Passion

Passion for me is a strong word. Passion divides doing something half ass and doing something with all your heart in it. Passion is like a candle burning bright among darkness. Passion is motivating and it's  like an extra push to keep you going.

Passion in a relationship: What happens when you first start going out with somebody? It's new, it's fun. You guys are going to places you guys have never been to before, doing things you have never done, seeing things you have never seen…feeling feelings that you have not ever felt. But what happens over time with a burning oil candle, the oil slowly but surely burns out. You find yourselves not doing the same exciting stuff you used to do. You guys would want to see all the new exciting movies that came out in theaters but now it seems that now you guys wait until it comes out on dvd or blue-ray. You would rush to pick up the phone when you heard it ring because you were expecting a call from him/her…but now you pay no attention to the phone and could care less if you should call them right back or at all.

Passion in life: Passion in life is really important because if you don't have a passion, then it feels like you are kind of wasting your time. You have to find a passion by trying things. I tried photography and computers and I love them both so I have 2 passions and basically my life is mostly about them and its my duty to keep them burning as long as I can. My first passion is God, I can admit it keeps burning away but that is because I was letting it but I pray for him to keep filled with passion because I want to give it my all, and not treat him like a part time job and expect full time benefits as the saying goes,lol

So in general, passion IS like a burning oil candle…if things are getting dark and you know that in order keep on seeing things that you appreciate with light, why would you want everything to go dark and not be able to cherish those things you used to see when there was light…so keep your passion burning because once its out, it may be very hard to turn back on.

You only live once

Most of us are blessed to wake up another day not realizing yesterday could've been our last day here on Earth. I'm not saying that there's a chance you are going to die everyday, it's just that you don't know what could've happened until it happens. For example, I sometimes walk about half a mile to my home at night, there's been plenty of times where gangbangers pass by and throw gang signs at me...

One day, they did more than that, it was  November 9, 2009 a bright cloudy day, when i decided to walk my dog before I headed to class, I had enough time before my spanish class started and the day was pretty nice so  I decided to walk my dog because he looked kind of bored.

I usually walk him for about a mile or so but that day I did not want to be late so I decided to walk him around the block, once I turned into my block this white van pulled up and told me to throw the fork down, I looked at them and payed no mind and kept on walking, they told me the same thing. I was having a good day and I wasn't going to let some low life's mess it up for me..so I kept on walking.

I heard the guy say to the guy behind him.."Pass me the strap" (which means gun)

I stood frozen and didn't know what to do for some reason. A lot of thoughts came across my mind and family and friends as well... I guess that's where I realized that it wasn't my time yet so once I was about to run, the guy screamed again at his friend and said "pass me the strap"...

I saw the front right passenger reach for something from the back and once he turned to me, my legs began to run the opposite direction from they were going.

I have never ran so fast in my life before, I was actually running faster than my dog at a point.

I didn't want to look back but instead just run so fast where if they did shoot, they would not have an accurate shot because I was too far so that's what I did, now that i think about it, i should've ran in a zig zag kind of motion but that was not on my mind at the moment. 

At the end, I hid on a block away from my block for about 10 minutes and tried to call the police but I had left my cell phone at home..

I waited til the coast was clear and ran like crazy to my house and once I was in there, i just laid in my couch trying to catch my breath...

All and all, I could've been killed, at the same time, I could've not. But I wasn't going to stand there and be on the news declaring that gangs claimed yet another life in the south-side of Chicago. 

Now I live my life to the fullest and try to make my friends realize that you don't have to be in a near life and death experience to appreciate what you have.

I let them know that you only live once to stay with a jerk that is making your life miserable, you only live life once and should hug your parents everyday, you only live once so make the most out of your life and become someone successful. I am doing things I only dreamed about doing and own stuff that I thought would never be possible for me. I appreciate life more and try my best to make sure that my loved ones being close family and friends are doing so as well. In a way I'm glad that happened because I had God and my dog with me by my side. So don't just waste your life and let each day pass you by. You can be doing something great with your life but sometimes we take life and God for granted as well and that is what everyday I'm trying not to do.

Things I'm proud about my friends

Life is hard, nobody said it was going to be easy..some have it good and complain they have it hard...but then again some have it hard and don't complain about how life is dealing their cards because they are dealing their cards wisely..therefore I'm gonna post qualities or actions that I'm proud about some of my friends...

Im proud of you, if you:

•  have 2 jobs
• single parent with a job and you go to school
• go to college
• have it rough at home but yet keep your head up
•  do not look for the love in the streets when your parents should be given you that in the first place
• are undocumented but yet you are going to school to better your life not only for you but also for your family
• know the difference between right and wrong, because sadly a lot of people don't
• you study for hours for a big test or stay up all night doing h.w
• are in h.s and about to graduate 
• are in 8th grade and you are about to graduate ( dedicated to my lil sister,lol)
• treat your pet as like one of the family
• say no to drugs
• say no to sex
• left out of a abusive relationship wether it was verbal or physical
• are a Bulls fan =)
• have a kid and you stay home taking care of your child instead of going out every weekend partying with your friends
• do not give easily into peer pressure
• are doing something with your life

Investing -Vs- Being In Debt

I have bought many things in my life... clearly as so many of us have.
I buy groceries for my family from time to time, or sometimes take out my friends for dinner, it comes out of my heart and I love to see them smile and I don't mind when I have the money to do so.

But when it comes to buying stuff for myself, I tend to feel weird or constantly question myself if my purchase was something I really needed instead of what I wanted. I don't know, I guess I don't like to think of buying myself luxurious things as getting myself into debt, but instead investing which means that in time, i will gain back and even profit from what I originally invested my money on.

Being in debt sucks and it could create a burden, but knowing that you purchased an item that you know will help you make money out of it, for me is a great feeling =)

Recently I bought myself a customized "27 iMac in which many people tell me that I basically could've bought another car with that money, yes I could've, but I know that within time this machine will be able to make me money if I use it wisely and acquire more knowledge about photography and also if I learn more code so I can build more websites and maybe sell some of them.

I consider myself a geek...well honestly a sexy geek because I can be kinna cocky sometimes ;-) but any-who, I'm proud of who I am, and I am proud that I rather be doing something productive with my time.
It's just a matter of time that  I will be very successful and be a better influence on my brothers and sisters as an older brother.

Now going back to my point... I believe that going to college is the best debt that you can have. Not only are you more educated but with a degree, it enables you to more better career opportunities and since you invested time and money in getting that degree, you are blessed to get paid a way higher rate than most people do.
It may be a drag and it might take a while for you to get that degree but it makes it easier if you pursue something you are passionate about.

Next time you go shopping for yourself or just want to spoil yourself, make sure if it's something that you really need instead of what you really want. I can almost guarantee that if you are a geek like me, you will be happier with the purchase of the new computer rather than the new t.v, unless you use the t.v as dual monitor or mainly use your new huge t.v as a huge main monitor and now you have made the t.v into an investment because a bigger screen means you can do so much more at the same time on your computer  therefore making you more productive=)

Think Before You Act

I really dislike saying, "I wish I could turn back time". As most of us wish the same, we have to remember that  a lot of things happen for a reason. Sometimes things happen to us because we learn faster through failure than through success, that's just how our brain works.
Even though some things are inevitable...there are are some things we can control and choose.
So now I'm coming to the point in which I want to reach, "THINK BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING".
Life would be so much easier if we all thought before we said or did something. I guess I used to be one of those people that lived in the present rather than thinking about the future. Tomorrow is not promised but that doesn't mean we could make stupid decisions now because what if tomorrow does come, we are going to live with the consequences today that we chose to do yesterday.
Being at a party is a perfect example... let's suppose that we are in the future by a couple of days of the party. An individual is locked up for DUI and for killing an innocent pedestrian while he/she drove like a maniac while drunk . In his/her jail cell the individual is constantly thinking, "why me, why did I drink, why did somebody not take my keys away because I was too drunk to drive, why did I go to that party, this all would have not happened if I went to that stupid party???".
Life can change in a quick second but we have the power to  maintain control if only we thought stuff through before.
The individual in the example could've prevented all of this if he/she would've put a limit to how much he/she drank or not to drink at all knowing he/she had to drive. It's easy for him/her to try to blame somebody for letting him/her drive drunk but that is the irresponsible way to think. You are responsible for your own actions and sometimes your actions bring good consequences but it also can sometimes bring bad consequences.


So next time think before you

• have unprotected sex or have any pre-maritial sex at all
• drink and have to drive at a party
• choose not to do your h.w
• choose to do drugs
• speak

Those were just a few examples but if you really care about your life, why not protect it and think before you do something.

Be Careful What You Think Or Say

Have you ever wondered why bad things keep happening to you over and over and over again and when you say, can it get any worse?.. and more times than likely, it does get worse? Have you ever said one of the following?

•  I always get cheated on
•  I always get treated like a doormat
•  I am always broke 
•  I always get pulled over by the cops for no reason 
•  I always get heartbroken

I’m sorry to tell you this but at much as you would like to blame others for your misfortunes, the person you should really be blaming is yourself.

You may be asking yourself, “but how is this my fault???"

And my answer is, because you are bringing negativity into your life and actually putting it into existence by manifesting yourself in negative thoughts also by the  negative words that come out of your mouth.

This is all because of “The Law of Attracton”.. Still confused? Well let me put it like this..how does the law of gravity work? What goes up must come down right? That being said, how do you think the law of attraction works. Think yourself as a magnet and rememember, better yet, look at the examples that have bullet points next to it..go ahead and read them again…okay, remember you’re a magnet, you being a magnet and you saying all those negative things, what do you think you are more than likely to attract? 

Ahhh, I think now you’re getting it ;-)

Exactly, you are attracting negativity into your life because that is all that is coming out of your mouth and thoughts.

If you were to ask me ,"But obie, how can I not think negative when all this negativity is around me, I hate my job, I never have money, I’m in so much debt. Nothing good ever happens to me? I would say, “stop making excuses and start changing your life for the better”. Followed by a slap in the face if you were to say "F*ck my life", because I really hate when people say that, I feel that is one of the worst things people could say when they are blessed with life. Most people are thinking about what they don’t want and wonder why they keep seeing it over and over again.

First of all, the law of attraction is very obedient. Therefore start thinking positive thoughts. As soon as you wake up in the morning, say, better yet declare that that day is going to be a great day. I personally thank God as much as I can for giving me an extra day to live =)

When you think of the things that you really want, you have to focus on it and believe that it is already yours by calling it into existence with your thoughts and words, and do not be surprised when you do finally get it. It could be a new car, more money, better friends, anything could be yours.

You want a new job? I suggest you say or declare, "I will get a new great job”, over and over again, for days if you really want it.

You want a new car? Declare that car will soon be yours. Even better, the law of attraction becomes stronger when you start to imagine yourself driving that car because not only are you bringing in the positive manifestation with your words but also with your thoughts. Did you know that is scientifically proven that an affirmative thought is hundreds of times more powerful than a negative thought? So start thinking positively and become aware of your thoughts!!!!

This "Law Of Attraction" has been used through out history and you will be surprised which people have believed in it. They have become wealthy, live a better healthier life, happily married, so why wouldn't you want that for yourself?

There is actually a book named "The Secret" that you can read in order to find more information about this or better yet, if you are currently subscribed to Netflix, search "The Secret" and you will be able to see the DVD.

I was first introduced to this at age 19 by a friend named Cynthia, she posted it up in a post and I asked her more about it and she gave me more information. Lucky for you I'm not selfish either so I'm sharing this with you as well. Just want this to end this by saying that to be careful what you say or post. It's easy to become overwhelmed with the bad things going on your life but even if you think about it or not, they are still gonna be there so it's better not to think about it and even better to start thinking positive and remember that it doesn't rain forever. When you have an inspired positive thought, you have to trust it and act on it.

Too Blessed To Be Stressed

As much as we say that we hate drama, I am here to say to say that in the contrary, PEOPLE LOVE DRAMA!!!!!
I say this because I have the right to after living a blessed 23 years of my life. I've been in relationships in which I had a good girlfriend and I admit I was the one acting shady, but as I grew older I grew more mature and learned to appreciate a good girl, but then the tables turned and they started acting shady and people would ask me, "why are you still with her???"
That questions made me think if I liked getting treated like crap,lol...this may be funny to me but in real life  some people do. I in one hand do not like getting treated like crap, in fact, I get rid of people that dare not give me my full respect as I do onto them. But in reality, I hear so many stories in where my friend's (girls) boyfriends are treating them like crap and I ask them the same question.."DO YOU LIKE GETTING TREATED LIKE CRAP???"
What I'm trying to say here is that most people love drama for some reason. For instance, let's suppose you wake up early than the usual for work and so far you are having a great day and everything is going right...but all of a sudden you ran across a rumor going around  about you that is not true. Why would you let that mess up your day even when you were having a great day and just because you heard a rumor and  you decided to say, "I'm having the worst day ever"....seriously, are you really going to forget that you were blessed to live another day, are you going to forget that your children or husband or boyfriend kissed you good-bye before you left to work? We tend to make a bigger deal of the stupidest things and not appreciate that not many people get to see tomorrow or even worse, a close person to you gets to see another day and yet you don't shoot them a text or call wishing them a great day but you do stress about about somebody talking behind your back.
In relationships, most people don't appreciate a good or good woman when they have one. They don't appreciate that they send you a good morning text or goodnight text every night, you may at first but then become used to it that you start caring less about it. You don't appreciate that you are not the only one doing the chores and that your significant other gives you massages when you come tired from work...but yet you complain that you have to work all day and come to a dirty house, dishes are not done, and that your significant other is either hanging around his boys/ girls all the time or that he is always glued to the t.v playing video games and caring less about your existence.
Learn to see your blessing and count them one by one every time something bad is happening in your life. If something bad happens, realize that it could be worse. If your boyfriend/girlfriend is acting suspicious and he/she is stressing you out with their b.s... why when in a previous relationship you were treated like a king/queen you took it for granted? So learn to value and have respect for yourself and see that you deserve better.
Realize that just because you are close for your lights to be cut off, there are people out there in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure. Realize that true friends don't rub stuff in your face but instead let life take its course and let u see later on in life that you lost a great friend..when you realize this, you will stop rubbing stuff in people's faces, you will know that things happen for a reason, you will see the silver lining in a cloud but better of all, you will be able to count all you blessing when something bad happens to you.