LETTING GO

Letting go is a very difficult process to undertake, but it is a process that we all must go through if we want to transition to higher levels of our lives properly and drama free. As 2011 draws to a close in a matter of hours and a new phase in life begins, I am compelled to reflect on the spiritual and intellectual growth that I have gained as a result of the trials and tribulations that I have endured throughout the year. As I quietly reflect on the year that was, I realized that I had many issues unresolved. As a result I  had a hard time letting go and moving on. Resolving my issues gave me a renewed sense of purpose and a new source of strength that I never thought I had. As a result, I have become a better man because of it and I will walk into 2012 with a renewed sense of purpose and newfound strength. Letting go is a valuable tool that everyone should use improve themselves and rid themselves of the excess baggage they may be carrying that prevents them from transitioning to higher level in life. Letting go is a difficult process to undertake because it symbolizes change, commitment, and finality.

Change is the most constant component of human existence and  it is one of the most feared components of human existence. Change happens whether we want it to happen or not. All we can do is prepare ourselves to properly  face it the best way that we can. Countless numbers of people are afraid of change because change represents the unknown. Why embrace the unknown, when the familiar  is safer? reason being, because the familiar doesn't force you to grow or venture outside of your comfort zone. But it keeps you stationary. Sadly too many people don't mind being stationary in life because of fear of the unknown. This forces them to be unprepared for the curve balls that the life will throw at them. Accepting that  unknown changes will come in life as a result of letting go is a proposition that very few often take. But to those that do, they realize the commitment it takes in letting go.

Commitment is a word that is often thrown around without much thought because people have not properly thought about the effort that it takes to be committed to a purpose that extends beyond temporarily limits. Commitment and effort go hand in hand and many people are not fully aware of the level of commitment it takes in making the conscientious decision of letting go and resolving issues. Commitment is a result of the desire to take action and the consequence whether it is negative or positive is a result of commitment. We should have the desire to be committed to improving ourselves anyway we can and letting go and resolving issues is a reflection of ones commitment to progress. So what happens when you have finally let go and resolved the issues that were holding you back? You realize the finality of the situation.

Letting go is a difficult process to undertake because it symbolizes finality. Once a process is final, there is no going back. There is no stone that has not been unturned or a road that has not been taken. Each path (though a different one) leads to a final destination or a conclusion. The fear of finality compels many people to run from their problems instead of facing them and resolving them properly. This causes them to be stationary in life and because of it become bitter, angry, and  confused as to why they aren't progressing as they would like. And little do they know that no one is keeping them there but themselves. At times we are our own worst enemies and we don't even know it.Barring astronomical forces, we have the power inside of us to make the changes necessary to ensure that we progress in every facet our lives. Making the decision to let go and progress is a road that everyone must face and no one is immune. Letting go is a hard thing to do, but is necessary for personal growth. Let go of the burdens you bear and live a life free of constrictions.

Take care and God Bless

Black Men Must Stay Positive And Support One Another Despite The Obstacles Thrown Our Way To Keep Us From Succeeding.....

As a positive brother out here striving to reach my goals and simultaneously improve as a man spiritually, physically, intellectually, and mentally, it is an everyday struggle to stay positive and upbeat despite the obstacles thrown in my way to keep myself and other brothers from succeeding. Often I reminisce on how far I have come and I reflect on the anguish that I have endured that has gotten me to the place where I currently am in my young life. As I reflect on the lessons learned and the experiences gained, I realize more than ever before the plight that positive black men go through on a daily basis. Most of the this stems from a lack of guidance and support systems that other groups of people already have. These systems are next to non-existent for black men. We are going to have to change this, if we are to improve the community as well as the lives of young and older black men. Positive black men are often counted out of society many times over.

Positive black men who are working towards improving themselves face an uphill battle from society as well as  from our own black community. The sea of negativity is so vast and deep in the black community that it fails to embrace positive black men who are not a walking stereotype! Not only does this exist in the black community but it exists in mainstream society as well. People are so use to the stereotypes of black men, that they seem shocked and uncomfortable when a black man is intelligent, speaks well, and does not fit the stereotypical role that society sees him as. In many cases interaction ceases. Because of this many brothers feel isolated and alone. Many times some brothers feel as though they have to resort to acting negative to gain acceptance.

It is a constant struggle to do the right thing and stay on the right path, when you're constantly seeing people being praised and rewarded for performing negative acts.The thought of caving into the pressure of acting and thinking negative is so great that many brothers just throw up their hands in defeat and give into it because they want to feel accepted.The pressure is so tremendous because the downside of not giving in is feeling completely isolated, and alone. Over time the feelings gradually build to their boiling point where you feel as though you can't take it anymore. The loneliness and pain become too great to ignore.

Growing up, there were many times where I felt isolated, alone, and defeated. I felt as if I had been ostracized from my own group of people. No matter how hard I tried, I never fit into any social group. There were times where I suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety because of this. Many times I just wanted to check out of life altogether.Fortunately for me, I had a strong mother as well as a solid spiritual foundation from which I drew inspiration and strength and as a result I was able to pick myself up and soldier on. Many Brothers don't have this and they suffer in silence daily. But I want to give the brothers a word of encouragement.

No matter what society tells you, stay positive and maintain your focus on your goals and where you are going in life. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from improving yourself in all aspects of life. Even when society tells you that you are not good enough, DON'T BELIEVE THEM AND MARCH ON! Walk upright and believe in yourself and the potential that rests inside of you. You are becoming a force of change and good that our community needs to improve. Support other positive brothers and form solid networks so you all can improve. We need to support and uplift one another. We are not each others competition, but each others strength. 

Black men cannot afford to be selfish and hateful towards each other. We are all we have and the few people that actually care about us. We need to network and forge bonds with each other as well as form support groups to uplift and encourage one another if we are going to make it out here. Positive brothers working together makes for an infinitely better community.

Take care and God bless