Peers Mentoring Peers

I can't ever recall being raised to have professional confidence. Or work confidence. But
I've always been raised to BE CONFIDENT. To be one step ahead. Hold my head high, stay true and work hard. But never once did I hear "work smart" until 2-3 years ago after my first year at my first job out of college.

It's been really strange being a black professional because you look back on an amazingly successful day and ask "how the hell did I get here?" The answer for me is hard work and mentorship. For others, those were automatic skill sets they just had. (In my opinion THIS advantage is regardless of race)

I don't blame my immigrant-ness for my lack of professional self-awareness. I don't even blame my parents at all. Because they did above and beyond the best they can to make sure I had the right mental tools and social tools to be professional. (Their monetary contributions are to never be ignored but its the non-fiscal/undocumented offerings that really lead the way.) The day I became a professional is when a mentor told me "A major key to being successful is to work smart"
It was like a bell went off....
And I got it.

To many people, that's just a given. But I'm not going to shy away from naivete or the ignorance I had because it empowered me and still does today. It is the driving force for me seeking mentorship. I didn't ask for mentors, but I just simply asked questions of people that I admired; was just curious about or that I simply knew would know the answer. And really that's all it takes folks!

humility...
self-awareness...
ambition...

honesty.

I seek my self-empowerment.

~Blessed

support them!

Its the holidays so I am not around. (sorries) But just writing my 2011 manifest to myself and getting over a horrendous head cold! (honestly, where's the muthafuggin shot for the cold!?? - I will pay $30 for that!)
Sooo I am sacrificing a great social opportunity to get bed rest, and water so I could drink all day tomorrow (after the old year to-do list check-offs, of course) and bring the new year with my beloveds! (judge) I DONT CARE- its going to be a new year!

And a new year involves a LOT of self-reflection, but I shall not bore you with those details. (I don't need you in my head...) But for one thing, I think this past year has shown me the innovations of grabbing and owning your profession, the world and your life path!




2010 EXPERIENCE GAINED: When you lose yourself, make sure you learn from that lose. So it's only a momentary lapse on your climb UP in the world! Inspired by these kids, let's honor our dreams/aspirations and don't stop hustlin.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

life changes

life is changing so quickly, sometimes its just really hard to catch up. I feel like I have too much to say, but right now-all i want to say is APPRECIATE.

A person I valued in my life has gone through one of the most important/ devastating loses in their lives. And I've watched them hurt and grow all in the same day. I'm so honored and proud to have been able to be there as support and to witness this moment. Their growth and experience has led me to take a step back and realize that as much as my moment is hard- someone else's life/moment is even harder. So I've learned always move my life forward...



EXPERIENCE GAINED: Observe and witness. It can always be worse...

80/20 Rule

Ever heard of the 80/20 rule?


My best friend brought up this interesting topic that I've never thought existed! But when I asked another friend about it, they told me it was from the movie "Why did I get Married". (CLEARLY- I was not paying attention) Either way- so let's talk about it because it seems to be a true theory/rationale to some people and I an see the rationale.


The theory is:


in a relationship you can only get 80% of what you want/need, and when you meet someone who gives the missing 20%- you believe they are giving you all that you were missing.


I can see how this theory works. Human nature always makes people remember the worst parts of someone first before they remember the best parts. And people always recognize what they don't have before they stop to appreciate what they DO. 


What are the things that people feel drops in the missing 20% range tends to be? I really can't think of much right now. But I do know that relationships are about compromise! And you can't always get what you want (this post has maxed out my use of cliche terms already..time to stop.)


I also think you can get your 100%! But-hey- I'm also an idealist... lol.


But really there's no excuse for stupidity- choosing a 20%'er over an 80%'er- buuuuuut we all know that life is about fulfilling desires, wants and immediate missing links. What makes instant satisfaction more important than thinking about each move before you do it? 



LESSON LEARNED: Ultimately, life is about personal choice and recognizing what you REALLY need and deserve in life! 
If something in that 20% range is something you realized is what you need- GO FOR IT! Just make sure to think about what your 80% is..

message!

I found this quote on an ad on the train... Thought this was one of the most insightful quotes to date. I completely identify. 



"Life is a train of moods like a string of beads; and as we pass through them they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue, and each shows only what lies in its own focus."


-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), "Experience"

juicey- 1st edition

Not including my family, I've met some amazing people in my life thus far 

Each interaction has contributed to the person that I am and making life sweet

believe the best in people

they will bring out the best in you 

i meet new people everyday

the state of randomness

life is random
what defines your character are all the randomosity in the world and how you deal with it
want to share my journey of stories; lessons learned; experiences gained
maybe you learn you something- maybe you will just be entertained
let the randomosity begin