TIME MACHINE

If you could go back and change an era in your life… how far would you go back into time and what would you change about it? Finance… love interest… something you said or didn't say to someone? Would you go back and watch the things you did and mentored  yourself for better or are you satisfied w/ where you are today?  As a child, I had big dreams… at one point in time… I wanted to play in the NBA and get married to Aaliyah (R.I.P). Then at another point in time… I would write short stories… poems… rap music and songs, which I never really shared w/ anyone… well… maybe a few people. I remember listening to music and loved how a beat would make me feel hypnotized to its rhythm… (kick, snare, snap, claps, hi hats… and percussions… oh my!!!) and the lyrics that told stories gave me inspiration! Wow, how time flies by!  I am not one to brag, but I can say that I am a published author of two books… I create music… and have had the opportunity to perform/host in poetry venues (to include a slam), (s/o LaQuinta W. Sanchez and John Auston) (2007/ATL/Twisted Tongue Poetry Slam) and assist in album productions… (s/o TRR #The Roundtable Regime) maybe not on a huge scale of recognition, but I can say that dreams do come true, if you put your heart, mind, and the work ethic into it. In addition, I have an education, which was never a part of the plan, but something made me challenge myself for the better… and now graduated… w/ distinction… I have an itch to go back. We all dream big, but do not put the thought of reality to the test... most folk talk big… but do not take the steps to get there. What stops us from conquering our dreams? How do we play out the instruments to orchestrate such a beautiful swan song? Sure, we start by crawling… before walking… but how do we catapult ourselves into position to get there? My advice… take control of your options, block out the negatives, do your homework, strategize your priorities and make moves to get there. In short...you are the driver... place your goals into the car... and leave the unnecessary in your rearview. If I could take a time machine to visit the old me… I would go back and watch, but I would not alter the plate tectonics that shifted  my dreams into reality. I am truly blessed to have followed those realistic dreams… that made me who I am today... of course, the NBA was far fetched… I mean I can hoop, but hey… there were others in that area that were way better. If there was one thing I could change… it would be the untimely death of my grandfather. I wish that I had the chance to talk with him before he passed on… to hear his words of inspiration and to tell me through his wise eyes how to inspire many through spoken/unspoken words. At his funeral, I did not cry at all…  I was in a state of shock and honestly did not believe that he was gone. If I could go back… I would not change my reaction, but I would have wanted to see the lost teenager that felt the loss of the leader of our family. In closing, life changes/challenges may happen, but never give up on yourself… nor your dreams… and never make excuses on why you cannot get there.

WHAT IS FEAR???

What is fear??? It does not accomplish our dreams...does not allow us to spread our wings to fly...it  murders thoughts of success as the bully inside our minds continues to say no...when hope says yes! We must stand triumphant over our fears...look at it between the eyes with authority...challenge it...grab it by the horns and dominate it!  #themindplaystricks #killthegame  #fearisanevilalterego #leggo

24 JULY 2014 POST

First giving honor to God, from whom all blessings flow...today I celebrate 18 years of military service in the USAF! I clearly remember the day I boarded the plane and flew to San Antonio for BMT. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into...all I knew...was that I was ready to start my life and become a man. Funny story...the first thing I remember when I getting off the bus that transported us from the airport...was a Yellow Cab with the slogan "need a ride...call us...at 210-666-6666"...I was like...it's hot  in Texas and that's a lot of 6s!!! I had doubt from the time I swore in at MEPS and really didn't know what was on the other side of the door...but I have to admit...I made the right decision and now 18 years "in the game". I'm still growing as a man...learning from past, present and future "A"irmen. I never knew that I'd accomplish so much within this time in service. The AF has helped me with a lot of who I've become today...but...there have been many leaders...role models...teachers.. and mentors who have had a hand in getting me here...most of all I'd like to thank my parents, Mitchell Sr. and Patricia for taking me to church and putting that belt...or "go-go gadget fist"..."rocket slap"...or anything in their possession...on me...to set me straight...the talks...tough love...and showing me how to work hard to find myself...and for keeping me out the streets. I know I was rebellious at times...but a hard head made a soft bed and l always came back to them and they never gave up on me. My grandfather...Richard Scott Sr. I have to thank him as well...he was a mentor before the word was defined to me. One of the kindest folk you'd ever meet and he was never afraid to lead/help others...or get his hands dirty.  I can go on with shout outs all day, but if you're apart of my life and you all know who you are...take that in stride and know there's much respect for you. Lastly, though...l'd like to thank my wife, LaToya...we may not see eye to eye at times, but I have to admit that differences make us who we are...through the nights I've studied or had papers to write for college...or the times I've had to go away for short notice TDYs... PME...deployments...you've been there for our girls and that ma'am does not go unnoticed...thank you for all you do...and l love you. 18 years is a blessing...never would I have thought l'd have established so much...or been here...crazy huh?!?

TEACHER/STUDENT OF LIFE

Even as an adult...I'm still trying to figure out this world. I am still a student of life, yet a teacher all in the same. Everyday...I...you...we grow...and experience life through the eyes of many shapes, sizes, shades and forms...we learn as we get older. Furthermore, we distinguish between seeds that help us blossom and the weeds of destruction that grow in our gardens to deteriorate the beautification that we inspire from within ourselves and others around us. As I look around the generation that I grew up with...we now find ourselves filtering the thoughts of our predecessors into those that are here to replace us...identified as today's youth...our children...our proteges...as time goes by we become their predecessors and they will take on the identities of our civilian and military leaders, teachers, parents, mentors, scientists, veterinarians, life coaches, pastors, janitors and yes...even political liars...still learning lessons future-past...as we are...as students. The question is...whose teaching who and whose justifying rights and wrongs...the answer...we all are. Live life to the fullest and create your ceiling for room and improvement to grow. Youth, educate yourselves...use your brain and never follow the crowd. Create your own identity and take the time to learn from the mistakes and the successes that your predecessors teach you...doesn't matter how grown you may "assume" you are...we all have room for growth. Last of all...remember you'll be the one telling stories to those carving their place in history behind you and what you do today...matters tomorrow!  #lifescycle

WHY APOLOGIZE

You should always apologies when you make a mistake…In addition, you should always have a reasons why you believe that you are sorry to increase the opportunity of self validity, which speaks a lot about your character. Remember it may not be on your time frame, but when you disappoint/disrespect others…it is not how you see it, but how that individual feels at the end of the day. Although an apology may not first sway the thoughts or opinions of that person at that moment…it could/may be the steps that you take to make things right. You may not understand the volume of the things that you do now, but when it happens to you…or when someone hurts you…you would want an apology in return to make things right. In addition, never act like you don't care or that someone is trying to crucify you...you have to take ownership...and grow in the light of trouble. Never expect people to give in or act as if they owe you anything, because the world does not and could care less about what you think about yourself...it is how society views you as a whole, which counts most of all. #thinkstraight #changeyourviews #focusonfuture #neglectthepast