Smile And Love Always!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

"Love and Advice"

The only thing that grows in a drought is your appreciation for what you may have just lost.

My Mother used to tell me, "Corey, you never miss your water until your well runs dry. Do not wait until you are in a drought before you affectionately display your appreciation for all that you have, be thankful for all of your Blessings to come and Love all that Love you, namely HIM.

A lifetime of "Love and Advice" unparalleled, undeniable and truly unforgettable! If the world only had a Mother like mine, I'm convinced of the difference that would have been made from the onset, fresh out the gate.

"Love and Advice" are both free of charge and any suggestion of a fee would be repulsive and reprehensible. All of the "Love and Advice" that I have received over the years from my Mother, loved ones, colleagues and friends alike would require me to be in complete and utter servitude in a feeble attempt at repayment towards a debt that exceeds my ability to quantify.

Therefore, display your level of enthusiasm and appreciation for all that IS within your arms reach. Do not wait until you are caught in a drought before you quench your thirst of appreciation.

I Love My Mother! She is still preparing me!

Blessed with "Love and Advice" Forever!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

"100"

When I started authoring my All the Best, All the Time! Blog, I had no earthly idea the type of response that it would garner. People that I have NEVER even laid eyes on have written me to share their own stories and to talk about how my stories have impacted them!

GOD is Good and I Love My Momma!!! Talk about having the BEST bodyguards ever! I almost feel guilty for being THIS Blessed.

Had it NOT been for GOD working through my Mother to make me the man that I am right now, today, tomorrow and forevermore, I would not have exceeded anyone's expectations because no one would have had ANY expectations of me to begin with, perhaps even myself.

I know from wince my Blessings flow and as equally important, I am abundantly aware of the fact that THIS is "Not About Me." This is BIGGER than me. It always HAS been and it always WILL be! The Blessing within the Blessing lies in the fact that "I know this."

The Spirit that constantly surrounds my being is not by chance, accident nor coincidence. It is SUPPOSED to be here! And HERE is EXACTLY where "I" am SUPPOSED to be!

As I reflect back on what "100" means to me I cannot help but think about "1." You see if you were to ONLY gravitate towards "1" the "100" that it took was STILL all worth it. It does not work for me, it is all for HIM. HE's just good like that!

When I think about where I could've been as opposed to where I AM RIGHT NOW, coupled by the fact that I am covered by HIS Grace and Mercy, I am honored to serve as a conduit for HIM in which to make it happen. Not that HE needs me, but that HE so chooses to USE me.

For that very reason, I'm thankful, humbled and SO inspired! In turn, I am therefore inspired to inspire others in the same manner that I too am inspired. The Laws of Reciprocity dictate that as such.

I've ALREADY claimed 1000, 100 at a time. I'll see you at 200!

Forever Blessed and Permanently Inspired!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, June 23, 2008

"Jugglin' Act"

Big Top nor Ringling had or has anything on a single-parented household where a "Jugglin' Act" requires more than a high school diploma and at LEAST a Masters Degree or better! When you are active in your childs life, it is kind of hard to fathom that there are actually parents out there that are NOT involved!

Taking a quick glimpse of the landscape and you begin to realize that the weeds have begun to grow ferociously and that no one outside of the single-parented household is encouraged nor motivated to do anything about it as we idly witness those parents burn their candles at BOTH ends.

Come hook or crook, I witness these parents make it happen in order to both provide for AND encourage their children that there is INDEED a "BETTER" out there.

My Mother was a single parent and although she made sure that the streets did not claim another black male, in particularly her first born, she struggled nonetheless. You couldn't tell that in her "swagger," because she was always on point! But she was still human, one person holding it down for all of us!

The support system that these single parents have in place is as little as none to as much as blessed. And the reason why the "as little as none's" do not think that they are blessed is because we have yet to introduce them to any other options. Although they might not be OUR kids, it is still OUR problem. We are all HIS children and HIS children deserve nothing short of spectacular.

Before my Mother, with my Mother and after my Mother, the "Jugglin' Act" continues and will do so until we stand BESIDE the parents and blow out one end of that candle in preservation of the journey that lies before.

The David Copperfields in the form of absent parents need to perform acts OTHER THAN disappearing and actually balance the "Jugglin' Act" that has BOTH Big Top and Ringling dumbfounded with respect to the performances that are rendered day in and day out by these dedicated single-parents.

Since I represent my Mother and all of her good deeds and works:

I applaud you!
I salute you!
I pray for you!
I dare stand WITH you in solidarity!

Although the road is long and winding at times and perhaps even all of the time, remain strong and stay encouraged. HE has NOT forgotten about you!

Besides, my Mother wouldn't have it any other way!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Friday, June 20, 2008

"Milestones"

"Milestones" are not just diamond items that are put into a project plan. "Milestones" are points and places we arrive at in our lives to appreciate all of the preceding actions that it took for us to get to this point.

According to YOUR life's project plan, you should have plenty of "Milestones" that you will arrive at ALL throughout your journey. Appreciate those "Milestones" for what they REALLY represent: a mirrored reflection of YOU and everything that you have done thus far!

Should you have no action items between each of your "Milestones" then it should not come as any surprise at your NEXT "Milestone" that in all actuality, you are STILL at the PRECEDING "Milestone," with little to zero progress. You accomplished nothing in a hurry!

But for those that adorn their life's project plan with EXPECTATIONS, they subsequently set up purpose, tasks, deliverables and ROI's. Not to be outdone by feeble attempts at success and greater accomplishments in mediocrity, "Milestones" have a way of overshadowing and bringing triumph to the table.

It is nice to know that before I feast, after my Grace, VICTORY will satisfy my insatiable appetite. I am famished at the thought of the preparation that lies before me and desire to drown my thirst in the knowledge that hath sustained me thus far, compelling me to celebratory mode via Honor and Praise fit for no one, but HIM!

Reaching "Milestones" are important, so long as the detailed details are recognized as PART of the "Milestones."

Before I embark upon the path to my next "Milestone" I will be sure to take inventory and APPRECIATE the Lessons Learned along the way until the "Milestones" in my life have all been checked complete.

Stay Blessed and Remain Encouraged!

Your next "Milestone" awaits you.

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, June 19, 2008

"Better Than That"

I hold the door and allow ladies to go before me, because as a gentleman I was raised to do nothing less than that. Anything less than would silently scream, YOU know "Better Than That."

I wouldn't think of NOT offering my seat to a woman or an elder, all the while finding enjoyment in my upright position as if I were still sitting because I was raised "Better Than That."

I scoff at the notion that gentlemen are on par with dinosaurs because according to myself and my upbringing, I know, "Better Than That."

I teach my son "Ladies First," while he practices with his sister so she can simultaneously understand what it means to be TREATED like a lady. Thus hitting two birds with one stone, my son will become a gentleman as my daughter becomes a lady. Anything less than that would be unacceptable.

I am grateful in the fact that who and what I am has EVERYTHING to do with who and how I was raised.

I could not imagine being less than what is expected of me. Whether living up to expectations or fulfilling your own, create a standard that will separate yourself from the crowd. Be more than what is expected of you and dare to raise your own expectations to heights you might have once thought were unattainable. At the end of the day, co-sign the fact that "unlike the less thans" you are indeed, "Better Than That."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

"The Power of Words"

My Mother used to tell me that the pen is mightier than the sword and that the healing power of words could save a many souls that once thought they were eternally doomed. But by opening up their mouths, they had the power to either save themselves, someone they knew or someone that they came in BRIEF contact with.

"The Power of Words" to speak into existence the very healing, fortune, goodness in the form of upliftment, encouragement, guidance, FAITH and forgiveness are truly a powerful gift that everyone has the ability to use on a regular, consistent basis, if we so desire.

"The Power of Words" is an unparalleled artform that can be an all encompassing medicinal GODSEND to make a difference not just in YOUR life but the lives of EVERYONE that you shall come in contact with during YOUR lifetime.

My Mother was right then and "The Power of HER Words" STILL resonate deep within both my sub AND conscious state to this DAY!

Oft times as parents do, we wonder if our children are listening, have heard us and if the message got through. I heard and fondly remember MY Mothers words as if she just hung up the phone from sharing them with me.

Make a difference in the words that you speak and relish in "The Power of the Words" that roll off of your tongue. Pretend like your Mother is listening. I know mine is!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

"Wonderful"

When I have taken it as far as I can, it sure is "WONDERFUL" to know that the journey is not ENDING, yet just BEGINNING because it is now within HIS capable hands.

To know that my Mother, whom I cherish with all of my being, suffers NO MORE, is 100% pain FREE, coupled with the fact that she now resides with the LORD is absolutely, impeccably "Wonderful!"

Witnessing the exponential growth of my children RIGHT before my very eyes is nothing short of some kind of Loving "Wonderful."

Harvesting the crops from the seeds that were planted quite some time ago, that are now used to nourish my mind, body and soul are nutritiously "Wonderful."

You see life is "Wonderful" in so many seen and unseen capacities that it beckons my attention to acknowledge all that has been bestowed upon and all that is right, good, plentiful, beautiful and joyous within a world where I know from wince my Blessings flow, from which direction the winds of change blow and the bright light that constantly illuminates my glow!

All that is good is all that is "Wonderful."

GOD is Good!
GOD is Love!
GOD is "Wonderful!"

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Saturday, June 14, 2008

"The Motivation Of Others"

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

The people that are the closest to you and claim to be your friend could very well be the perpetrators of intentional and malicious deeds, thoughts and actions aimed in your direct path.

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies even CLOSER." That is a mandatory sentiment that holds true in everything that you do. People are motivated by different things and what you represent could be viewed as a threat to them.

Most of the venom that has been spat my way can be attributed directly to the fact that I refuse to lose! One morsel of success could easily bring out the knives in spectacular fashion. Deflecting the attacks is useless, if you are not even aware of the fact that you are being attacked!

What lies beneath "The Motivation Of Others?"

Success is my preferred weapon of choice and I choose to use it REGULARLY and WELL! Whatever the motivating factors of others are shall be greeted by my knowledge thereof and my success thereafter!

Do not allow "The Motivation Of Others" to guarantee victory in the form of YOUR failure. Inevitably, your success hinges on the motivation of YOURSELF!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Thursday, June 12, 2008

"In My Life"

"In My Life" I have failed.....and during the lessons learned from that failure, I have abundantly succeeded and subsequently elevated all levels of maturation. You see, within that failure is EXACTLY where the growth was hiding!

"In My Life" I have been the proud recipient of unpeelable layers of Love that have affectionately demonstrated that their strength and purpose was to strengthen ME and purposefully give me purpose.

"In My Life" I have endured losing the closest people to me. My Brother, My Grandmother, My Mother and other loved ones and Friends alike. It is within each loss that I have gained in strength and understanding. My life would not be what it is TODAY, had it not been for who they were YESTERDAY....to ME, EVERYDAY. They made me POSSIBLE! And I give all the Honor, Glory and Praise for accepting me in their lives. They made me BETTER!

Therefore, "In My Life," my goal is to SHARE in my lessons on success and failure, offer my unpeelable layers of Love in addition to strength and understanding to those who must also endure the pain of loss.

"In My Life," I have promised myself to be part of the solution and NOT part of the problem.

All this to be done, "In My Life."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

"Single Seed Of Inspiration"

Growing up in those gutter, grimy, ghetto streets of North Philly, it was hard to find a source of inspiration to keep you motivated that there is indeed a better life out there, awaiting your arrival.

That "Single Seed Of Inspiration" seems to adequately and mysteriously avoid your whereabouts at all costs! MY "Single Seed Of Inspiration" was and continues to be my Mother!

I was CONSTANTLY reminded that my environment did not dictate my actions and that HIS Grace and Mercy will CONTINUE to serve as my umbrella, no matter the weather. Come rain, sleet, snow or hail, that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" was planted, watered and nurtured until my growth afforded me the opportunity to plant my very own "Single Seed Of Inspiration."

Inspiration curved the hunger pains of temptation to do everything that I knew wasn't right. I was Blessed and fortunate enough to have that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" in my life. I pray for the less fortunate, those who feel that their "Single Seed Of Inspiration" has been absent their entire existence. I'm here to tell you that it is indeed there, you just haven't discovered it as of yet.

I am permanently inspired so that I may be that "Single Seed Of Inspiration" for someone else. If it is all about reciprocity, then I'm signing up and giving back! My Mother wouldn't have it any other way and since all of my actions represent the stellar job in which she did raising me single-handedly, I happily accept my responsibility of affording someone else a "Single Seed Of Inspiration" so that they too can realize that there IS indeed a better life out there.....awaiting YOUR arrival!

Be INSPIRED, so that you TOO may INSPIRE someone else.

INSPIRATION FOREVER!

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

"What's Important"

Nowadays, I ONLY complete tasks under ONE label: "What's Important."

I never realized how much time was wasted until I tried to do it ALL, while simultaneously burning my candle at BOTH ends. Momma warned me against doing that. Albeit and better late than never, the conservation of my wax was completely dependent upon ME getting IT!

I am STILL uncovering, discovering, relishing and wallowing in the knowledge deposits that my wonderful Mother invested into my wisdom account. Talk about having a DIVERSIFIED portfolio! I first learned that from my Momma, NOT my college professor!

My to do list is composed of nothing but "What's Important." I give GOD all the Glory, Honor and Praise! I "enJoy" my daddy duty responsibilities (PLURAL)! I spend QUALITY time with Family and Loved ones and I exercise my mind, body and soul!....IN THAT ORDER!

It is not only important to RECOGNIZE what is important, it is as equally important to treat what is important ACCORDINGLY. Even though you might reside on "The Same Page" as your significant other, never falter in SHOWING them how much you "Truly" Love them.

When I first started RECOGNIZING "What's Important," little did I know how easy the non-important items would simply fall to the side, where they now permanently reside. Better STILL, I do not even miss them.

RECOGNIZE "What's Important" and KEEP "What's Important" at the tippy-top of your list. For me, it wound up being one of the BEST decisions that I have ever made in my adult life.

"What's Important"

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Monday, June 09, 2008

"The Same Page"

Every letter that composes every word that composes every sentence that composes every paragraph all suggest and indicate that we reside on "The Same Page."

You do not have to tell me that you love me, since I am in love with you, I am already and readily AWARE of your feelings because we reside on "The Same Page."

From across a jam-packed, stuffy, crowded room, a single glance from you could indicate the intentions of two people that reside on "The Same Page."

Wordless verbatim proves to be the ONLY verbiage for people that reside on "The Same Page."

During your lifetime take up residence with the one that you cannot do without and always make sure that you are ALWAYS on "The Same Page" with them, their feelings and all of their Love.

Afterall, could you imagine traveling through life with your significant other and ONE DAY realizing that not only are you NOT on "The Same Page," but you are NOT even reading the same book?

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Sunday, June 08, 2008

"Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation"

When I think about participation, I think about my individual contribution in the form of an idea or an action that is preceded by my willingness and followed by results.

I've come to the conclusion that it is decisively of the utmost importance to accurately differentiate between someone tearing you down and someone attempting to build you up in the form of a challenge.

"LIFE Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

What we do or do not do, say or do not say is measured by our level of PARTICIPATION. In order to get ahead of the game and even ponder VICTORY, we need to not only SHOW UP for the game, but buckle down, accept the challenge and get IN the game!

"Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

Life has not treated me any type of way or handicapped my performance. If anything it has made me more determined to prove the naysayers wrong and put on full display the inner-most potential that resides within ME.

Yes, "Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

I will no longer make excuses or rely on them as an alibi as to WHY I did not do what I needed to do or say what it is that I needed to say.

Indeed, "Life Is Contingent Upon Your Participation."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

"What Needs to Be Done"

When you love them, "What Needs to Be Done" will be a thing of the past because you will have ALREADY done just that to rid the uncertainty lurking around Love's corner, all too ready and willing to pounce on that single ounce of uncertainty that will ultimately increase in size, eventually outweighing you and your all-too-late efforts.

Doing "What Needs to Be Done" is as mandatory as brushing and flossing on a regular basis. And we know what happens should you decide to neglect your dental hygiene; a painful reminder that a little bit of maintenance does indeed go a long way.

Do "What Needs to Be Done" to preserve the Love that is not even GUARANTEED or even REALIZED by more people than you could ever imagine.

Do "What Needs to Be Done" so that you do not find yourself, by yourself. Alone.

With that said, I'm off to do "What Needs to Be Done."

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

Sunday, June 01, 2008

"Truly"

It is "Truly" a beautiful thing to realize that in order to live, you must FIRST love. Love is the recognition that there is something greater than, not less than and totally inclusive of YOU.

The majority of time we envision love, it is vicariously, through the perceived reality of others. Why can't it be YOUR reality? Why shouldn't it be YOUR reality?

We should "Truly" live our lives as examples of the same Love that we insatiably crave. I should "Truly" exercise my Love in the same manner that I exercise my body, with favorable results, always on my mind. There should "Truly" be zero ambiguity about how I feel about you! There should "Truly" be no question about how much I am consumed by my very Love, the very Love that I have for you, that which is undeniably characteristic of my every action therof, pertaining strictly to you.

I "Truly," Love You!

No thoughts other than Love are relevant or worthy of the time that I could be spending Loving you, backing up every letter to every word that I have ever used to address what we share, who we are and what we have "Ultimately" become.

Did I say that I "Truly" Love You?

Love and My Mother are the Inspiration!
Love and My Mother are the Motivation!
Love and My Mother are the Celebration!

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey