Free to Live

So I woke up this morning, free. What that means is subject to your interpretation. It was a feeling of fresh air, new beginnings, new focus, new breath and a new spirit. This is about to be the most random blog I've ever written, lol, but get used to it. You see, there are times when men/women are faced with decisions that overwhelm their spirit, challenges that control their ‘beings,’ and feelings that monitor their progress. But it is all temporary. I’ve come to understand that all my past failures and frustrations were actually laying down the foundation to my current level of wellness. Sometimes you've got to be your own hero, and save yourself. So I tell you one thing, use all of the past frustrations and anger that you have experienced to fuel your mind as you head into your future. You’ll be surprised about how many people out there whom you barely know genuinely want the best for you, while people you know very well are just waiting for you to fail. In the end, what matters is your focus on you, worry less about what other people think. 

The little 'kid' in me

Just last month, I celebrated my birthday. Woot, woot!! A few days before, I reminisced on life and officially came to the conclusion that life waits for no one. It felt like yesterday when I turned sixteen and graduated from high school. During this thoughtful period, I concluded that I was no longer a kid.

However, I do not know if that explains my longing to be a kid again. Longing to do things that are child-like. A week prior, I went go-karting at an arcade with one of my friends. As I rode on that go-kart, I felt refreshed, worry free and the bliss of childhood was all around.  I was reminded by these events that human wants were insatiable. There’s a popular saying that ‘the grass is greener on the other side,’ but be rest assured that the ‘water bill is also greener on the other side’ as well.

I remember the good old days as a teenager, when I told myself I was a man, and forcefully told other people of my manhood. What did I know? I guess I was just a wishful teenager looking for unnecessary responsibilities. Five years later, my childhood friend told me, “LazioM.A.N, I think you can call yourself a man now.” Surprised, I asked why. Her reply, “you seem to have responsibilities that you handle now.” But that doesn't stop the fact that there is this little kid in me, trying to revive the things of the old. 

Sincerely,

LazioM.A.N

Man of I.C.E

Happy New Year!

About a year ago, a good friend of mine, Sherome (President of I.C.E) asked me to speak at the closing finale of our mentorship program at South Scioto Academy. Truth be told, I didn’t know what to say. I thought of ways of integrating the values we had learned over the past 6 weeks at Scioto, but I couldn’t find any luck. I also thought of searching online for some valuable resources but it resulted to no avail. Finally, I made up my mind to sit quietly and speak from the heart. To share the thoughts of my mind’s eye. So here it goes.

Truth be told, in the contemporary world we live in today, it is extremely difficult to uphold the standards that uphold the “ideal man of I.C.E.” These are standards and ideals which I feel, living them out would label the person as a rebel to our society. However, history has shown that this is doable. We have heard of the likes of great men who lived out these qualities and made significant impact to their world positively. And today, we remember them. One of them is MLK.

A man of I.C.E is a leader. He is merely mediocre, but a great leader who upholds the principles of integrity at all times. A man whose image shines on the world at all times. He is kind to people, but when he is chosen by other people, he stands up like a man should. Even in the midst of his kindness, he remains fearless in his ways. In times of adversity, he stands up with brevity and protects the people he loves.

A man of I.C.E stays true to his word. When he says he will do something, he does it. Why? Because his word is his bond. It’s all he has. He gives no excuses for his failures, but instead admits his faults and finds ways to become a better man.

He is a man if character and proper etiquette. He walks like a god and attracts his goddess. He treats girls and other women around him like princesses. He stays away and doesn’t get caught up with the fast life. Why? Because he realizes that there are many great things out there for him. He is wise, listens to his elders and parents, and follows their instructions. He knows his mother is his best friend, and tells her he loves her every day. He obeys instructions, quick to listen, but slow to judge others. Overall he executes swiftly.

In conclusion, I want you to understand these few things. There will be times in the future where you’ll be left with a decision to make. At that very moment, ask yourself, what will a man of I.C.E do? Always listen to your heart, it never lies. Somehow it already knows what you seek out in doing. Above all, discover the ‘little’ captain in you, and use that to impact the world, and make it a better place for us all. 

With servitude,

LazioM.A.N