Robert Greene, in his book The 48 Laws of Power, states that we are constantly altering the patterns we have inherited from previous generations, and these changes are signs of life and vitality. Our fear or avoidance of success and abundance (what I call richer ground) can also be a pattern that we have inherited from past generations.

For many, we started out in the essence of our power. In our youth we showed immense creativity in expressing something new or inventive through unbridled thought and vision. The problem comes later, when we grow conservative and possessive—loyal to the status quo, for the sake of acceptance.

As I have been learning how to live in my power of self-permission, I have collected a list of slogans over the years. My most recent is: "The Strength of My Words, The Power of Your Will." I recently had a conversation with Spoken Word musical artist RhapsodE regarding her upcoming CD and she shared with me a recent poem she wrote-birth out of a pruning of the heart that produced growth. I was moved by it because it is a testament that while there is strength in words, the greater power is in the will. ENJOY!

Life is about repositioning, refocusing and redirecting ourselves for greater opportunity and insight, which sometimes means taking a step back and being dormant for awhile in order to see more clearly. In the past two months I've taken a step back to assess my focus; I've relocated to the state of Texas; and I'm even more focused on dealing with the emotional side of minority achievement. More importantly, to go back to my first love of helping people overcome their fear of success.

 As I've watched the continued events of the presidential race for a democratic nominee, I have been astonished and pissed off over the strong insinuation of racial antipathy and the recreation of an archaic fear that reaches back into the 1915 vault that depicted blacks (specifically, black men) as villains, violent rapists and threats to the social order of America. But amidst the undertones of racial divisiveness is a piercing sound for change--and this has increased my commitment in doing my part in insuring that minorities have a stronger presence in the dynamics of this change.

The history of this country has seen world change through many lenses—many times. Our present presidential race is evident of another world change. Ted Kennedy put it this way, “The world is changing. The old ways will not do. ... It’s time for a new generation of leadership—one that will turn the pages on the old misrepresentation and distortion…"

I bring this up because many of us can relate to what our present government is about to undergo—a major life change. Those of us who have experienced such times know that change is a relentless and constant force in life that brings with it “endings.” But even more of us know the illusions of safe and secure, which is created by familiar routines and surroundings. When a particular chapter in our life ends and a new one begins, mourning for what "was" is inevitable, and suddenly, even misery looks good, simply because it's familiar. There is an African proverb that I love, which fits here perfectly, “Many of us would rather live in familiar hells, then to go to unknown heavens.”

From time-to-time there’s a poem by Jessie Rittenhouse that comes to mind and reminds me to challenge the level of what I “ask” for and “expect” out of my life;

I bargained with Life for a penny and Life would pay no more.
However I begged at evening when I counted my scanty store.

For Life is a just employer, she gives you what you ask.
But once you have set the wages, why, you must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire, only to learn, dismayed,
that any wage I had asked of Life, Life would have willingly paid.

A lot of things happen to us that can convince us to bargain or compromise our way through life—and we become conditioned to not ask for or expect anything more. After a few false starts and a few more crashes and burns, we just begin to expect a scantier share of life’s treasure.

 Over the next 3 to 4 weeks we will be facing what psychologist and health professionals suggest is the period in which we can experience profound levels of depression.  So, let me make a season's tithing to your heart.     This year instead of releasing yourself to all the trappings that lead to depression, ask the Universe (God) for a gift of want; a "want" that will bring into existence your creativity, individuality, and unique vision for intention.

The chorus of a song caught my attention the other day, “I'm a movement by myself; but I'm a force when we're together.” (Fabolous – You Make Me Better). While the song is about a love interest that makes him better, I found myself thinking about my black people and how far we’ve drifted apart.

Haroldson Hunt said, "Decide what you want; decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Then set your priorities and go to work." I have found that the greatest challenge is in deciding what you really want, and the greatest hurdle is the willingness to let go of certain people, places and things to get what we want.

Many refuse to decide because it makes us responsible to something; and that responsibility brings with it the possibility of failure. Unfortunately, we have been taught to see failure as a character flaw, instead of the teacher it really is. Deciding also brings with it the exposure of our fragility—our vulnerabilities. We resist letting go because they serve as scapegoat to our “I can’t because…”

Know that failure is the only true key to solid success. And when we can become completely honest with ourselves about our fears and incompetence the universe comes alongside to make us strong. Then our problem is not in letting go—but being overwhelmed with giving back!

I’m Not Your Opinions: A few years ago I remember waking up in a good mood—so I thought. But by the time I got into the shower I found myself having an emotional collapse. The warmth of the water must have loosened my tongue, because all of a sudden I went into this verbal tirade. I started in a tone of calm insolence and escalated to one of emotional defiance. “I am sooo sick and tired of this crap!” “I am sick, sick—sick of it!”

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones: When I was growing up, whenever someone would say something derogatory about you the response was, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt.” Either we were too silly to really know the impact such negative labels or descriptions had on us, or that phrase acted as a shield against the negatives. Every now and then someone would say something really negative and it would leave you really hurt, verbally paralyzed, crying or ready to fight.