Giving Back To My Roots!!!

I went to my old stomping grounds, Glenville High School on May 4th for the Glenville Alumni Basketball Game. I had a GREAT time. I saw lots of old friends & laughed with them as we caught up on life. I felt so FREE coming back to my roots. One thing I always keep in mind is finding ways to stay connected to where I come from. I do plan on moving very soon, but I’ll never be too far away that I can’t give back. Something many people don’t know is when I was 18 years and in college, I did just that. My guidance counselor, Mr. Chinchar and I talked about me doing some motivational chats with junior and senior students of my alma mater. I got home from my first college break January 2004 and was sitting in Mr. Mandel’s classroom with bright-eyed seniors ready to share my wisdom about college life.

Mind you I’d recently graduated June 2004, now I’m in front of the class as a guest speaker. That for me was one of the highlights of my career. I spoke to a number of classes during the course of 6 years. Once I graduated college my priorities changed, but the message remained. I gave students practical advice and things they should do before going to college. I was a first generation in my family to go to college and coming from an urban environment where many men my age didn’t pursue this route was impressive. I’ll never know how many students took my advice and ran with it, but I know for sure that I gave what I could and nothing less. I remember my senior year and different speakers would come speak to us about the importance of college and choosing a good career. However, they gave the cookie cutter version, which I knew wouldn’t help me. I said to myself, “One day I’ll come back and give the students the real deal about college life.” Who knew less than six months later I’d begin that journey? The power of writing things down & speaking your life into existence is something I live by daily.

I said all that to say this: Understand that your branches can’t grow without strong roots in your foundation. You have to find ways to give back because many of our young people need guidance, as we once did.

How will you pull someone up with your strength Starrahs?

Glenville Tarblooder Always

-Willie J

Advertisement

 

Happy 2 Years!!! Still Writing…

Happy 2 Year Anniversary to the All Things Willie J blog site. When I created this labor of love it was a way for me to pour out what’s going on in my world. I know that I’m not the only one who goes through issues, struggles, success, & understanding of who they are. I knew that my intention was to create a conversation and an outlet to make us all wonder what we’re capable of. This year has been one of many transitions and rolling with life as it comes. I normally plan things out, but l didn’t see some of the obstacles I’d have to overcome. I have to give honor to GOD for keeping me sane & still pushing through. Even during the days when I didn’t want to say anything or let those closest to me know I was going through troubling times. It looked like I had it all together, but behind my SMILE I was hurting. I felt like things weren’t going to get better for me even though I kept my mind as positive as can be. I just felt defeated and down.

My 27th birthday was a few days ago and it was a good and simple one. For my previous birthdays, I’d be in another city taking a vacation. This year that wasn’t an option for me, however, I created my own adventure this year. I got a chance to seek out some wise advice and my friend took me to dinner. I ended the night with a glass of wine & a red velvet cupcake. It was nice receiving love from my friends on my birthday and that made me feel special. Most times I’m so consumed with doing for others that l have to take time out for myself. Oh I have no problem getting on a bus, plane, or train to get away when I need to refuel. The best lesson for me that night was: “You are where you’re meant to be.” I kept reminding myself that l may not understand why things are where they are in my life, but I am in good standing. Most people would have given up and not focused on what trying times are teaching them. I’ve been reflecting on what these struggles have been teaching me.

Then I begin to think about how fast 2 years has gone by and my site is still going strong. During this time of transition for me, I can still OWN something. When I knew my finances began to fluctuate l had put aside the money I needed to keep this legacy going. I’ve always been someone who taught the value of owning your BRAND and finding ways to make it WORK. That’s exactly what I did.

Recently, a friend of mine told me “Look how far you’ve come Willie? You went from a blog site, to a radio show, and you’re still doing other things.” I had to take it in because they were right, I’ve got more work to do, which is why I celebrate every milestone in my career. I don’t want to be 50 years old and start reflecting on my career at that point. I’ve got enough time right now. I also took heed to some of the advice the wise woman told me on my birthday: “Stop over analyzing everything. Don’t beat yourself up because you’re doing the best you can. The little steps you’re taking now are having greater impacts in your life than you realize.” I must say she was on point because I’d forgotten to just be. My brand is doing well and just because I’m not seeing it’s frugalness at the moment, there are great outcomes happening because of me doing the work.

I encourage everyone to continue speaking your life into existence. It may not show up when you want it to, but eventually it’ll manifest at the appropriate time. I am holding on to my dream of moving out of my hometown and planting my Starrah SEEDS on new soil. My soul is meant to LIVE and be FREE. The truth is I’m bored here; my soul is already in my dream city kicking it, making the proper moves until we meet up. I will continue to do the work and step outside of my comfort zone and stretch my brand further than I can see.
Thank You for making these 2 years a good start, warm welcome, & letting me know that what I have to say still has value.

Breathing in my success,
Willie J