity to overcome every obstacle. I hope I have the discipline to write many more of these entries, how it feels like I’m documenting the beginning of a new world. I mean, I hope it's not. I hope there's life out there on the West Coast and beyond. But there’s no tellin. I just feel that this should be a running document, and I get to be the reporter. This is life as we know it; nothing in the past matters. No more Internet, no more cellphones or TV. No more fancy cars or planes. You gotta walk, just like I gotta walk. So the playing field is somewhat even. Except for those who have taken it upon themselves to be authority figures. And I get it, some people were just born to be important, to be in the front holding the flag. But for Dalia and I, we’re loving the real things, like how the sun is bathing the city with its warm glow of light instead of the meltdown that nearly annihilated so many of us. But this nourishing sunlight feels normal to us when there’s nothing normal about this place looking like a ghost town. And if we can have many more days like today, I’m content with what it is, and the journey will be worth it. FULL-STOP
But it’s not just me! When we look at ants, we see a reflection of the values that we as humans hold dear. Ants work diligently and tirelessly, never giving up despite the challenges that they face. They have an amazing ability to work as a team and help each other reach the same goal. In fact, working as a team is so important to ants that they have developed different jobs and ways to talk to each other to make sure they are all working together well.
Throughout American history, the legacy of slavery has been pervasive and destructive, and its effects still linger in society today. It is well-documented that several US Presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and Andrew Jackson, were slave owners. The fact that these individuals are celebrated for their contributions to American society is a sobering reminder of the country's history with slavery. Despite owning slaves, some of these presidents are still memorialized through US currency, statues, and holidays. The national anthem, too, was written by Francis Scott Key, a slave owner who had racist views. The anthem is played at most major events in the country, which is nothing less than a lie, in its greatest form. It is time to ask ourselves why we are still accepting this and what needs to be done to correct the situation so that we can live a better life while there is still sand in our hourglass.
DID YOU KNOW...
Also America, you 've got a WICKED PAST!
TODAY I IMAGINED THAT MARK TWAIN WAS BLACK... the stories of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn looked a bit different. Tom Sawyer, with his straw hat and freckled face, was still mischievous as ever. But in this world, his friend Huck was a young black boy with a heart of gold.
ps, and engage with others in the community to keep your knowledge current.
I’ve had people floating through my doors consistently and for the past 6 years especially. So many of them are lost, without direction. Others are looking for my resources, on the take take take. But rarely will I stumble upon someone who is a giver; someone who has value to give. And sometimes to my fault, I never stop looking. Maybe its because I’ve seen rock stars in other companies. Maybe its because I’m never satisfied in my quest for that so-called “dream team. Still, despite all, I'm always heralded for the business model I've put together. The customer "likes the atmosphere" I've created, and they appreciate the attention we give them and especially, the drivers (who come to pick up and deliver our food plates) tell me that I've got a "brilliant idea" or they just announce how "dope" this is. But nobody can quite understand the work ethic, the consistency, the patience, or the risk I must take on to get to a point of realizing consistent revenues.
In the sit-down where Les Brown interviews me, I spoke about Emory’s investment in my life, and Les shared:
. As Black Americans, we are constantly reminded of the systemic injustices we face on a daily basis, particularly in regards to police brutality. The routine assault we experience at the hands of those who are meant to protect and serve us is a constant reminder of the deep-seated racism that still exists in our society. The constant threat of violence and the feeling of being targeted by those in positions of power wears on our sense of coexistence and undermines our contributions to society. It erodes our sense of safety and peace of mind, making it difficult for us to fully participate in the communities and institutions that are supposed to serve us. Furthermore, the frequency of these incidents can make us numb to the violence against us, making it easy to become desensitized to the severity of the problem. This is a dangerous reality as it allows for the perpetuation of these injustices to continue without any real sense of urgency to address the issues at hand. It is important to remember that police brutality is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of a larger problem. We must continue to speak out against these injustices and work towards creating a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We should start thinking about how we can overcome this mess and work towards making real change. This includes pushing for legislation and policy changes, as well as educating ourselves and others about the root causes of these issues. It also includes holding those who perpetuate these injustices accountable and supporting those who are directly impacted by them. In conclusion, as Black Americans, we must continue to fight against police brutality and the systemic injustices that continue to plague our communities. It is important to remember that this is not just an issue for us, but for society as a whole and that it is our collective responsibility to create a more just and equitable world. In the end, we don't want to hear or see anymore of this war against Black & Brown people. RA
ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-training Transformer) architecture, which uses deep learning to generate human-like text. The model is trained on a massive amount of data, and it can generate text in a wide range of styles and formats, such as news articles, poetry, and conversation.