Category: Blog

Beyond just gracing the cover of the most prestigious Men’s magazine, Denzel Washington is a brilliant actor! One of the few in Hollywood whose marriage has survived the fame and attention that comes from being constantly in the spotlight. Monitored by millions of fans and critics, he is a man who continues to re-invent himself. One thing I picked whilst researching on his works was what he said about growing up on the streets until he was 14 when his mother relocated to another side of town and sent him to a private school, Oakland Military Academy in New York. That decision, he said, changed his life.

In Denzel’s words: “…because I wouldn’t have survived in the direction I was going. The guys I was hanging out with at the time, my running buddies, have now done maybe 40 years combined in the penitentiary (prisons). They were nice guys, but the streets got them!”

The “streets” can be anything that is stopping you from realizing your full potential. The “streets” can be that habit that is holding you back from living your best life. The “streets” can be anyone who persistently drums fear and doubt into your spirit. The “streets” can represent anything. For Denzel, the “streets” were friends who were heading in the wrong direction. But he was lucky to get out of it, and for the last 20 years the world celebrates him, adores his works, and respects his craft.

It is time to let go of the “streets”. Whatever it is, tell yourself I am letting go of it now so I can fulfill destiny!

Happy Friday!

“When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be. ”
― Thomas S. Monson

A friend once told me, “You always believe in people.” And I replied, “That is all I can offer, my belief in your talent and skill.”

I know it is tough to get by these days, everyone is protecting their businesses for their children to take over even if they come unprepared. In most societies, our success is tied to the feats our parents have made. It has little to do with our own credibility. And this hurts, oh yes it hurts the average man who has something to offer but because his last name is not known in certain circles he may never get to certain places. Only a few break out from the norm – it requires really tough skin to rebel against a system. For the rest, they just keep living below their expected ends.

It is not enough to believe in yourself, sometimes you want another human being to look at you and say, “I believe in you.”

That sentence can give you wings. A man with talent, who is given the opportunity to nurture his talent can do amazing things. And a well-nurtured talent enriches everyone! I have met people who broke the cycle and succeeded regardless of what their last names were. But I understand if it is hard for the next person. All I can offer is this: never give up. Never wish you were someone else. You are who you should be. It is tough now, but tomorrow is another day to try again, keep trying and don’t stop. If you need someone’s assurance go to God, pray! If you want some more, ask a friend or a family member: “do you believe in me?” Look into their eyes when they respond, the truth lies in there. And if you still have any doubts, come here as often as you should. This is where we let off all the heat that comes as life happens.

I believe in you. Yes, you!

– Stephanie