"The Old and The New"

Once upon a time "The New" became "The Old" in order to make way for "The New" again.

Yesterday holds the history that was made and all of the missed opportunities, that for THEIR time, are FOREVER gone.

The gift of tomorrow is the promise that more history shall be made and that even more opportunities will rear their heads, present themselves in either a natural state or by your determined, persistent efforts.

"The New" catches up to "The Old" as soon as "The Old's" newness has run its course and worn off.

"The Old and The New" will always come full circle, eventually surpassing one another, as "The New" becomes "The Old" and "The Old" is "The New" again.

Good, bad and otherwise, remember all of "The Old" so that we can humbly and appreciatingly march right on into "The New."

So, CHEERS to yesterdays history and tomorrows opportunities in which to MAKE history.

September 2009 is now "The Old." But, September 2010 will greet us again in "The New."

Until then, All the Best, All the Time and I'll see you in "The New" October 2009!

Let's take "The Old and The New" and make history in everything that we do!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"I'm Getting There"

Today, as I begin to turn the corner on Life's next chapter, I reminded myself that "I AM MOTIVATED" to go where I need to be and to arrive at a place where I can clearly see, every twig, every branch, every limb and ALL of the forest for ALL of the trees.

And although I may not have arrived at my destination as of yet, "I'm Getting There."

I might have taken the scenic route in accomplishing my academic goals but before obtaining my degree, I kept reminding myself of the fact that, "I'm Getting There."

I might "get it" a tad bit later, but greater is my understanding once I "got it." So indeed, "I'm Getting There."

I have decided to abstain from ignorance, replace it with substance and Pray for Deliverance. Yup, "I'm Getting There."

Life's flight path may have layovers in destinations that were not a part of your original itinerary, but gently remind yourself that no matter how many delays and layovers that I may experience or encounter, still, "I'm Getting There."

I may have felt like I have been passed over and passed up on opportunities that I would have sworn had my name written on them in calligraphy, but it is alright, because "I'm Getting There."

Life may have dealt me lemons, but when it is all said and done, rest assured that my lemonade stand will be sold out! But, not before it is incorporated and sold to the highest bidder. Oh yeah, "I'm Getting There."

I may not be able to hug My Mother like I used to, but all of my hard work down here is not for naught. I WILL hug my sweet Mother once again, because "I'm Getting There."

You may not be where you want to be in your Life, but you keep on telling yourself that no matter what, "I'm Getting There."

You may not have the Love of your Life to share ALL of your Life, but in time, know that, "I'm Getting There."

As I confront each and every one of my flaws, I am determined to claw, my way up out of despair, because come hell or high water, YES, "I'm Getting There."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

I woke up this morning with breath in my body and the ability to facilitate activity within my limbs.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

I Prayed with my children the night before and they allowed me visibility into the gateway of their hearts, which was food to my soul.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

Until my children author my epitaph and crown me the best dad EVER, I look forward to the upcoming work that I need to do.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

I will author as many Blogs as I need to in order to effectively impact the unknown number of people that I am supposed to.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

Still "Chasing That Passion" and I have yet to break a single trickle of sweat.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

"I AM MOTIVATED" to not want to NOT do anything, yet do everything that motivation can and does afford me to do, which is everything that I am purposed to already do in addition to the subsequent things that fill the tiny little voids along the way. "I AM MOTIVATED!"

"I AM MOTIVATED" because there is too much work to do!
"I AM MOTIVATED" because everything is typically done by only a few.

"I AM MOTIVATED" because I am aware of what I do not know.
Yet, still, "I AM MOTIVATED," forbidding the grass underneath my feet to grow.

Until I collapse at Life's finish line, simultaneously taking my wings and am reunited with my Loving Mother, my little brother, my grandmother, my grandfather, my uncles, my friends and all of the people that have preceded me in Life's eternity, "I AM MOTIVATED!"

Difference maker, "I AM MOTIVATED!"
Active participator, "I AM MOTIVATED!"

Being present IN the present, "I AM MOTIVATED!"
Taking care of "The Most Important Things First" without being negligent, "I AM MOTIVATED!"

In EVERYTHING that I do,
"I AM MOTIVATED!"

In EVERYTHING that you do, tell yourself, "I AM MOTIVATED!"

"I AM MOTIVATED!"
"I AM MOTIVATED!"
"I AM MOTIVATED!"

Catch your breath and demonstrate the activity within those limbs because here comes motivation again.

"I AM MOTIVATED!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Most Important Things First"

Some of the time it is too easy to get "caught up" and so deep in the mix that you find it difficult if not altogether impossible to navigate your way to fresh air, get your head above ground or at least surface level.

We all have been and are guilty of behaving in ways that we wind up "laughing at" later on down the road.

But, as we "mature" it becomes imperative for us to demonstrate growth and illuminate a pattern that would support the fact and reinforce the belief that growth has been achieved, accomplished and realized.

So, your words followed by your actions or your actions that precede your words should be based on a "Core Foundation."

Before you say what you are going to do or before you do what you plan on doing, you should think about "The Most Important Things First."

GOD, that "Core Foundation," the Rock of Gibraltar component is based on a multitude of sub-components such as your sounding board, your voice of reason, your Spirit, your heart, your logic, that all add up and make up "The Most Important Things First."

GOD, who IS my "Core Foundation" AND my Rock of Gibraltar, has enlisted attributes within me to make sure that what I think about ARE "The Most Important Things First," before I deploy my innate ability in which to ACT.

"The Most Important Things First." What would GOD have me do?

"The Most Important Things First." What would my Mother think?

"The Most Important Things First." How could this possibly impact my children?

"The Most Important Things First." Could this potentially embarrass my family?

"The Most Important Things First." Am I purposed to do this?

The list of "The Most Important Things First" will vary from person to person, but that's not what's most important. What's most important is the fact that you HAVE a list and that it IS prioritized according to how YOU define "The Most Important Things First."

I am a firm believer in the fact that more information affords us the opportunity in which to make better decisions, so long as we are mindful of "The Most Important Things First." It will probably only take you "Just A Few Seconds" in which to compose that list.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Just A Few Seconds"

My son and I are the Unified Tag Team Champions of the World. YES, we are fans of wrestling and have our own Tag Team Titles that we are willing to defend against anyone that thinks that they can pin either one us for the "1, 2, 3!"

So, as I make preparations for the day, my son pops in every 2 to 5 minutes imploring me to "WATCH this, Daddy!" "Have you EVER seen this move before, Daddy?" "Come look at THIS, Daddy!"

You see, my son has his little wrestling figures, the ring and the peripheral set up to stage all of his little matches.

"Son, Daddy has to get ready."

"It will be really quick, Daddy," he promises. "Please come here for "Just A Few Seconds," Daddy."

As I oblige his every request, I inform him that "Daddy cannot keep coming in every time that you call me son. I have to get us ready so that we can leave."

But my son has no concept of time management. So long as his time is spent with his father, he could care less.

In the back of my mind, I know that I'm going to be late and as we get closer to departure, his requests begin to increase, especially if our destination will mean that we have to go our separate ways for the course of the day.

I will usually have to administer EXTRA hugs on top of the mandatory 20. But in the back of my mind I hear his voice telling me "It will be really quick, Daddy." So, I oblige, EVERY time!

You see, to make a difference to ONE lifetime takes "Just A Few Seconds." So, I take EVERY one of those few seconds to make that difference in the ONE lifetime, so that he will oblige the "Laws of Reciprocity" and take "Just A Few Seconds" to make a difference in HIS sons lifetime, the same way that HIS Daddy did.

Not to say that I am better than, but imagine if ALL fathers took "Just A Few Seconds" to make a difference in the lifetime of the lives that they can unmistakably make a positive impact in?

I thank you GOD for making "Corey" smaller, so that my heart can grow BIGGER! I'm sure that it only took YOU, "Just A Few Seconds."

Typically, I'm behind schedule, but now I have a good reason to be. As one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions of the World, I'm going to take "Just A Few Seconds" to defend the titles with my son.

If I need to be somewhere, know that I will be behind schedule, for "Just A Few Seconds." For I now have a good reason to be.

MEN, starting TODAY, take "Just A Few Seconds."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone"

If you "Love" me, then "LOVE" me already! If not, then just leave me alone!

Be steady with your aim if your target is Love. What should happen if you miss, your target AND your opportunity, simultaneously, that is?

It is quite simple actually. Love is an action word, a verb that by definition REQUIRES you to back up your verbiage with said action that would allow you to witness SOMETHING as opposed to hearing what amounts to NOTHING.

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

Do not be afraid to tell them what they need to hear with respect to the emotions that you are feeling, as inadequate and lacking as their efforts might be, it is YOUR heart that becomes the sacrificial lamb if they Love you in a half-hearted fashion, due to their LACK of action.

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

They either want LOVE or they do not want Love. And if they're undecided, then allow yourself to make the decision on their behalf. Better yet, allow YOURSELF to make the decision on your OWN behalf!

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

If "Love" is NOT your priority, then you are NOT in "LOVE."

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

I do not need the distractions. You can find me out there, SOMEWHERE, "Chasing My Passion!"

TELL THEM: Since GOD is "LOVE," you either "LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

You need to "LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."
You should "LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."
You either "LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone."

"LOVE Me or Leave Me Alone," already!

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Chase Your Passion!"

Are you tired of running?

If the answer is yes, then that is indicative of the fact that you are NOT "Chasing Your Passion."

We do not get TIRED from the efforts that we put forth that originate from the heart, OUR hearts. What are YOU passionate about in Life? Whatever it is, you need to be chasing it right now!

For the purposes of sharing, Corey is PASSIONATE about making a difference in EVERYTHING that I do! When I write a Blog, I am PASSIONATE about the difference that it could possibly make in someone's Life, at the right moment and at that right time!

When I prepare a meal, I am PASSIONATE about the preparation that goes into creating a "Fantastic Dinner."

For if I am not making a difference, then I am not making a contribution, yet a withdrawal against already insufficient "Life" funds and there is nothing passionate about that.

When you find yourself running in place, perhaps that is the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate your situation and ask yourself quite frankly: am I even PASSIONATE about what it is that has my time and energy occupied? What if this is Life's way of telling you that what you are chasing is not truly the passion that exists within your heart?

This is the perfect time in which to listen, so that we may dismount from the "running in place" treadmill, let your feet hit the pavement and begin to RUN, as you "Chase Your Passion!"

On your MARKS!

Get SET!

Let's GO!

"Chase Your PASSION!"

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Fantastic Dinner"

After "Creating My Own Lane" yesterday, I found myself pondering what to cook my kids for dinner on the way home from work. I like to get creative, keep it interesting for them in the same manner in which they keep it creative and interesting for me.

I always solicit my children for their feedback with respect to the meals that I prepare for them, whether it is breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. I try to stay conscious of the fact that our taste buds are like our fingerprints, unique to each of us and similar to none of us.

I sat down to eat with them and without having to ask, I saw their elation at what was prepared for them. It made me elated that I could do that for them considering the fact that they are not shy about not liking something and happily leaving it "untouched" in the process.

The funny thing about kids not liking a particular dish is the visual that one can get. Imagine a child eating everything on their plate and then excusing themselves from the table. Then the parent comes along and puts a particular dish on their empty plate. Everything is gone with the exception of that new dish that you just put on their already empty plate. That is exactly what you might as well do when you discover a dish that is unsavory to a child, your child or any child for that matter. It will be left on the plate as if the parent put it on the plate AFTER they had already been excused from the table. You gotta Love the brutal honesty of kids!

You know nothing made my wonderful Mother Smile more brightly than when we praised her culinary skills and gave thanks to her for replenishing our nutritional value and strength with a well cooked, delicious meal.

Throughout the course of our busy days and lives and from time to time we forget to acknowledge the gestures, both large and small that make all the difference in our lives.

Just a few days prior a colleague forwarded me something that reminded me that "Your Labor Is Not in Vain."

So, when I sat down to eat with my kids, my beautiful daughter proceeded to tell me that I had prepared a "Fantastic Dinner" for them. I looked up at her with that same bright Smile that my wonderful Mother looked at her kids with as her little brother co-signed what his big sister had just told me!

It had nothing to do with my culinary skills! It had everything to do with the fact that I felt appreciated. I did not solicit them for their feedback, they just appreciatingly offered it to me by calling their meal a "Fantastic Dinner."

Of course she could have asked me to purchase her a car and I would have blindly obliged. But, it sure did feel good to be appreciated.

Yes, throughout the course of our busy days and lives and from time to time we DO forget to acknowledge the gestures, both large and small that make all the difference in our lives.

But I am so grateful that my reminder of such came from the daughter that I Love so much. My children remind me of the best that Life has to offer and keep me honest in my heart about "what TRULY matters," Love.

Before the end of TODAY, make sure to tell someone how much you appreciate the gestures, both large and small, that make all the difference in their lives. Then promptly stand back and admire that wonderful bright Smile. The same one that my Mother gave her kids, that I in turn gave to my kids.

Tonight, have a "Fantastic Dinner."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Create Your Own Lane"

It appears that everyone else is driving by you as you sit behind the red lights of the vehicle directly in front of you. You cannot get in the lane to your left because it is a High Occupancy Vehicle lane used for those that are perceived to be doing more because they are simply carrying more.

Upon closer observation, you begin to notice that not everyone driving in the HOV lane is meeting the requirements to travel in the HOV lane because they are not high occupancy even though they are vehicles using it as such.

Such is Life!

How many people are driving right on through Life in the HOV lane just because it is there and not because they are necessarily adhering to the rules of?

Tempting, isn't it? If you just bunny hop right on in that HOV lane for a few, you can successfully bypass the bottleneck traffic and simultaneously shave off some of your commute time, right? I mean afterall, didn't you witness someone else, others, doing the exact same thing without any perceived repercussions? It IS tempting, isn't it?

Such is Life!

There is NOTHING that we do, that we realize is not the right thing to do, that has no repercussions, whether it has been witnessed or not.

Such IS Life!

Instead of following and doing as the others do, DARE to "Create Your Own Lane" in Life. Dare to separate yourself from that bottleneck and flow on the open road of Life as if you're the only one on the road, traveling at that time, top down! Still Tempting?

When the road in Life that you're traveling down does not contain your needs and wants within its inventory, it is time to "Create Your Own Lane."

So, top off that tank, give Praise and Thanks and I'll see you on the road!

And remember, no one can pass you by, when you "Create Your Own Lane."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"When I Became Who I Am"

In order for me to become who I am, I had to first relinquish who I was.

Impossible it was to lay claim to "anew" today when the ways of yesterday kept outweighing everything that I was claiming to be "new." I had to let go!

The "perceived" hurtful part of letting go was the "deception." Letting go, had me believe that by doing so, meant that I would be missing out, hence the emphasis on "perceived" and "deception."

I confronted "letting go" and proceeded to inform him that I needed to sever ties with him and his old ways, in order to make room for better and more promising days.

Old and new simply cannot occupy the same space and place at the same time because of the jealousy that "old" will inevitably have of the "new." Old wanted me to believe that the "perceived" was actually painful. But I told "old" that since it was not "realized," it did no hurt one bit.

So "old," up to its same "old" tricks tried to have me believe that I would be "missing out." "Missing out" pulled me to the side and informed me that "old" was just "jealous." Jealousy confirmed what "missing out" initially told me and what once worked together to keep me in "old's" bondage started working FOR me to free me of "old's" deception.

And to think that it all started when I took my needs to GOD. HE made what once worked AGAINST me, start to work FOR me!

And as soon as I "let go," is exactly "When I Became Who I Am."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"<, >, ="

"<, >, ="

So, which one are you? Are you less "<" than, greater ">" than or equal "=" to what your Life's dreams and aspirations would have for you?

Are you trying less "<" than the person that is trying greater ">" than the person that is satisfied with being equal "=" to?

Where do you fit or are you trying just enough to say that you did, right before you quit?

If you know for a fact that your efforts are equal "=" to what is being performed in a less "<" than capacity, it is time to step your game up and be greater ">" than the thoughts of those that you are proving right, the ones who thought that you would be exactly right where you are.

So, I ask you. Which one are you? Are you less "<" than, greater ">" than or equal "=" to what your Life's dreams and aspirations would have for you? Should the answer be ambiguous to you, chances are you can effectively cancel out greater ">" than as an option. Being less "<" than or equal "=" to do not necessarily cut it due to the fact that as long as you have Life, dreams and aspirations should be greater ">" than and deserve more than less "<" than or equal "=" to as options.

So, in essence, do not ever settle for less "<" than or equal "=" to. The mere fact that you have Life in your body is greater ">" than! So, it is time to live Life in the same greater ">" than manner, next level capacity.

But, ultimately you decide: "<, >, ="

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"The Solution"

We ALL have problems. Some are bigger than others. Others are longer than some. Some are wider than the longer ones. Then there are the type of problems that are infinitely looped. Oh YES, we ALL have problems!

How we go about solving our problems is as unique as each one of our problems origins. But the one common solution to ANY and ALL problems is Prayer. If you do not believe me, then I challenge you to call my bluff and I dare you to Pray about ANY type of problem that has befallen you. No need to take my word for it, just see for yourself.

Within each problem lies a solution, "The Solution," that may not have necessarily caught your immediate attention. So wrapped up within the forest, we inadvertently neglect the trees. Therefore, we can no longer SEE the forest for the trees in "The Solution."

So, step back and adequately gauge your problem. If it is a "blip," then don't trip. If it is a tragedy, then give it to the Heavenly and Pray.

Problems are just GOD's opportunity in which to showboat! HE likes the spotlight because there ain't NOTHING that HE can't do! But, no need to take my word for it, like I said, just see for yourself.

And even when everything is everything, still tell HIM thank you, for doing HIS thing!

So, if you want to offer up a contribution, do not be a part of the problem, be a part of "The Solution." Pray.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"What Matters"

When all of "What Matters" is finally revealed to you, it will subsequently make all other matters, not even matter at all.

All of the time and energy that I used to be guilty of squandering made me realize the enormous amount of distractions that are intentionally and strategically placed within our lives whose sole purpose is to prevent us from forging ahead in a progressive manner.

What mattered then, mattered NOT then, so why did I ever allow it to even matter at all?

"What Matters" now is the fact that I KNOW "What Matters" now and all of "What Matters" now has my undivided, "squander-proof" attention.

When "What Matters" in your Life has shown you "What Matters" in the form of the latter, that you now KNOW "What Matters," all other matters, simply do not matter. They never did.

"What Matters" to Corey may not be "What Matters" to you and "What Matters" to you may not be "What Matters" to Corey, but "What Matters" to the both of us is of equal importance and more importantly, that we are truly focused, on "What Matters."

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Reconciliation of Commitment"

Sometimes the MEANING of the word "commitment" escapes us and tries its absolute very best to help us forget the PURPOSE of "commitment," why we initially chose "commitment" and why we should never abandon or forsake what "commitment" is truly all about.

I firmly believe that in order to achieve a selfless attitude and perspective, we must first subtract ourselves, selfishness and all, from the mathematical equation of Life.

We need not further hinder the innate process by blocking ourselves from being who and what we are supposed to be in Life. And since our perfection is non-existent, it is imperative for the commencement of the "Reconciliation Of Commitment."

When there is a saturation of maturation, reconciliation can be accomplished, I wholeheartedly believe.

I am committed to reconciling any and all differences that would forbid me from becoming:

A better person
A better son
A better father
A better brother
A better grandson
A better uncle
A better nephew
A better companion
A better friend
A BETTER MAN!

My "Reconciliation Of Commitment" does not make Corey BETTER.

My "Reconciliation Of Commitment" has made Corey better than what Corey USED to be.

As I illuminate my wrongs, I further demonstrate the ability to reconcile them with a renewed commitment, void of any stagnancy, filled with complete action, of the proactive nature, while reconciling the lack of action, of the reactive nature.

I have renewed my commitment TO commitment, starting with the reconciliation OF.

When there is a saturation of maturation, reconciliation can be accomplished, I do wholeheartedly believe.

May today's "Reconciliation Of Commitment," as it was intended, stand FIRM, forevermore.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey

"Spiritual Gravity"

Every now and then, the britches succumb to shrinkage.

That is just Corey's way of implying that I too get too big for my britches every now and then. But when that happens, I am happy to acknowledge that I am getting much better at reprimanding my vertical, single-minded focus and looking at the bigger horizontal picture.

I owe that to "Spiritual Gravity."

When my resources such as patience and understanding start running on the low side, I go back to my source and Pray for replenishment.

I give thanks to "Spiritual Gravity."

Instead of thumbing my way around in the darkness, I have FOUND the light switch and turned it on, but not before changing the low wattage bulb that used to hinder my sight and forward progression within the confines of my mental four walls.

I have realized the Blessings of "Spiritual Gravity."

As I embark upon the next chapter in my Life, I do so with the same vigor and tenacity, exponentially speaking, that has me looking forward to, regretting nothing that I have EVER learned from and proactively listening to and extracting plans from, the voice of "Spiritual Gravity."

Between the concrete and the sole's of my shoes, exists my "Spiritual Gravity," one that bucks the energy of Life's centrifugal force, keeping me well-rounded and grounded enough to navigate in the midst of and strong enough to withstand the winds as I stand in the eye, chaos all around, feet planted on solid ground.

"Spiritual Gravity," didn't then and won't fail me now.

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

All the Best, All the Time!
Corey