1 Nov - WOD

"Sign Language"

Back in grade school, I can recall day dreaming in class for the duration of the sign language portion of the lesson. Today, the ability to read sign language is a lost art. There are many days when I wonder how much better equipped at reading signals I might be today if only I paid closer attention back then. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to rely on your ability to feel a person out or to pick up on their subliminal messages? It can prove to be quite a challenge to accurately interpret signals given off by a member of the opposite sex.

For example, have you ever gone out on a first date and although you may have felt like you'd made an obvious love connection with your companion, you weren't exactly sure whether he/she felt the same way? If you've experienced a similar situation then it's likely that you've also undergone that awkward moment which occurs between the pause in your conversation and the point where you decide whether you'll actually lean in for the first kiss. 

Regardless of age, situations like this always leave us searching for signals. In our subconscious we're thinking "I hope she meets me half way when I lean in for this kiss". Or perhaps we've wondered something as simple as, "ok, we/ve made eye contact sooo should I go over and introduce myself, now?" Wouldn't it be great to have a built in radar which allowed us to pick up on the subliminal signals of the opposite sex? Unfortunately that's unrealistic so in the interim how about making it easy for the next gal or guy and just let them know what's on your mind? Be blessed.
Corey R.

27 Oct - WOD

"Fasteners"

What are the key components that assist you to hold it together (mentally) when it feels as if life is tugging at your psychological fibers? Some of us have confidants or loved ones who magically seem to know just what to say or do to keep us from becoming completely unraveled. Let's face it though… some of us have issues that we still have yet to confront for ourselves. These are the types of concerns that are even too personal to share with those nearest to us. Sometimes we have a fear of being judged. Other times we simply want to keep certain details as far removed from our mind as possible and we realize that talking about them won’t allow us to do so. The fact of the matter is until we’ve learned to face those hurts, concerns, and haunting past experiences... we will remain unfastened.

Have you ever paid attention to what happens to an article of clothing when it is unfastened? Notice that there is a temporary sense of relief initially when you unfasten a piece of clothing because some body part can now breathe more freely. Eventually though, that item begins to slip off and unless you’re actually ready to remove it altogether, you now have the daunting task of tending to that item every few seconds to keep it from falling completely off.

Our mental baggage works pretty much the same way. We can unfasten it from the forefront of our mind for temporary relief but eventually we’ll end up exerting a tremendous amount of energy to keep it from falling out again. Fortunately for all of us, there are professional consultants who can help us to confront our previous scars, voids, and frustrations. You don’t have to be a “basket case” to seek professional consultation but you could end up as one if you don’t. Begin to confront your past fears and/or pains so that you can be fully fastened once more. Enjoy your weekend. Be blessed.

Corey R.

25 Oct - WOD

“Bumper Stickers”

Each of us wears an invisible badge. Our character, demeanor, presentation, habits, and personality are all factors that advertise subliminal messages about us. We have to be mindful that in many instances, our actions, words and deeds serve as personal billboards to a world of onlookers. What are you advertising, these days? Do you present yourself in a manner that conveys positive marketing or are you exhibiting detrimental promotion for yourself? Nothing endorses an individual quite like his/her public persona. Pay attention to the undertones of your conduct because you never know when someone is reading your bumper stickers. Be blessed.

Corey R.

23 Oct - WOD

"Expiration Date"

In life, sometimes we tend to drag our feet when it comes to addressing certain issues or concerns. We have a tendency to not place as high a priority on things that don’t come with an expiration date. Bills are prevalent mainly because we realize that after the due date is exceeded, additional fees and compounded interest is applied to the original bill. As a result, we tend to have a very keen sense of urgency as it applies to expiration dates associated with our monthly bills.

Some of us have an outstanding obligation to a loved one but since it didn’t come affixed to an expiration date, we haven’t made an assertive attempt at reimbursement. Others of us have postponed the progression of a relationship indefinitely. You know full well that he/she has a strong desire to be more than just “friends” but since there is no expiration date attached, you continue to extend the commitment process for your own benefit.

Where do you draw the line? Don’t you deserve to be taken seriously as well? After all, shouldn't your concerns garner at least the same urgency as a Macy's department store bill? Here's a thought... perhaps it’s time you attached an expiration date to the things that matter to you. Similarly, there ought to be an associated penalty for overdue response to your concerns. Give it a try. See if this approach doesn’t yield better interest. It’s time that you expired your tolerant ways and received some form of return on your investment. Be blessed.

Corey R.

16 Oct -WOD

"Earth Tones"

Have you ever marveled at a particular individual’s ability to recognize those key subtleties that complement them best? Let's take for example the caramel complexioned sistah who understands that candy apple red lipstick does her absolutely no justice at all. So instead she applies a precise combination of bronze lip-gloss traced delicately in a soft mocha colored liner. It is important to note that this woman is not intimidated about venturing “outside the box”. On the contrary, she simply has a firm understanding of what best accentuates her persona.

I am what is referred to as an 'Earth Tonesie' guy. This implies that I'm partial to natural hues of brown, green, and crème. I've occasionally pushed the envelope and experimented with vivid colors but I realized very quickly that it behooves me to stay true to what naturally works well for me. I try to apply that exact same 'earth tone' ideology to life in general. I believe it's imperative for everyone to understand his/her own boundaries.

Surely we all know at least one individual who exerts far too much energy trying to become something or someone that he/she is simply incapable of being. For example, if your homeboy spent his entire life in the suburbs yet constantly claims to be “livin’ thug life”, do your friend a favor and tell ole’ boy to stay in his lane. Likewise ladies, if your best friend is a size 22 who likes to wear thongs and low cut jeans, somebody please, tell that sistah get back in her lane... surely she's swervin'.

Living in such an interestingly colorful world has helped me to develop an appreciation for folk who defer to doing their own natural (earth tone) thing. I am by no means trying to imply that there is no room for vivid folk too. I’m just saying if you have vivid plans; make sure that fluorescence is your “earth tone”. Be Blessed.

Corey R.

10 Oct - WOD

“New Shoes”

Do you have a favorite pair of old shoes that are far too raggedy to be worn (in public) anymore but simply too comfy to get rid of? Even though you may very well have a plethora of newer, fancier options, you prefer to reach way into the back corner of your closet and dig out your beloved pair. Old shoes are similar in nature to an old job or an old relationship. Let's keep it real; you know when you've maximized your potential in a given environment. Not to mention those old shoes have begun to smell like sweaty feet, by now. Perhaps it's time you stepped into a new pair of shoes. You deserve an upgrade. New shoes enhance your swagger. New shoes help put a little more pep in your step. Plus, haven’t you noticed …the right pair of new shoes can make an old shirt and old slacks look new too. Today, step out of your comfort zone and go shopping for new shoes. Be blessed.

Corey R.

9 Oct - WOD

"Wrapping Paper"

Have you ever paid attention to the attributes of wrapping paper? Wrapping paper is often used to decorate, enhance, cover, and conceal a gift. Have you ever noticed that wrapping paper itself (regardless of how decorative) has very little significance? For instance, if I purchase two identical pairs of socks then package one pair in Tiffany wrapping paper and the other pair in dollar store wrapping paper, the value of the socks still remains the same. Ultimately it's the gift inside the wrapping paper that is significant.

People have various forms of wrapping paper as well. What does your wrapping paper conceal? Do you think that your gift is more precious because of your choice of wrapping paper? Sometimes we mask our gifts behind insignificant items that we feel make them more valuable. Some folk barricade themselves behind fancy wrapping paper to hide the fact that they lack substance. Decorative wrapping paper (i.e. cars, houses, and various other material possessions) do not enhance your God given gift. It's only a matter of time before you'll be forced to rely on what's inside the fancy packaging. So, today let your gift be more substantial than the paper it's wrapped in. Be blessed.

Corey R.

5 Oct - WOD

“Mood Music”

Have you ever noticed that there seems to be a direct connection between music and mood? Think about it; your favorite ballad probably puts you in a warm, fuzzy state of mind… while your favorite up-tempo anthem likely makes you wanna hit the dance floor. Music has a subliminal affect on our mindset. Let’s face it… some of us could stand a bit more musical balance in our lives. One ‘krunk’ selection too many and some one could end up in a scuffle. On the other hand, one too many Sade tracks could land a person upside down in a ditch from falling asleep behind the wheel. Y’all know I ain’t lying.

When I'm feeling a little high strung, I find that a nice jazz CD by the likes of Mike Phillips, Kenny G, or Anita Baker puts me in a really relaxed mood. If I’m down in the dumps, the best of Stevie Wonder always lifts my spirits. It never fails. The very moment that I hear vintage classics like "That girl", "All I do is think about you", "Do I do", or "Overjoyed"... I'm right back on my high horse. You should give it a try; it could work wonders for you too. Today, I would like to encourage you to diversify your musical portfolio. It just might prove to be one of the best forms of therapy out there. Be blessed.

Corey R.

4 Oct - WOD

Declare - To make known or state clearly, esp. in explicit or formal terms: to declare one's position in a controversy.

Let's face it; some folk are simply passive in nature. However, just because you might choose to be non-confrontational does not mean that it's not necessary to speak up for yourself. In aggressive environments such as the work force, it is extremely essential to have an audible voice. "Closed mouths don't get fed". Be careful in your quest to avoid conflict to not get passed over or neglected. Sometime being overly patient and standing idly by can cause you to miss out on key opportunities. The name of the game is continual progress. Today, I encourage you to speak up for yourself. You too have something important to contribute to this world. Be blessed.

Corey R.

3 Oct - WOD

Novelty – The state or quality of being novel, new, or unique; newness: the novelty of a new job.

Have you ever noticed how “new stuff” has a way of reviving our spirits? Nothing gets us jump started quite like a new occupation, a new 'toy', or a new relationship. Interestingly enough, all things new eventually become old, standard, and customary. The challenge then becomes finding ways to resuscitate a declining endeavor. In order to refresh a situation, we have to first understand the factors that made it so attractive to us in its initial state.

My recommendation is that we need to be more cognizant of these captivating experiences, even while we're still in the midst of them. If we pay closer attention to our surroundings during our seasons of bliss, we will be able to better analyze what it is that keeps us engrossed in these situations in the first place. Gaining a proper understanding of what we find most appealing about a new encounter will afford us the opportunity to recreate such an environment, at a moments notice. Today, I encourage you to tap into your creative self. See if you can't renew a conventional situation. Be blessed.

Corey R.

2 Oct - WOD

Inspire - To give rise to, bring about, cause, etc.: a philosophy that inspired a revolution.

Wouldn't you agree that on occasion its quite an amazing feeling to be pushed, pulled, or stimulated beyond our customary standard of operation? Interestingly enough, I've realized that my creative juices flow better when I find inspiration via a personal goal or challenge. Conversely, I feel that I can therefore contribute complacency on my behalf to a lack of inspiration.

When we drift into spells of creative stagnation or sub-par performance, it's likely because we lack motivation. I truly believe that most people operate at a much higher standard of quality when they are driven by some motivating factor. Inspiration can be spawned through a vast array of circumstances. What is your flavor? Inspiration could be generated from something as simple as a reassuring smile from a stranger. Whatever it is that inspires you; it is imperative to never lose sight of that inspiration. When you stop being inspired, it's highly improbable that you will be able to inspire anyone else either. Today, I encourage you to seek new inspiration. After all, it's never a bad time for a creativity over-haul. Be blessed.

Corey R.