Commitment. A Way Of Life

Hi, FAM!!!

Don’t you guys love the new www.motivateright.com!?! I look forward to all the new and exciting ideas on the site, Fe. Your hard work is definitely appreciated!

So, we’re about midpoint in the ‘A Way Of Life’ series and so far the feedback has been amazing! Thank you all for taking the time to read, share your thoughts and experiences with me.  The 3 elements we’ve discussed thus far have built a strong foundation for the rest of the series. Honesty, Selflessness and Love are essential in life as we have discussed in detail in the past blog posts.(I can’t wait to piece these elements all together!) For now, let’s discuss the next element...

Commitment. A Way Of Life.

Commitment-

1. The act or state of being committed; dedication; a pledge; setting aside something

2. An obligation; vow, promise, oath, contract, pact, deal

3. An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action

Commitment, the word itself, is thrown around carelessly. It’s one of those words that people use and don’t necessarily understand the meaning and/or substance that goes along with it. Often, we hear, “I am committed to helping you reach your goal” or “I’m in a committed relationship”. What does that mean? Take a look at the definition above.  The words used to define ‘commitment’ are absolute. Meaning no matter what situation may arise when you make a commitment, there’s no wavering allowed.  That being said...Let’s put it into context.

Example:

I am committed to reaching my goals. I work hard everyday. I learn about the things I need to do in order to reach those goals. I associate myself with people that have similar goals and seem to have support from them. Then I meet someone that I like. They take up a lot of my time and I enjoy them. This may be ‘the one’.  Little by little my goals are set aside and this person is not supportive to what I want in life but... I love them.

What to do? You’ve been committed to your goals until now. By definition, committing is an obligation.  You have to make a decision. Will you break that commitment in order to commit to someone or do you stay committed to yourself.

Now, let’s be real.  At this point in life, wether you want to admit it or not, we’ve all been in a situation where we have broken a commitment. ***Take a moment to think back and reflect on how breaking those commitments affected your life in the present. ***(This may take a while for some...don’t worry we have time!!!) No matter how big or small the impact on your life; failing to follow through with a commitment has changed your life. Some may argue it’s the best decision they have made, breaking a commitment and in any circumstance where the commitment made was an unhealthy choice for whatever reason, I agree. However, commitments, for the most part, are necessary to succeed in life. You can commit to be healthy, faithful, supportive and so much more!  Although some can do many of these things without making a commitment, making a commitment is a way of holding yourself responsible. In other words, we all need to be held accountable.  How else would we gauge our progress unless we make commitments in our day to day living.

What commitments have you made lately and how have you managed to stick to them?

Things to remember:

1. Making a commitment is one thing; sticking to it is what makes it worthwhile.
2. Where would you be today if you never made any commitment?
3. At the end of the day, you choose the commitment. Choose wisely!

Please feel free to share about some of your commitments/ struggles to keep those commitments and /or strategies you have used.  Let’s support each other as we walk through this journey most of us call ‘LIFE’.

Commitment. A Way Of Life.

As always...THANK YOU

The Wright Word: So True

The Wright Word: So True: "Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them."

Angry Man Zone

Madd as hell and I'm gonna start going off around here! Why is it when a brother on his grind and working hard, issues what to pop up? Look, I'm no stranger to adversity, so I hope your ready to finish what you start. Shitbird!!

Anyway, I just needed to vent.  This is the only outlet I have at the moment and I'm gonna use it. This is my new place to come and not be Motivatewright for five minutes. lol

BTW...If you want to bitch and complain about anything, please feel free to to join in with me. You can leave anything from a one liner, to a page worth of complaints, it's all good with me. Not having anyone immediate to talk to about my issues is what started this, so no need to hold it in, share your frustrations and lets help each other out.

You know what, I've been meaning to let someone have it for the past couple days, it's time to make a phone call. Later!


Angry Man

Looking In The Mirror

   

August 4, 2011, Post One:

During Bill Clinton’s Presidential Campaigns, they took a program that would cost hundred’s of millions of dollars and ultimately lead to a single person in charge of the largest free market in the world and dumbed it down to one simple statement: It’s the Economy, stupid!


If a man can be elected President of the United States off of a simple strategy like that, then adopting a new strategy which is a summary of any, and every, success you hear ("It’s the grind, stupid") shouldn't be too far fetched to agree with. I hate to use the word stupid, but if you don’t put in the work, then put in some more of it, then stop, catch your breath, and go back to work, you won’t get there, its really that simple.


I know this is a bold statement for a Motivational site/blog, so know let me introduce myself and give you some insight as to where this all comes from. I am Brendon Walsh, self proclaimed Entrepreneur and moderately successful business man. I’ve been called many of other things by many of other people, none worth mentioning (the names of the people) but my favorites are as follows: “Unrealistic, a dreamer, (and my favorite) a fool.” But, in my attempts to create new paths and new journeys with an entrepreneurial vision, I’ve seen, done and learned so much more than any title that any person could give me. I’ve graduated from a business school of a major University, but it’s the School of Hard Knocks that has formed me into who I am. From a single parent household to dead broke and rock bottom, I’ve experienced enough in 30 years to write my own book.


I’ve been on the Subway in 90 plus degree weather during a glorious August heat wave in Manhattan with a briefcase full of resumes and 15 buildings across the city to visit. Hustling from subway to subway and block to block, up elevators to receptionist’s desks, literally cold calling companies that I thought might want to hire me, only to hear my resume and portfolio hitting the bottom of the waste basket as the elevator doors closed and I began my descent back to the lobby of the building I would likely never walk into again. I ultimately got a job out of the trip, but I contemplated quitting the search that day many times prior to the (yes of course it will be this kind of story) last stop, to beat the traffic on my 4 hour ride home, to quit because my suit was ruined, wrinkled and sweat was continuously dripping down my face. But had I quit, come up short and not hit stops 11 through 15, I wouldn’t have met the Vice President in the last lobby which ultimately landed me a management position with a Fortune 500 company in Mid Town Manhattan.


Benjamin Franklin, one of the best known inventors and political figures of our Country, said that he generally failed 1,000 times before being successful on an endeavor, but it only takes one success to erase all those failures.


I’ve had to go through the painful process, as a new Father and Husband, of looking myself in the mirror and asking, “how the hell are you going to pull this off?” Never answering myself, partly because I wasn’t sure of the exact answer, and simply waking up and doing the only thing I know how to do best; work as hard as possible and something good will come of it.


I’ve played A Tribe Called Quest’s “Stressed Out” more times than I care to remember as I tried to collect my thoughts, my emotions and my clarity and pick myself back up and fight through the challenges that face me.


Three weeks ago I was given another challenge, naturally it came from Fearon Wright and he asked me to write some entries for his blog. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Fearon for more than 10 years now. We met in college and we’ve taken many journeys together over the years and he has always selflessly allowed me into his world to see things from another perspective, a different point of view, and a different set of eyes very much like he does here with this blog for all of you. He’s as transparent a person as I’ve ever met, once telling me that if someone, anyone is willing to go along for the ride, he’s bringing them, thankfully I have had the pleasure of going with him for 10 years now.


But as all good teachers do, it’s now the student’s turn to drive and this journey will be based mainly on the grind. I can tell you the tales my journies with Fe, the stories of the seven start up’s I’ve been involved in, the 3 major corporations I’ve worked for, my feelings on the current affairs, sports, music, etc. but I’d rather you tell me what you want to hear. If you don’t respond, I will still be here, posting something that I feel to be useful, something someone greater than me taught me, or shared with me and that I feel is worthy of a post on this Blog.


Until then, seek the word’s of the richest man who ever lived, King Solomn. “He that refuses instruction hates himself: but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32)


Brendon Walsh

Insomnia: How Do You Deal?

   

Rise-n-Shine Guys!


Oh, wait I've been up and shining aLL night!!! Excuse my vulnerability but it is 5:14am and here I am writing/ preparing my post. I laid down for bed before midnight and my eyes have yet to be 'wide shut', on top of that tomorrow- well today is Monday and we all know what Mondays are like. UGH!! *silently screams*


Growing up, sleep has always been a great challenge of mine; suffering from insomnia is all a negative, lack of sleep equals bad or shifty moods, lack of productivity, and my favorite, having a good ole migraine (headache) waiting for me in the morning *speaks in sarcasm*, physically my body is usually pretty weary and ready for shutdown but mentally is the problem. Usually watching a movie, as many it takes would help, or even a good conversation with someone but sometimes I often have to take sleep aids.


If you are unfamiliar with the term, well please allow me to drop some insight.

Insomnia:

-Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep

-The inability to obtain sufficient sleep; sleeplessness


Appearing in two different stages, insomnia is a disorder that we tend to not identify, it’s overlooked, or display ignorance towards it. Primary insomnia refers to insomnia that is not caused by any known physical or mental condition. This stage is usually affected by the use of alcohol and coffee, or anxiety and stress. On the other hand, Secondary insomnia is caused by a medical condition; depression is the most common cause. However, it is medically proven that often it is the reverse; people become depressed due to insomnia. With symptoms like difficulty falling asleep on most nights, feeling fatigue throughout the day, to not feeling refreshed when you wake up, and waking up several times during sleep.


My problem is not Primary, it is Secondary! I envy the average human being who’s able to enjoy a good night sleep, whether it’s 3, 5, or the full 8hrs...any amount of sleep is better than none!

“The more they try to sleep, the greater their sense of frustration and distress, and the more difficult sleep becomes” sited by Wilson JF. In the clinic. Insomnia. Ann Intern Med. 2008

Although there are clinical treatments for this disorder, I too have also neglected the thought of entertaining them. I am not quite ready for a polysomnography, an overnight study which also helps rule out any other sleep disorders. But, For now I will try other forms of sleep hygiene like, keeping a comfortable sleep environment, going to bed the same time every night {Lol to that}, and eating regularly throughout the day- which is another topic, Lol.


Now that you’re aware of my disorder I would like to know: what your nights are like. Do you also suffer from insomnia? If so, how do you deal with it?

I am absolutely open for feedback and suggestions and it was a pleasure watching the sunrise with you guys, Lol. *smiley but sad face*

Have a great day!


Always remember: Live life. Have fun. Stay motivated

Crys Richards

Follow Me:

www.facebook.com/crysrichards84

Twitter: @crysrichards

crys.richards@yahoo.com


**Apologizing in advance for the late post, and for more information on insomnia click the link below**

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001808/

Love(part 2). A Way Of Life.

      HOLA!!!( Hello)

(Deep breath). If you read last week’s ‘Love. A Way of Life’ post; you may recall that I shared how difficult it was to get my thoughts together prior to writing about the element: “Love”. Well, part of the reason was because I wasn’t quite sure what type of love to focus on considering all of the options. After talking to a good friend, she suggested I make “Love. A Way of Life” a 2-part post(Thanks, Chan!). So, last week I focused on loving one self. This week the focus is shifting to loving someone else.

‘Love(part 2). A Way Of Life”

LOVE
an intense feeling of deep affection
a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone
a personified figure of love
affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests

Let’s begin by clarifying that before you can truly love someone else; you must love yourself, genuinely. If you need more detail, please refer to last week’s post.

As the definitions reflect, there are different ways that you can love another person. For the purpose of this post we will discuss two types of love. Unconditional love which is easiest explained by the love we feel for our family members or those who are “like family” and intimate love which can be described as the love you have for someone you are intimate(not just sexually) with. In the ‘A Way Of Life’ series both types of love are equally as important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Some may argue that love is unnecessary to survive. However, pay attention to how happy those people are. EXACTLY! As human beings, we naturally love to be loved and vice versa. Humans have emotions which is the one thing(other than our thumbs) that separates us from animals.(A little scary considering that some humans appear emotionless!) Unconditional love is most likely one that comes easily to many. Most of us have family or family-like people in our lives that we love unconditionally. No matter how upset they make you or how much you disagree with them; you love them! Without these people in our lives, life would be less satisfying. Who would you share your accomplishments with? What if you need advice? For the most part, these people seem to be around during good and bad times but more importantly they accept you for who you are. Unconditional love is a necessity. Be thankful for those who love you unconditionally.

The other is ‘intimate love’. Oh, intimate love! We all yearn for this type of love. This is the type of love that makes you smile so big that you don’t care who’s looking. The love that gives you butterflies in your stomach(MEN: stop pretending like you don’t feel this). It makes you do things that you never thought you would and you refuse to apologize for it. This love is amazing! Many look for it while others choose not to bother because of past experiences. So, why is something so amazing so hard to have in your life? I’m sure we all have a laundry list of answers to that question. However, for the purpose of this post; I would like to focus on what this love should be.

At this point in life, we have all had a type of intimate love. For most of us, we probably haven’t married the first person we loved and for those of you that have; feedback is encouraged and congratulations! :)

Example:
I like you. You like me. We get to know each other. I like you more. You like me more. We tell each other. We get know each other more. I love you. You love me. We tell and show each other. I’m in love with you. You’re in love with me. We show each other. We decide to be together forever. We live happily ever after.

Simple, right!!! That’s it. No need for me to keep writing. HA!!! Well, if it was only that simple; the divorce rate wouldn’t be 50% and 90% of my friends(male & female) wouldn’t be single or wishing they we’re single. So what’s the problem? Ideally, you meet a person and you can tell if you like them right away. This may be different for men but for the most part I think both men and women know when someone has the “potential” to be ‘the one’. Somewhere, between meeting the person and loving the person, our priorities change and we let things get in the way of the feeling we call, ‘Love’. We can come up with many reasons why but I prefer to pinpoint the initial reason to make it easier for all of us. I will use myself as an example!(I may regret this!!!) Lol... Here it goes...

I love hard! It’s the only way I know how to love and I don’t make excuses for it. Nowadays, people don’t have this mentality. It can be scary to “love hard” because the possibility of disappointment is prevalent. In order to have this intimate love; you must allow yourself to be vulnerable. You don’t walk into a job interview thinking you’re not going to get the job. So, why walk into a relationship thinking someone is going to break your heart. Although, I love hard; it’s taken me a long time to get to a point where being vulnerable is comfortable for me. Yesterday, I made a decision. The next man that has the potential to be “the one” will not get the “guarded” me. He will get the me that loves hard and is willing to be vulnerable regardless of the circumstance. This is not easy for me and don’t get me wrong; I’m not telling you to overlook your intuition or disregard your common sense. Nevertheless, I feel it’s only fair to leave all baggage(past experiences, speculations, judgements, investigative skills, etc.) behind in order to move forward and allow myself (_____________<----insert your name here) to genuinely feel intimate love.

***Feel free to join me on this brave journey!*** ;)

For those of you who are in a relationship where you feel intimate love is present; enjoy every minute of it! Appreciate it. Flaunt it. Love it and continue to work on yourself in order to maintain a good balance between self, unconditional and intimate love.

Things to remember:

It’s easy to date different people! It’s life changing to be with 1 person for the rest of your life.
Love is like any other emotion. It needs to be expressed in order for it to be felt.
Stop playing ‘love’ games. No need to be selfish. Either you do or you don’t.
Love should not be stressful. Re-evaluate your situation if it is.
Everyone deserves intimate love. Yes, even you! Never, ever settle for anything less!

So, there it goes! If this blog post doesn’t trigger any thoughts...check your pulse! Lol...

Again, I thank all of you for your time and feedback! I look forward to writing knowing that it may benefit at least one person other than myself.

~Frances
www.francescordova.com
www.radioSEEN.com
Twitter: @FrancesCordova