26 Aug - WOD

Daydreaming...

I was listening to my iPod on the way to work this morning when it occurred to me that most rising hip-hop artists share a common thread. They are BIG dreamers who possess both raw talent and an extraordinary hunger. Think about it, how many times have you heard a brand new artist rapping in his very first single about HIS big jewels, big money, big property, and big "whips"? Go home and turn on your television and observe as that very same artist is profiled in his debut music video donning all the superficial items that he glamorizes in the lyrics of his catchy new tune. You know as well as I do that these are video rentals of course. I mean clearly the average new artist doesn't actually own any of those high-end possessions.

Now fast forward two years (and one hit album) later and it probably doesn't surprise you to learn that the artist has secured every material possessions that he foreshadowed a few dozen months earlier, in his rap songs. You don't have to agree with his message but you have to applaud his methods. This young brotha is going after his dreams and achieving them. No matter how short-lived some of these dreams may be, the fact remains that he managed to seize an opportunity and actualize his dream. Many of us are quick to identify the negative attributes portrayed by today's young, aspiring rap artists. Conversely, I think we would be remiss to overlook their zeal, tenacity, and passion for making their dreams materialize in order to actually experience a taste of what they consider to be "The Good Life".

Perhaps it's time we stopped hatin' and started congratulating. We could all possibly benefit from taking a page out of their "hustle" manual. These youngens have set their sights on a specific set of goals and transformed those day dreams into a reality. You'll be happy to know that you possess the ability to do the same. The lone difference between most of us and them is that they not only dared to dream BIG but they actually took the necessary steps to bring their dreams to fruition. So today, I want to encourage you not to spend your day dreaming on a moderate scale. You were designed to do marvelous deeds. I charge you to dream BIGGER and hustle harder. Whether your dream is to acquire wealth, better health, a fairy-tale romance, continued education, etc... know that with a proportionate amount of hunger and drive, you too can live out your own personal definition of the good life. Be blessed.

Corey R.

16 Aug - WOD

Rules of Engagement:

The British Ministry of Defense states the rules of engagement (ROE) determine when, where, and how force shall be used when two opposing entities are engaged in war.


The ROE deal with four issues:
(1) When military force may be used.
(2) Where military force may be used,.
(3) Against whom force should be used in the circumstances described above, and
(4) How military force should be used to achieve the desired ends.


I find it interesting that two rival nations, even in the midst of an intense war are expected to conform to a gentleman's code regarding battle tactics. What I find even more compelling is that in many cases, companions often exercise a "no holds barred" approach when handling their disputes. I once heard it said that "All is fair in love and romance". What's with the blank stare? Don't tell me I'm the only person whose ever been involved in a relationship where his mate was notorious for a throwing low blows whenever a disagreement ensued?


I've interviewed a fair share of women especially who believe that being upset grants them the right to become verbally aggressive. Give it a break ladies, that logic is played out. I don't mean to insinuate that some brotha's aren't guilty of the same war crime. All I'm saying is that women have patented and perfected the "strike below the belt" strategy. There is nothing worse than having a disagreement with a mate who constantly regurgitates information that you confided to them, during a life crisis. Some information is totally inadmissible in the midst of a dispute. C'mon people, have a little dignity while forging through a disagreement. For those of you who think it's acceptable to NOT exercise restraint during an "adjustment" (clinical terminology for an argument or disagreement), I have taken the liberty of providing the ROE blueprint for relationships. Chickity check it...


Rules Of Engagement for Relationships (ROER):


(1) During a dispute, do NOT pummel your partner with personally painful information that he/she divulged to you in confidence.

(2) Learn to make a point minus the unnecessary excessive use of profanity; most folk tend to tune you out after the second curse word anyway.

(3) Recognize that it is perfectly acceptable for partners to have a difference of opinions; after all, you're two uniquely different individuals. Agreeing to disagree is the best bet sometimes.

(4) Refrain from over-stating the SAME point during any one conversation. Your partner heard you the first AND second times you said it. Trust me!!!

(5) Keep your personal quarrels between the two parties involved. Leave your friends out of your disputes. Ultimately, a solution has to come from you two.

(6) Focus on exercising restraint and respect, during an "adjustment". Even, bitter rivals have a certain level of respect for one another. If you take this approach, I guarantee your partner will have no choice except to reciprocate.

(7) Once both parties agree that the dispute is over... Let it go. No really, LET IT GO.

My suggestion is to shift your emphasis from trying to prove your point and belittle your partner to finding a peaceful compromise that appeals to both parties. The additional time saved from disputing can be spent "making up". If the U.S.A and Russia could "squash their beef" in a mutually respectful fashion, clearly you and your "Boo" have the STUFF it takes to do it too. Be blessed.

Corey R.


NOTE: the above information regarding ROE was obtained from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_engagement)

6 Aug - WOD

The Fresh Fruit Experiment

Have you ever experienced the sheer dissatisfaction of biting into a bitter piece of unripened fruit? If you have, you'll likely agree that in addition to the sour taste that bad fruit often leaves behind, it also leaves you feeling at least slightly disappointed. Ironically, the more attractive the produce, the more deflated you tend to feel after discovering that the taste does not correspond with the fruit's appealing outward appearance.

I recently settled upon the conclusion that I've been the "guinea pig" in a covert experiment, over the past several years. In this cleverly disguised ploy, I was consistently fed the most bitter fruit imaginable. Can you fathom the impact that this experiment had on a brotha's taste buds? I didn't think you could; let me break it down for you. As a result of having constantly consumed bitter fruit, I became virtually immune to the fruit's unsavory flavor. Sporadically, the experimenter would provide me with an occasional piece of fresh fruit. This was done only often enough to brainwash me into a false sense of achievement. Then almost instantaneously, I was back to feasting on seemingly endless amounts of unripened fruit again. This cycle repeated for nearly 3 years. My rotten bananas came in the form of a less than ideal professional career.

If you are not cautious, you too could easily become a victim of poor nutrition. An under-developed diet is not conducive to prosperity, good health, or happiness. It is important that we all recognize the areas in our lives that only reap fresh harvest often enough to fool us into episodes of complacency. My advice to you is to demand the most of every situation. Whether your fruit is represented in the fashion of a career-path, a partnership, or some other unique form... you deserve the absolute best. Life is your personal Farmer's Market, shouldn't you demand fresh produce? You bet your Apples, you should!!! Be Blessed.

Corey R.