CHOICE

How powerful are we really? "Choice" makes a huge difference as to where we end up in life but sometimes our choices are limited. This is true, but what I want to express to you is that we can either make empowering choices that will lead to our e x p a n s i o n or we can make poor choices that can keep us bounded by someone else's idea of rules and obligations. Thus, sometimes when we make poor choices, they lead us into all kinds of trouble such as getting thrown into jail, getting evicted, getting dumped, getting fired, etc... and all of these things take away our freedom, our happiness, and our sense of self worth.

For example, there are times when we know that walking away from a negative situation would be best, and yet still we charge right into it head first like a raging bull, and then have the nerve to complain when things get even worst. Ladies and gentleman, "Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread."

So take your time... Practice patience. Think before you act. Cause if not, relationships can break, reputations can become tarnished, and wounds can grow deeper.

We are powerful beings, simply because at every moment we have the free will to chose our actions that will either "transform" us into something greater, or keep us at the same level which eventually takes us back because "life" is always evolving whether we keep up with it or not. However, regardless of the time it takes to enhance our state of being, the point is that we can build ourselves up. So why wait until things get so bad that we end up imprisoned behind a cell wall with nothing to do except think about what we could've, should've, would've done? (And I mean this metaphorically)

We all know what we have to do. "With great power comes great responsibility." So let's be responsible for creating greatness in our lives.

Remember that you always have the power to make effective decisions. Yes, you! You must trust yourself, and please, for the love of God, do not make decisions based on how "other" people will receive you. In other words, don't make your choices based out of peer pressure which constitutes for pleasing family members, neighbors, churches and/or religious organizations, coworkers and friends, etc... Now I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't value their opinions because no man is an island. We are all connected and should respect one another's thoughts. (There is a great deal of what we can learn from one another) but what I am encouraging is for you to stay still enough to listen to your own inner guidance. Because that's the thing; people can give great advice with the best of intentions, but it is YOU who has to sleep with YOU every night. Therefore, it is YOU who must feel good about your decisions because you are the only person living in your own skin. Remember that everyone has their own path; and you have yours. Don't confuse the two.

Keep yourself aligned with your creator by acknowledging the fact that your free will is a gift. You have the power to chose what to say, what to do, and who to connect with every day. You can grow closer to certain individuals and you can also distance yourself from them. It is all a matter of choice. Choose wisely.

THE FOUNDATION

Before I ever received my first pay check for doing something "creative," whether it was singing live at a show, modeling or writing an article as a journalist, some people tried to convince me that I was just a dreamer who entertained my 'hobbies'. Now just imagine if I would've adopted that mentality? I never would've evolved into taking my skills to the next level because I would've remained at the bottom. But here's what's really important: The time you spend at the bottom is the time you should be investing into building your foundation! And so in that respect, make sure that your foundation is strong because later on when your creative challenges become even tougher, you'll need that foundation to fall back on.

Now I'm not talking about having a plan B, or doing something completely unrelated to what you love. I'm talking about getting your mind right, creating an LLC if need be, aligning forces with the kind of people WHO DO SUPPORT YOUR GOALS, and practicing your skills until they becomes sharper than a sword. Remember, you're a warrior in this world! And since often times, your greatest enemy can be yourself, make sure your head is clear, focused, and has vision!

As artists, we must remember that it is imperative to nurture our talents - not degrade them. We should also protect them with the same amount of passion that we would use to protect our body from physical danger. Yes, our mind is connected to our body so why should that be any different? Do you want to become a vegetable?

Also, what I'm saying sort of interweaves with being a leader instead of a follower. You know, as creative people, sometimes we become bored easily and therefore, don't like to be caged into becoming labeled as just one thing. Most of the time, a model becomes an actress or a dancer becomes a singer, or we have what we call the "triple threat" and even the "quadruple threat" because some people enjoy doing a little bit of everything. So the next time someone says to you, "You're a Jack of all traits but a master of none," tell them, "My having more than one talent is actually the quality of a genius." Or don't say anything at all. It's whatever floats your boat, but the point that I am making is that as creative individuals, we should never allow others to demean our mission or try to devalue the divine gifts that we've inherited through spirit. Our talents are God's life force working through us to continue expanding our consciousness, joy and love for life!

'Til next time... Enjoy the journey!

Oh! And when you get the chance, google the pioneer of Becoming Your Dreams: Mr. James De La Vega