Kevin O'Bryan

Tag: live and learn

  • We all have that one friend…

    We all have that one friend…

    This is not a slash and burn post.

    I am not telling you to identify and remove these people from your life.

    Acknowledging that the following people are in your life doesn’t mean that your life is toxic or that they are bad people.

    Instead consider this an exercise to give you insight into the different spirits that you contend with in different spheres of your life.

    Knowing who they are is half the battle.

    I have matured enough in my own personal journey to distinguish between who people are, and who I want them to be. It is the most freeing thing to know who your friends are and love them regardless.

    I made full disclosure about the imaginary ones here, so they won’t be featured, but let me know if these people exist in your life.

    The “I Can’t Live without Love” Friend

    How many times have you wondered to yourself “Why doesn’t ……….. take a break from relationships and dating and just chill?”

    You do this because this friend is always either heading into a situation or dealing with the aftermath of one. It seems like, if they are not in a relationship, they don’t feel whole. In fact, their existence and adulthood is defined by their dating status. Being single is NEVER an option because that would most certainly mean they have leprosy. They are often the biggest ‘Askholes’ in your life. Always asking for advise or counsel but never really paying it any mind, because… Love.

    They will either be an over sharer or a Harry Houdini when it comes to their relationships. So you can expect long conversations about their relationships when they’re in it, or you just don’t hear from them much at all.

    The “See you next year” Friend

    Every Christmas or carnival season, I can expect to either rekindle or be reintroduced to some acquaintances. These are the seasonal friends. Y’all don’t have any issues or nothing, but you just don’t talk much, except when you see each other at particular times during the year.

    There’s no need to take them too serious because you know that promises of “see you later” and “we’ll link” mean nada. These may also be the acquaintances who forget that you were ‘cool’ after all, but even that realization won’t change their seasonal status.

    If you’re deliberate about it, you can make that seasonal thing a tradition and link with them for special events only.

     The “Drama becomes me” Friend

    There are levels and then there are these people. Drama seems to define their existence, one dramatic, life changing thing to another. If the boy who cried wolf had a cousin who lived two villages over and cried Coyote, this friend would be that cousin. They are either caught up in some complex people situation of their own, or are party to someone else’s ‘shituation’.

    It may not help that they are really ‘troublemakers’ who may or may not be the ones to blame, more often than not. However, you don’t judge. As a friend you remain in your safe space and if it’s your thing, be entertained or just tune out.

    The “You’re my Emergency Contact” Friend

    Closely related, but not quite the same as the Drama-fied friend is this one – the perennial emergency contact. It would appear that this person has mentally listed you as their emergency contact for every single crisis in their life, be it serious or frivolous.

    Clearly, this person has never watched Forrest Gump. Life is like a box of chocolates, not grenades.  It’s simply NOT natural to jump from crisis to crisis and expect a faithful friend to contend with it all.

    To be clear, emergencies happen and any good friend would be a guiding light to a loved one in need. However, when the decision to answer a phone call is preceded by heart palpitations and nervousness, there is a problem. Unfortunately, this particular friend may never consider the toll their ‘constant crises’ have on the life of the other person. They believe, incorrectly, that their ‘normal’ is ok.

    The “I am your Cheerleader Forever” Friend

    Many people talk about having a ride or die, how about having cheerleaders? People who are always there to just show love, especially when good things are happening in your life?

    Sadly, sometimes we spend so much time contending with the other folks, these people don’t get their due. The thing is, these may not be people you speak with everyday but are people you have a genuine link with, who understand and appreciate you.

    They are proud of your accomplishments and most importantly, are always willing to let you know this.

    Big dem up!

    The “I’m a moth give me your light” Friend

    Dearly beloved, we all have a Light within us that is continuously shining, even if we don’t see it or believe that it’s there.

    When that light burns brightest, is when these people literally come out of the wood work. These are your friends and acquaintances who you know from way back when. The peeps who you may’ve worked with back in the day, school mates, or those who you were once close to.

    Then one day, out of nowhere they emerge, seemingly to rekindle the ‘buddy-ship’. These are the moths. They feed off your light and are attracted by happenings in your life. Mind you, new people are also attracted to you in this way, but the main difference is, you are more likely to suss out a new people trying to get close to you.

    Someone who’s always been there, get’s less scrutiny. Funny thing is simple occurences can cause this re-emergence of a moth person.

    A simple thing as a new social media image, a career move that’s made public or (gasp) a new relationship can get them at your feet.

    The “User” Friend

    I’m sure you’ve seen this one on numerous lists of people that you should stay away from. The reality though, is that none of us are immune to being used and taken advantage of, especially by people we consider friends.

    The factor that makes us a winner or loser is reciprocity. It’s the degree of reciprocity that makes great relationships work, and bad ones toxic. Reciprocity doesn’t have to be acknowledged. However knowing that you can do something for a friend, knowing that it would be no consequence for them to do same or greater, if necessary, makes a huge difference.

    That said, there are some people we may have within and around our ‘circles’ who are NOT about that reciprocity life. They are takers through and through and will use the cloak of ‘friendship’ to milk you dry.

    Their behaviour is so pervasive that they are unable to differentiate between friend and conquest. Your kindness, to them may be a weakness. More dangerous are the ones who have been so spoilt by life, that they are unaware that they are using you up.

    Reality Check

    You may have elements of all of these ‘people’ embodied in one person you know. God Bless them.

    Figuring out the energy that’s best for you is a wholly personal experience and something that we all may need to do at some point to check ourselves.

    I learn new things about my friends and acquaintances everyday because the reality is, people make the world go round.

    No matter how much of an introvert or misanthrope you think you are, we need people.

    All that said, know your people and love them anyway.

    Sidenote – I didn’t mention the ‘negative friend’ because, I assume by now that we would rid ourselves of people who deal solely in bad vibes.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

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  • You can do Whatever you Like!

    You can do Whatever you Like!

    Life is short, and there are so many things that we are forced to do daily. Be it for work or some other obligation.

    So why not take some time to do something that YOU truly want to do!

    Nakeeta, a close friend of mine recently asked me a seemingly innocuous question but it was loaded with so much meaning.

    She asked: “Kevin, how do you make time to read?”

    And my response was: “I am deliberate about it. It’s difficult but I make a deliberate effort to do it.”

    deliberate

    I love to read but the reality is, it’s often a struggle making the time to do it for pleasure, but I do, even in small doses.

    In the midst of that conversation, I had an ‘Aha’ moment of my own. It was something I have been doing but not giving enough credence to, all this time.

    Make it Count!

    I was making a deliberate effort do the things I really wanted to do, reading included.

    But it goes beyond just being deliberate because when you think about it, it all comes down to how gentle we are with ourselves.

    We spend so much time in the cut and thrust of ‘living’ we forget to really be gentle to the person that we are. The consciousness that is within that reaches out and greets the world with every word we speak and every action we take.

    How do we seek to satisfy those needs that we all have as finite beings with limited time?

    Nakeeta was the one who introduced me to a swimming class years ago. I joined, learned to swim, and I refuse to leave.

    That swim class became symbolic, because it was the one thing, that I was doing with myself, for myself.

    Sure, I was also studying for my Masters Degree during the period, but the truth is, educational achievement, while fulfilling is not solely a gift to yourself. It is your gift of knowledge to humanity.

    I was learning to swim for me and I loved it.

    For that one hour, each week, I am truly one with the water.

    Choose for You

    While preparing this post, another piece of inspiration came my way in the form of John Urschel.

    Embed from Getty Images

    John, is a brilliant, former NFL lineman who lived on $25,000 a year while playing in the NFL for three years. He earned a total of $1.6 million dollars during his playing days, but chose to live off just 4% of his earnings.

    His financial shrewdness is what initially caught my attention and lead me to read the article that was written about him. But it was something else that left the most indelible impression.

    I was impressed by his outlook, especially what motivates him to live his life in the way he does.

    According to the article:

    He didn’t live on a modest $25,000 a year and drive a used car “because I’m frugal or trying to save for some big purchase,” Urschel said.”It’s because the things I love the most in this world (reading math, doing research, playing chess) are very, very inexpensive.”

    And that, ladies and gentlemen is what got me about John Urschel’s story. He chooses to live his life doing the things he loves. It just so happened that the activities that he loves to do, are inexpensive.

    How many of us make that decision to focus on doing things with our time that is truly fulfilling and worthwhile?

    I was recently reminded of how fragile and fleeting life can be. Therefore my time, my energy, how I choose to live and indulge must all be conscious decisions I make.

    One Love.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

    Let me know how you are doing YOU in the comments.

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  • Speaking Life: My Toastmasters Journey… so far

    Speaking Life: My Toastmasters Journey… so far

    People say the darndest things.

    So there I was, in Vancouver, Canada stepping into a taxi, as I headed to a session of the 2017 Toastmasters International Convention.

    When I sat down and got settled, the affable driver asked: “What brings you to Vancouver, brother?”

    I replied: “I’m here for the Toastmasters International Convention” to which he responds…

    “Toastmasters? Are you guys like, cooks who are really good at making toast or something?

    I had a hearty laugh and so should you. I never fail to be surprised by the number of people who simply have no idea what Toastmasters is.

    Ya gonna learn today!

    I Got Skills…

    I always thought I was a good communicator and I always figured I was quite articulate. That was, until I was introduced to and later became a Toastmaster.

    Now, when I heard about Toastmasters Clubs, I was weary as I had already spent some years as a member of a service club.

    Nevertheless, as my department at work was the epi-centre of Toastmasters activities I decided to join.

    That was 5 years ago and today I am truly grateful for the experience and opportunities that have blossomed from me becoming a member of this international organisation.

    The Programme

    Toastmasters International was founded in the United States in 1924 by Ralph Smedley and has since grown into a global community of professionals.

    public speaking

    The Toastmasters Educational programme is based on projects that help members to practice and sharpen their public speaking and leadership competencies.

    I’ve done just over 30 prepared speeches in my Toastmasters journey so far, ranging from the basics of introducing myself to full interpretive readings of plays.

    And the further I go, the more latitude I get to choose projects that are tailored to my personal and professional needs.

    Probably the greatest aspect of Toastmasters is the evaluation process which sees, fellow members providing friendly and pointed evaluations of my presentations. These evaluations are guided by outlines that accompany each speech project. Each evaluation is usually delivered in the sandwich technique where positive feedback is given, followed by suggestions, then with positive feedback.

    Aside from prepared speeches, I have also benefitted from impromptu speaking opportunities through Table Topics. These sessions are a formal part of all toastmasters meetings and allows any member to complete a two minute speech on the fly.

    On the leadership track I have blossomed tremendously over the years. I have served in many different roles within my club and at the District level. Those stints have enabled me to put my teambuilding and leadership skills to the test. Today, the experiences are bearing fruit in my professional life.

    Unique Value Proposition

    Toastmaster International has probably one of the greatest unique value propositions of any programme you will encounter.

    Imagine, leadership and public speaking training that is set at your own pace and at a fraction of the cost of more formalized instruction. Thankfully, Jamaica has a network of Toastmasters clubs, most of which are community based and meet almost every day of the week.

    One of the most exciting aspects of the Toastmasters experience is the speech contests, which are held twice a year, at every level. The international speech contest, extends from club competitions, all the way to the global level. The semi-final and final rounds are held at the annual Toastmasters International Convention.

    Public speakinh
    Here I am sharing a moment with Ryan Avery, the 2012 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking at the 2013 TI Convention in Cincinnati.

    Speech contests are an opportunity to either participate or just watch competitive speakers, battle it out on the stage.

    This past summer was my second time attending a Toastmasters International Convention, having  attended the 2013 edition, held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    toastmasters
    Canada Place in Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia

    As always, the convention floor is a melting pot of members from all over the world! I have networked with numerous people from various regions across the world. Through our common interests and the shared Toastmasters programme there were never ending conversations.

    public speaking
    Had the pleasure of meeting with the team of Toastmasters from Sri Lanka.

    The cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, provided the perfect backdrop to this year’s event. The city matched the eclectic mix of people and cultures present at the event.

    Speak Easy

    Today, I credit my improved speech flow, recall and vocal dexterity to my time as a Toastmaster!

    When I speak, I am clear that I will be heard and I know how to command an audience’s attention. I can confidently say that I have no fear of public speaking. My ability to articulate off the cuff, has also gotten better.

    public speaking

    As a lifelong learner, every toastmasters meeting and project I prepare for, teaches me something new.

    Probably the greatest transformations I have seen are in some of my fellow toastmasters. Members who have joined clubs and blossomed into confident speakers and leaders. Persons, who before joining were afraid to address a small group of people, have gone on to enter speech contests.

    The Toastmasters experience really works and watching others grow and flourish with their personal goals is truly inspiring.

    public speaking

    Leave a comment and let me know more about the outlets you use to fulfill your life-long learning needs.

    And remember, if you have post suggestions, let me know here

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

  • Spare the Rod… and Machete

    Spare the Rod… and Machete

    After watching that video of the partly naked mother, viciously beating her daughter with a machete on Sunday, (reported on here) I was part amused and mostly dismayed.

    I was amused because the dang dog reminded me of so many people, who are always making an effort to be in the middle of everything, and then get hurt.

    But I was dismayed because what I saw, was a family at its lowest point and our Jamaican women, once again set up for ridicule.

    I took my feelings to Facebook and penned this:

    The video of the mother beating a girl who I assumed to be her daughter is distressing. And most of us will view it with outrage. That is appropriate, but I am distressed about what happened, not because I’m upset that a woman was beating her daughter with a machete. But by the fact that a mother even thought it an option to do that in the first place. 

    A few years ago I would be blindly angry at the mother for what she did. But now, while I share my disgust with how she sought to discipline this girl, I also want to sit and have a talk with her. I really want to know what’s going on in her life.  What cut has she received so deep, that has caused her to walk away from her dignity in such a way? As for the dog… some of us can all learn a lesson from what happened to him/her.

    I’ve seen the outrage, heard many of the jokes and for a quick minute decided that I didn’t want to touch on this topic any further, until now.

    It’s Personal

    I, like many other Jamaicans, was beaten by a parent while growing up, as a form of discipline.

    No, I will never accept that beating me was justified, or the right way to discipline a child. There was no other option presented, as it was the only way I was disciplined.

    Personally, I feel it did more harm than good, but that’s another conversation all together.

    I have seen some of the commentary on this matter and I’m still trying to figure out what people are more upset about… the beating itself or the fact that it was done with a machete?

    I’m willing to commiserate with the mother, not because I believe she deserves pity for her stress, but because I recognise that society places the responsibility for disciplining her child squarely on her shoulders.

    Our current issue is that she ‘overdid it’ in many of our eyes. The fact is, some serious injury could’ve been caused to her daughter because of what she was doing.

    For the Culture

    Unlike some folks, nostalgia means nil to me, in this zero sum game of corporal punishment that is somehow glorified as a panacea for discipline, in seemingly every aspect of Jamaican life.

    Physically violence is a THING with our people.

    I find the outrage at this video alarming as well, as there is another popular video which has made the rounds on social media, showing what appeared to be a ‘neighbour’ disciplining the child of another neighbour.

    Similar to the current video in question, this was also in a ‘Big Yaad’ setting, because of course, putting working class people on ‘blast’ is never out of style.

    In that instance, she used her hands, to deliver some choice blows to the girl who protested violently.

    Kum-Ba-Yah?

    As was said here, Ms Dyer should be resocialised, not criminalised.

    She committed a crime and the consequences of that offence should be corrective but also something that helps us, as a community to be better.

    Her daughter too, also needs assistance. Not to learn to be a ‘good girl’ but to understand that that level of abuse is not normal and is not something she should expect from anyone, ever.

    Sadly, our culture insists that ‘two lick neva hurt nobody’. Therefore, displays like that witnessed Sunday, will continue to be tolerated and argued about. Less so, if a machete is not in play.

    Victim blaming will be the mainstay… ‘Di likkle girl muss bad.’

    I would wax philosophical and say that this is a teachable moment, and for some it will be, but I fear that culture will do what it often does, carry on.

    But while you’re at it, do us all a favour and report incidents of child abuse that you witness and know places a child in danger HERE. It really shouldn’t take several months and public outcry.

    Leave a comment and let me know how this whole thing makes you feel.

    If you have post suggestions, let me know here

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

  • It was just my Imagination?

    It was just my Imagination?

    When I was growing up, I had imaginary friends.

    I became conscious of these ‘friends’ when I was about 7 and for a few years, they were a big deal in my life.

    Now, these imaginary friends were actually the colours I saw dancing behind my eyelids when my eyes were closed. One was Reddie because, Red and another was Blue.

    They provided me some solace, as I grew up in a household being the only child. But most important, my imaginary friends gave me companionship.

    I remember at some point sharing the details of my imaginary friends with my cousins, one hot summer day, down in the country. They looked at me like I had just walked off the moon. They then let me know that having imaginary friends was weird.

    I ignored them of course and carried on, but as time and life went on, my imagination grew to create more formidable imagery, through books.

    All Grown Up

    My imaginary friends were no more, until now…

    For you see, I have discovered a strain of people that are just that, imaginary friends.

    People who we willingly give the titles – friend, acquaintance, brethren, yadda yadda…

    But in reality, they are completely imaginary, inauthentic, apparitions, who are unable to truly be part of your life.

    How can they be with you or for you, when they probably want what you have or may even resent you, just for being alive?

    Social media, in all its ephemeral glory makes them even more prevalent because they’re able to participate in your life, virtually.

    How do they do this you ask?

    By quietly watching and observing your every move. Your every snap, every whatsapp status update and every post to IG and Facebook.

    Because for them, keeping tabs on your every move is their way of keeping you in-check.

    By nature, these imaginary friends may have delusions of grandeur which leads them to having a larger than life imagination that positions them as your ‘competitor’.

    Take a moment right now, and identify those people in your life, who are barely there… The not quite friends but the not quite strangers, the ones who you were cool with but the season has passed.

    Once you know who they are, cut them loose. Free your mind, free your destiny, free up your energy.

    Jamaican people have a saying about friendship – “Good fren betta dan pocket money.”

    But there is another saying that is seldom heard nowadays – “Yuh shake man han, yuh nuh shake him heart.”

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

  • You are a Force of Nature – Own It!

    You are a Force of Nature – Own It!

    I, like many others in the Caribbean, continue to watch spellbound as Hurricane Irma makes her destructive stride across the Caribbean, on her way to the US mainland.

    Earlier this week, I told a friend I felt compelled to use Irma as a metaphor to illustrate a point about how self-limiting we can be at times, even as the world sees us for the force of nature we truly are.

    I won’t continue with the metaphor but the message stands true.

    Self Sabotage

    How many times have you complained about a talent, that you didn’t have or something you thought you just couldn’t do? Or maybe it was a physical feature you thought wasn’t good enough?

    There are two distinct memories I have of doing just that and it took years for me to realize what the bigger lesson was.

    Interestingly enough, both incidents occurred while I was in University completing my first degree. It was a period I considered a second chance to step into adulthood after the ravages of high school (I’m dramatic, I know).

    Deeper

    My dream was to become a a broadcast journalist and I was blessed to receive some of the most nuanced and engaging training from Ms. Monica Johnson. She taught me Voice and Diction and Radio Broadcasting 1.

    Ms. Johnson, to this day is a dear mentor and friend, who back then, made you feel like you were the most special person on the planet, in a room full of other people. Her classes were a must-attend event, because we all knew that not only would we learn something, but also leave feeling a renewed sense of being.

    Talent-wise, I realised early on that I was blessed, but never did I take for granted that I stood to benefit and grow from any instruction and guidance, something I continue to hold true.

    Most people who have to work in broadcasting, or any sphere of self expression where they have to record, especially their speaking voice, will all say, they hated the sound of their own voice, at first.

     

    via GIPHY

    I am no different, but I would prefer to think I was indifferent to my voice, as opposed to all out hated it.

    It was ok, it could do interesting stuff and other people seemed to like it.

    But I distinctly remember an interlude that occurred after completing a voice exercise during one of Ms. Johnson’s radio classes.

    I had just finished reading a radio ad or some other piece, and Ms Johnson asked me: “How do you feel about that?”

    And I remember telling her that “I would like to make my voice a little deeper.”

    What she said next floored me.

    She said “Kevin, you have a very warm voice. I think that was very good.”

    It seemed simple enough but it had a real impact on my self-perception.

    I was so busy wanting a deep (er) voice, I completely missed the fact, that what I may’ve lacked in depth, I had in warmth.

    Jaw Dropper

    The second illuminating experience also occurred during my college years just before I got braces.

    Now, anyone who knew me in high school would probably remember the rambling madness that was my teeth.

    I had an open bite and pre-molars making their own rows where ever they chose. The top and bottom rows of my teeth were off-center  and my lip posture  was completely off. Needless to say, there were moments I was self conscious about my teeth and my smile.

    I didn’t think cute or even passable when I considered myself and it didn’t help that I loved to laugh! (still do).

    And while I was self conscious, I had gone through enough name-calling for it to not matter too much by that point. My teeth were a part of who I was and I could live with that.

    So as the story goes… I was sitting with a class mate somewhere on campus and we were talking.

    Somehow the conversation got around to teeth and she said to me… “Kevin you have beautiful teeth.”

    And I responded “Really?!”

    “Yes you do,” she replied. “They are packed but they are still beautiful.”

    That was a jaw dropping moment because before then, the word beauty was NEVER one I associated with my teeth.

    How could anyone see beauty, in my packed, open bite, double rowed mouth?

    I had completely overlooked the fact, that though my teeth were “all over the place,” I had big strong teeth nonetheless.

    I had no dental caries, no cavities, they were all there and a healthy shade of chalk.

    Own it!

    via GIPHY

    These two small, but life altering exchanges have changed my outlook on life, who I think I am and how much of that limiting self-talk I am willing to believe.

    In each case, I was the first to point out all the things that were ‘wrong’ with me. But I neglected to acknowledge and appreciate the things that were good, and appealing. Somehow, loathing the ‘obvious’ was easier.

    I see this everyday in people who are close to me and not so close. They trample upon the aspects of who they are that make them special because they have to acknowledge and attempt to fix what is ‘wrong’.

    But we all should acknowledge and claim what is right and what is good about us!

    I am a Force of Nature

    I am able to achieve, create, grow, prosper and survive with all the gifts that I have been given.

    It is also significant that my eyes were opened to my own ‘gifts’ by other people. Sometimes, that outside perspective reveals aspects of who we are, that on our own, we refuse to acknowledge or accept.

    Don’t ignore the gift that you are.

    Keep searching, remain thankful and find all of what you have to offer the world.

    Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Kevin

    Would love to hear your eye opening stories, feel free to share them with me here.

  • 35 Lessons in 35 Years

    35 Lessons in 35 Years

    Life lessons

    I grew up with this fatal vision that I would not live past age 18.

    Why?

    Because I was unlucky enough to reach that age in the dreaded year 2000, when calamity would strike and the Lord would come back and take his world.

    Imagine my surprise then, that 17 years later, I am still here.

    A thriving 30-something, ‘Adulting’ and still trying to understand this thing we call life.

    “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”
    ― Robert Frost.

    Today as I celebrate my 35th year of renewal, I realized it was a good time to reflect and recap some of the life lessons I have learned on my trod.

    The whole exercise proved revelatory and for some of these lessons, it took me a while to truly find words to describe them, but here goes.

    In no particular order of importance: Life Lessons

    1. Turning 30 wasn’t that big a deal after all, in fact I felt like my true adulthood began in my 30’s!
    2. If you’re lucky, your maturity and wisdom will peak at the right time for you to start putting the two together and change your life.
    3. A mother’s love is indispensable.
    4. The prayers of the matriarchs of your family count for something.
    5. You actually can become friends with your ‘co-workers’, but stay woke.
    6. Stay away from people who prefer Juici over Tastee beef patties. You never need that kind of negativity in your life.
    7. Try to figure out religion and spirituality for yourself, it will be of immense value.
    8. Your gut is always right!
    9. The worst end, to the best relationship will not be your undoing. In fact, it could be your opportunity to level up.
    10. It is ok to take your time to grow up. If you’re lucky, there will be a lot of years of ‘adulting’ to do all those ‘big people’ stuff.
    11. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking care of you. Self care is the best thing since sliced bread.
    12. People love differently, but don’t let that blind you to what love should feel like, for you.
    13. Reading is FUNDAMENTAL!
    14. Your education becomes more valuable, the older you get. Get that paper, get that training.
    15. Nobody really wants a nice guy.Life Lessons
    16. None of us are born with good judgement. It’s like a muscle that must be exercised in order to grow and become stronger.
    17. Learn to swim.
    18. You love who you love and no matter how the world tries to change that fact, it remains self evident and true.
    19. Assertiveness is a gift.
    20. Being you is often times easier said than done, but it will always be worth it.
    21. Being thankful through all circumstances, good and bad, makes a difference to your outlook on life. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for, as long as you’re willing to look.
    22. It is ok to have different ‘tribes’ for different aspects of your life.
    23. There’s a difference between being valuable and being valued. See how this applies to your professional and personal relationships.
    24. The word ‘No’ is a gift.
    25. There’s no shame to your game if you can’t dance, but if you’re so inclined, take a few lessons.
    26. Be willing to walk from any situation or person that makes you feel less than.
    27. At a certain point in your life, you won’t care about the degrees and certificates as much, you will just want to learn about new things.
    28. Accept that disagreements or even arguments are part of the process and shouldn’t define relationships,
    29. It takes time to master the art of making lemonade out of lemons but when you do, your whole outlook on life and circumstances immediately change.
    30. No matter how far you run, at the end of the day, you have to face the man in the mirror. Ensure that he’s ok, before you fully face the world.
    31. You are braver and stronger than you think.
    32. Mentors come in many forms.
    33. The good you do, for others counts for something. They will remember, even if you forget.
    34. You are not your hair (Take this from someone who started losing it before age 25).
    35. They may say that you’re shady, but they can never call you dishonest.Life lessons

    Birthdays are a time of great celebration and joy but years ago, my big brother Pete, introduced me to the idea of looking at my birthday, as a New Year celebration.

    So along with these lessons I’ve learned and with the launch of this blog, I’d say that my new year is already looking up.

    More time to Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

    Subscribe to the blog here  and share your content suggestions here.

    Kevin