Forty Friday

I turned 40 on Tuesday and as one would suspect I have been reflective most of this year. My wife thinks I went through a mini mid-life crisis since I have been doing all this blogging, book writing and because I was somewhat adamant about getting the brand car I've been wanting for years when I purchased my first Benz back in September. Anyway, this has been a year of learning for me. Blogging has been a blessing and often quite cathartic. So to continue in that vain here is what I've learned over the years, in no particular order. Some of this I learned, just this year. And by the way, if you decide to slide on any of these as "your shoes", be grown enough to wear them. I know the pen is mightier than the sword, but I'm not into spreading hate, I'm too old for that shit (I'm tired of saying -ish).

For the record, it's not midnight yet in the STL (you know who I'm talking to).

1. If you have three close friends, consider yourself lucky, because most folks only say they have your back.

2. Don't just talk about it, be about it. The years roll by really fast.

3. Live with both eyes open. Pretending things are what they aren't only prolongs the pain.

4. Communicate whatever issues you have with your mate. You probably aren't seeing eye to eye because of an un-communicated misunderstanding.

5. A real Man With Balls doesn't hide behind skirts.




6. You should always be man/woman enough to handle issues like adults. (There are a lot of grown ass kids in this world)

7. The blogosphere can sometimes be a virtual high school environment. Don't take this stuff so personal.

8. Be your own man. Stop letting other people make decisions for you.

9. Own it!

10. Success is inconvenient.

11. Just because the comments aren't closed doesn't mean people want your opinion.

12. You can work to do everything right and still be wrong.

13. Spiritual warfare is real. I'm not in a fight against people, just Satan. He uses people because he is a punk, but it's really not about the people as much as it is about me doing the right thing (see #12)

14. Don't be so enamored with someone that you don't see them for who they really are. The signs are always there.

15. You don't get over childhood hurts simply through the process of getting older.

16. Do your due diligence, don't simply accept something because it sounds good.

17. Money can't be chased, it must be attracted.

18. Learn from your mistakes. You won't move forward until you do.

19. Don't be so needy that you accept anyone as a friend (see # 1)

20. Temptation is sent to distract you from that which God has predestined you.

21. You play how you practice.

22. Positive change starts with accepting the truth about why you are where you are.

23. When things go wrong. Look for the lesson.

24. Religious traditions have given Christianity a bad name.

25. Get you some theme music, because life is a movie starring you.

I ain't no ordinary brotha, look around...this ain't what ordinary get ya...

[click "play" (the arrow button) to watch]