Daily Nugget: 12 FEBRUARY 2013

Take a moment today to think about where you were at this very moment last year. If nothing has changed for the better, hit the restart button and get your life going in the right direction it should be.

Daily Nugget: 21-May-2012

Perfect people spend all their time 

attempting to do Perfect things, 

while Imperfect people focus on 

doing their very best with the understanding

that they will never be Perfect. 

Which are you?

Daily Nugget: 11-APR-2012

It is so easy to look at others 

and point out their flaws/faults. 

But it should be just as easy

to recognize our own. 

Nobody is perfect, 

and it is time some of us

stop acting like we are.

Daily Nugget: 14-FEB-2012

Happy Valentines/

All Single People Get Depressed Day.

Cheer up singles; 

Cupid has missed my house

for over a decade now.

Instead of shooting arrows,

he might want to

throw a grenade for my sake.

With my luck, 

he'll still miss...

Daily Nugget: 29-January-2012

Today is day of self-reflection. I have to be honest with you all, for the first time in over 2 years the kid went to fellowship today. Yep, I went to CHURCH! And how good it feels to have gone. I came up with every excuse under the sun over the past couple of years not to go. But, today, this a.m. to be exact, I couldn't come up with one. So, I got up and went. In the spirit of departing from my hypocritical ways, I hope each of you will learn from me. Don't make excuses, make a haste. Never put off tomorrow what you can do today, or what you could've done years ago.  Be Blessed!!!

Daily Nugget: 16-Dec-2011

It is unusual for me to think once, definitely not twice, about the things I say and do. But most recently, I have been encouraged on more than one occasion that I need to be more cognizant of the things I say and be more careful with the words I use. I have always been a proponent of saying what you mean, as long as you mean what you say and you can deal with the consequences. However, I am still pondering whether or not I should not speak my mind all the time. I believe it is important for all of us to be mindful of others, but know even when I speak, I do it in love and with love. So, the next time we speak, just in case I offend you, know it is unintentional. My mouth and I are going through a transition.

Going Going Gone....

I can tell you something that still today I am finding out. When people and things began to Go, not matter how hard you try, one day they will be Gone. One of my favorite mottoes is, "Don't keep people or things that don't want to be kept." But honestly, it is not always the easiest thing to do. Life at times can be a reflection, a mirage and/or a nightmare. Once things get Going, they never stop Going, until either it or you are Gone. 

I am a self-diagnosed hoarder of people, feelings and emotions. In my pursuit to save the world, oftentimes I over commit myself to people, things and projects that I know I shouldn't. But its my flawed nature I guess. Yes, you may not know it, but I too am not perfect. I am learning to understand that things are Going to Go on whether I want them to or not. So I must work to decide when and what to let Go, before I find myself losing myself, by Going in the wrong direction so much until everything I have is Gone.

Timing Is Everything

I learned a very important lesson today, Timing Is Everything. There is a vast difference between your Time and GOD's Time. Often we get confused between the two. As humans in a society based on individualism and personal accomplishments, at times we want things when we want them and in the Time we feel we should have them. But let me caution you, "no matter what you do, Timing Is Everything, and things will happen only in GOD'S Time." So relax and embrace the sometimes harsh reality: What can happen, will happen and there is nothing you or I can do about it. 

Everything I'm Not, Makes Me Everything I Am

I'm Not tall; I'm Not skinny; I'm Not fast; I'm Not furious; I'm Not arrogant; I'm Not soft-spoken, I'm Not loud, I'm Not fine; I'm Not bored easily; I'm Not perfect; I'm Not a geek; I'm Not popular; I'm Not stable; I'm Not safe; I'm Not very open; I'm Not smart; I'm Not super; I'm Not fantastic; I'm Not influenced easily; I'm Not happy; I'm Not a pessimist; I'm Not sad; I'm not secure; I'm Not satisfied; I'm Not dominant; I'm Not predictable; I'm Not healed; I'm Not fearless; I'm Not too prideful; I'm Not petty; I'm Not gorgeous; I'm Not a non-believer; I'm Not unfair and I'm Not self-ish. But, Everything I'm Not, Makes Me Everything I Am.

To be honest, I am good at a lot of things, but great at nothing. I can solve problems for others, but stumble on solutions for myself. I am the expert on relationships, but struggle to maintain functional ones of my own. I am misunderstood, over-loving and underestimated. I am f*@ked up. I am torn. I am stuck. At times, I am naive, I am stupid, I am dumb. I am scorned. I am talked about, put down, discouraged and kicked often when I am down. I am imperfect and I am damaged to the core. I am scarred. I am selfless to a fault and I am an eternal optimists. I am a perfectionists and I am a crier. I am easily disappointed and I am hurt a lot. I am internally and externally flawed. I am up and I am down frequently. I am puzzled and I am lost. Conversely, I am the future; I am honesty; I am integrity; I am pride; I am passion; I am determination; I am pleasure; I am hope; I am faith and most importantly, I am love. I guess that is why I confidently say to you, "Everything I'm Not, Makes Me Everything I Am." 

~~~Who Are You?!!~~~

"No" Is The New "Yes"

It's has taken me years to get here but I have finally arrived. Call me what you like or say what you will, but as of today, "No" Is The New "Yes." I have always been they type of person who would only participate in and do things that I feel would positively impact the world and/or the lives of others. But no matter how good our intentions are, we are only one person and can only do so much. I refuse to leave this earth due to stress, anger or any negative situation or outcome. 

Thus, today, I am starting my own Trending Topic, "No" Is The New "Yes." In other words, in the past I would say, "Yes" to too many things. As a result, I would have to make tons of personal sacrifices just accomplish the myriad of things my "Yes(s)" obligated me to. All the while trying not to feel overwhelmed at the same time. But it ends today. This is a warning. Know I love you all, but I am going to start saying "No," even of my heart, mind, body and soul wants to say "Yes." If you are smart and want to live a long prosperous life, feel free to adopt my new philosophy too. I promise I won't charge you a dime.

Big Chillin'

I have figured out that everything and anything in this life can get the best of you if you let it. People can stress you, depress you or drive you bonkers if you let them. Situations can do the same too. I decided a long time ago that I wasn't going to to let anything or anyone kill me, if I could help it. Thus, I developed an antidote to all situations and people that could negatively affect me, I call it Big Chillin'. Sounds funny huh? Don't worry I will explain.

I know you all have heard the adage, "don't sweat the small stuff." Well Big Chillin' is very similar, but takes it to the max. Big Chillin' is psychologically not sweating anything at all. The warmer you keep your heart and mind, the cooler you will be. I, just like others of you, use to be a hot head. Both small and large things use to set me off like a bomb. But those days are a part of my past. These days Big Chillin' has become a staple in my life. Big Chillin' is who I am, and how I live daily. Big Chillin' is how I take on every situation and how I deal with all things and all people. I Big Chill every day and all day. If you are overworked, stressed, distressed and you can't seem to catch a break, feel free to join me. There is enough Big Chillin' to go around for all of us. I'm telling you, "once you totally embrace Big Chilln' it will change your life forever!" 

The Rough Truth

I am not too big to apologize if I deem necessary. I am also not too big to say that I am wrong or incorrect. But, I am stubborn to a fault. When I set my mind on something or think a certain way about something, it is very hard to change my thought process. I was recently advised by one of my clients that I should stop blogging and join Twitter. The person said, "Blogging is so two decades. If you Tweeted some of these phenomenal things you talk about, you would have thousands of followers and trending topics; you would be famous!" I totally missed the compliment because I was immediately agitated. You all know that the kid is disgusted by Twitter and some of the things it stands for. But, I took a moment to research and reflect on some of the positive aspects of both Blogging and Twitter. I suddenly had an "Ah ha" moment. 

Twitter isn't all bad (I can't believe I just typed that), and that's The Rough Truth. But I still don't believe it's for me. The Rough Truth is, I was prematurely turned off by the way I saw people I know and celebrities abuse Twitter. But after watching the coupes around the world and how Twitter and Twit picking has exposed the egregious acts of violence and atrocities, The Rough Truth is, Twitter has both positive and negative aspects, as with any other social media. I don't blog for the masses, so I am not inclined to Tweet for the masses. While I would like a larger audience, I believe that its not the Quantity of people who follow WoodWorkz, it's about the Quality of them. I am very appreciative of the suggestion that I would be able to impact more lives by managing my own Twitter, but I am still not convinced this is the appropriate day-to-day path I would like to take to changing the world. I'll leave the Tweeting to our Captain, Wood. However, The Rough Truth is, as it relates to Twitter, I have considered it, and I will continue to seriously consider it. I will keep you all posted. 

M.I.M.S.

I remember having a conversation with a young lady one day and we were talking about celebrities and what-not. In the most random fashion she says, "You really look like M.I.M.S." For those of you who have been living in the bottom of the sea in the basement of Sponge Bob's pineapple, M.I.M.S. is a rapper/hip hop artist from New York. He is most famous for his song, "This Is Why I'm Hot." Some say his lyrics in this song derailed his career, but I have no opinion on that. And not because I think we look alike either! I digress. While I smirked due to her statement with minor discontent, I suddenly realized, "M.I.M.S. and I, not unlike a number of you, have something in common. M.I.M.S.'s name is an acronym/stands for what is the story of my survival and my life---MUSIC IS MY SAVIOR.

Now some of you may be confused, but I will attempt to help you at this very moment. M.I.M.S. aka Music Is My Savior is the truth and nothing but the truth so help me. I cannot tell you how many battles/situations I have made it through do to certain genres of Music. Gospel, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock etc. have all played a pivotal role in keeping me alive, grounded and not incarcerated. Music Is My Savior. Part of the reason I don't drink or smoke still today is due to my love & passion for Music. At a very young age I began to sing and as I got into my early teens I began to DJ. Now I don't know about your people, but where I am from, Drunk & High performers don't mix well. Thus, I have made a lifetime decision to avoid the alcohol and 420 (weed.) Music has truly helped me through so much. So many times I wanted to quit and give up, but Music was there to keep me pushing on. Music can help heal heart ache, pain and clear your mind.

Music Is My Savior. This is the one of the realest things I have ever written. Music has worked wonders for people of color and people of all colors. Music is the universal language. Music has brought people of color through slavery, civil rights and right into the 21st century. Music has destroyed racial barriers and brought people of all races and creeds together. Music Is not only My Savior, but Music has done it's part in Saving Lives and Saving the world. M.I.M.S. is so much more than an acronym.  Just take a moment and think of your favorite song. How does that make you feel? Trust, I know. Music does that for me and so much more. Oh how I love Music.

Mirror Check

I believe it is imperative for each of us to conduct frequent Mirror Checks. No, I am not referring to Checking yourself in the actual Mirror in the morning or while you are in the bathroom. The Mirror Check I am referring to is a process of Checking yourself before you attempt to Check others. All of us need to be more aware of the role and the part we play in arguments, disagreements and other tough situation.

Most of us are quick to blame others, while giving ourselves a pass on the situation. But, we must learn to take a moment to conduct a Mirror Check. Look deep within our Mirror (ourselves) and see what we should've or could've done differently. Perhaps you did things exactly as you deemed them necessary. If that is the case, then your Mirror Check should be swift but still necessary. No matter how great we think we are or what we believe we have mastered, there is always room for improvement. Keep a Mirror handy; it may help you Check Yourself, Before You Wreck Yourself.

You Just Keep Living Long Enough..

I remember when I was young I thought I knew everything about everything. No matter what the topic or situation was, not unlike most kids, I thought my G-Ma had no idea what was the best choice for me and/or no idea what she was talking about. Never did I question her, for fear of losing my breath when she chopped me in my throat. But, you couldn't tell me anything. I remember vividly, having conversations with my G-Ma about everything from church to women. She would end all our discussions by saying, "You Just Keep Living Long Enough and you will I am right."

Of course as a kid, with an adolescent thought process, no one could've imagined that their parents would end up being right about 99.9% of the time. My G-Ma use to tell me about my so-called friends, my attitude and especially my affinity for women (thanks dad.) But, just like most of you, the kid wasn't trying to hear it. And as always, she would say, "You Just Keep Living Long Enough." Boy, was she on point. While I am not sure I have still been Living Long Enough, I do know that if I knew a lot of the things I know now, I probably could've saved myself a lot of heart ache and pain. But such is life. What happens to us, is suppose to happen, unless we make choices that lead us a stray or horribly misguide us.

I write today, to encourage all of you to be more aware of the things you do and say to others. Also, take a moment out of your busy day to talk to your younger sibling(s), nephew/niece(s) and/or a student of yours. Especially those who may not be making the best choices in life. There is no need to scold them, but simply give them a piece of knowledge like my G-Ma gave to me. Tell them, "You Just Keep Living Long Enough, either you will end up a failure or you can live right into your Destiny and become a Success." If you are one of those people who think you have it all figured out or know everything about everything. Today I say to you "You Just Keep On Living Enough..."

Keeping In Touch

I am the worse when it comes to Keeping In Touch. Especially as it relates to Keeping In Touch with people who don't Keep In Touch with me. This is an interesting topic because I know that it is important that we all Keep In Touch. There is no reason/excuse any of us can use that prevents us from Keeping In Touch. We have so much technology today, that we can instantly Keep In Touch with anyone, anywhere in the world.

I ask you, well those of you who are were born before the 90s, to think back. Remember back in the day when we didn't have smart phones, texting and/or twitter. The only way you could really Keep In Touch with anyone instantly was if you called them on their minute phone, paged them on their beeper and/or actually went over to their home. Man, so much has changed! Now-a-days, you don't have any delays that prevent you from Keeping In Touch. I encourage all of you to attempt to Keep In Touch with those you loved and even those you don't as much as possible. You never know when your initial conversation may be your last. I can admit I need to do better with Keeping In Touch myself. Perhaps we can do this together. This is what we'll do, Keep In Touch with me and I will Keep In Touch with you.

Defeated I Won't Be

Just yesterday, I was informed that someone very special to me, Mr. Michael "Money" Haynes passed away. He, just like my home-girl Quiana lost a battle to cancer. Currently, the score is cancer-2, me-0. But I am here to inform you and cancer that I Won't Be Defeated.

Most recently, people that I thought were like blood to me, chose a job/money over our relationship. It wasn't the choice I would've made and now that I reflect on it, it really disappointed and hurt me. But such is life, I Won't Be Defeated.

Just this a.m. I was awakened to a call from my dearest. Someone vandalized my motorcycle over the night. I had to wait hours on the police because they did a lot of damage to my bike. And of course I don't have the proper insurance to cover the damages. But, I write to inform you, whoever you are, I Won't Be Defeated.

One thing I have learned living this life is just when you are on the cusp of change, making a difference or doing something great, the enemy begins to throw everything he has at you. But, I know I am a child of the Most High and it will take a lot more than these occurrences. I will be a lot of things, but DEFEATED I WON'T BE!!! Neither should you.

Sings, "Keep on moving, keep on moving, don't stop nooo..."

Things That Matter To Me

Today, I feel this topic is of the utmost importance. You learn a lot about people, things and situations when you are moving on. I guess my talks about self-preservation really stuck with some. I know there are different Things That Matter To Everyone. But, there are only a few Things That Matter To Me. Just to be clear I will list them for you all to see. They aren't necessarily in order of importance, but some do Matter more than others. As you read my list, think about the Things That Matter To You. Perhaps, we may have more Things in common then you know.

Things That Matter To Me:

1) Faith

2) Family & Frat

3) Loyalty

4) Honesty

5) Respect

6) Love, Peace & Happiness

7) The Pursuit of Personal Goals and the Fulfillment of My Destiny

There are a number of Things in this life That Matter To Others, but I believe my list encompasses the Things That Matter the most. I thought about elaborating on each item, but I think it is pretty self-explanatory. Should you have any more questions or need any explanations feel free to comment or hit me up.

I Am What I Say I Am

Your thoughts don't make me, your words won't break me, for I Am What I Say I Am

Your plots against me only motivate me, your ill wishes only activate me, for I Am What I Say I Am

No matter how much you dislike me, no matter how bad you want to fight me, I Am What I Say I Am

No matter what you do to my house, no matter what comes out your mouth, I Am What I Say I Am

You can try to delete me, you can try to defeat me, but I Am What I Say I Am

You can try to drop me, you can try to stop be, but I Am What I Say I Am

Under no circumstances will I allow you to tell me anything different than what I know, Sir/Ma'am

Because I was made in his image and I Am Exactly Matter-of-Factly, Who I Say I Am.

Just Different

I am a Different type dude. My tag line is usually, "Hated by many, Loved by few, but Misunderstood by everyone. Truly that is the sum total of my days on this earth, living this thing we call life. I tend to believe that a lot of people don't hate me, rather they just hate on me. Mostly because I am Just Different. I don't dress like others, walk like others, talk like others, and more so, I don't have this need to be accepted like other people. I'm Just Different, therefore I ALWAYS tend to do my own thing. "I'm so left, it feels so right!"

I believe a few people love me. Those few try to accept the fact I am Just Different and try to embrace my Differences. They don't really enjoy all my Differences I am sure, but because they have love for me, they just kind of role with the punches. I mean with me, you never know what you are going to get or what is going to come out of my mouth. But those who love me, already know that in advance; so if it does bother them, they have a great way of not showing it.

The one downfall about being Different is because people can't explain or put a name one it, they tend to make something up negative for it. Hence why I say that I am misunderstood by everyone. Even though some hate me and others love me, I am not so sure anyone understands me. Simply put, "I am truly, genuinely and matter of factually---Just Different." And I don't even try to be this way. I don't do things for attention, to be heard, to be seen or because I want to be recognized. The things I do are a culmination of my life experiences and years of being Just Different. I don't know if any of you out there understand, but I am perfectly fine with being misunderstood. Because to be honest, the less you really know about me, the less vulnerable I am to your actions, words, suggestions, lies, judgments and/or opinions. I am fine being Just Different. If you are the same way, learn to love, enjoy, and be elated by they fact that you are a prototype, made---Just Different from all the rest.

Yours Forever,

~J.D.