"if you cant change the people around you, change the people around you!"

I came across this quote a few years ago at school. I always knew what it meant but often it carried a negative connotation. Realizing and fearing [in some instances] the guilt of having to trade in those close to you because they may be unable to acquiesce certain values, loyalty, or respect you may require in a friendship or any form of relationship between two people [for that matter.] But not until recently [especially tonight] have I been so thrilled, eager, honored, ecstatic, or exuberant to let the anchors of my sinking ship go [sink or swim] giving me the opportunity to soar to the top amidst few. It is SO very important [imperative] to be aware [beware] of the company you keep, especially in regards to your profession [dreams] I'm an actor, I dream lavishly and always [ALWAYS] hone my craft. #noexceptions. Participating in theatre at Norfolk State University, a small guild, made my ties to those who shared my passion [allegedly] tight and heart found. However, the more I grow and develop my craft, I notice a lack of such, [regardless of the reason] in others around me. I'm no one to say that they don't wish to fulfill their dream as badly as I or lack talent, [NEVER count anyone out.] Their efforts are just lackadaisical. [which can be detrimental to personal growth!] anything not growing is dead, and we all know what happens in stagnant water, [i digress]

Thankfully, I have indeed managed to make bonds, ties, connections with extremely dedicated people who never cease to amaze, inspire, encourage, surprise, mold, and teach me some of the most important and valuable lessons I could ever wish to experience. [Most Personally] @celitheactress [mi hermana] and @msklassychassy I don't believe in exploitation or gimmicks so id rather not speak on personal endeavors of either [they will tell you for themselves] just know that implementing like minded, dedicated, driven, and focused individuals into your circle will keep you amid the clouds soaring with eagles and out of sight and mind of buzzards [REAL TALK] these women have a hustle like no one in this world! they are unapologetic, unimpressed or intimidated by anyone around them. They know about power of dreams, the words you release, and reality of this industry. But more importantly, they attain the necessary skills to take them the places they wish to go [not unlike myself] They make powerful, bold, moves, and know without a shadow of doubt their intended purpose and intentions in life.

Lets take a second and release the dead weight we carry and release them; not only for their benefit, but our own. TWITTER has also given me the opportunity to gain new insight from even more people who share the same ambitions as me. [I've checked the credits and weeded through those with twitter personalities] so stop following your friends, overzealous personalties, and gossipers and get some cultured perspective. you'll feel better! SERIOUSLY, realize your potential in this world and invest boldly in it by shifting those around you who do nothing to help in ascertaining your dreams victoriously! at least, review your friendships, determine their worth, and decide what is best for your future.

P E A C E

Thank You... Later?

[THIS BLOG WAS WRITTEN 2 DAYS AGO]

Well, thanks to @skinnyjeanius [follow him!] I will begin fasting tomorrow, no food or drink from sun up to sun down in observation or agreeance of Ramadan.

[What was I thinking?]

I've often admired the discipline of muslims. one of my best friends in high school is muslim and I was so very impressed with his will, strength, and drive to not only pray in an off throughout the entire day, but to participate in the various fasts without waiver. I've done quite a bit of research on the topic [wikipedia mainly] and new knowledge only impressed me that much more. I will clearly incorporate my very own Christian ideals/values but [no, im not muslim] but ultimately it is the same purpose and principle.

without further adieu, here's to developing discipline, peace, sacrifice, humility, stamina, encouragement, religion, insight, etc in thirty days.

wish me luck!

P E A C E .

DREAM beyond BELiEF!

The other day I watched a very inspiring documentary, "GHETTO BALLET" about a group of teenage [early] Africans in South Africa who dreamed of careers in ballet. The students were in a ballet program that would produce only two to be selected as new members of the Cape Cod Ballet Company.

Along the way I got to witness the growth, passion, and talent in each individual, overcoming enormous tragedy and poverty. I became partial with all of them and hoped they all we get a chance to shine. A few of them gave me new insight and inspiration, this is what I received from their stories.

Vulyelwa: the confident young girl with perhaps the biggest dreams of them all. She even talked about her dream house, [a picture that hangs on her wall] her want to be a celebrity, and even changing her name, La Violeta; a translation of her name meaning happy. I cant forget her headline, "la Violeta, Road to Stardom" She embodies star quality, and has the confidence and poise to go anywhere.

Tusile: A gentleman who allowed his mental ability and dedication to transform his environment. literally. He would clean the shack of his family blasting classical music as his world transcended to that of ballet.

Fiona: The girl with the talent but a lack of focus and discipline. She was a wild child of sorts with no real awareness of consequence, consequently she was kicked out of the program and crushed.

Finally, [Sibahle] the one the documentary focuses on. She is a thicker girl who shows such passion, grace, and maturity as she dances. At one point she keeps a diary of what little she eats in efforts to drop weight before her audition. She hands her mother a very small cylinder basin and says she will only eat the food that comes from it [i cried] but this allowed her mother [and the world] to see how much she was willing to do to accomplish her dreams, it was in her blood.

After a complete year of preparation and training it was time for each students big interview to learn their fate. [Tusile] had already been drafted as a professional dancer into the company. The only two left were [Sibahle] and [Vulyelwa] my favorites. Vulyelwa was first. She walked into her interview well groomed with all of her confidence and star quality, held her head high and looked boldly into the eyes of the "masters of her fate" Needless to say, she was offered a position. Sibahle went next, dressed well, but she lacked confidence and eye contact, knowing that her weight was an issue. As badly as she wanted it, she was denied. She went home with her passion intact. The next day she put on her ballet slippers and danced in the dirt outside of her hut.

I said all of this to say, [exhale] each and every one of us has the ability to single handedly transform our immediate environments.

1. Do things to implement your dreams into you everyday routine

Also, it is important to develop qualities and confidence that evoke greatness. Give the world as little ability as possible to deny you.

2. Show the world not only your passion, but your preparation.

Go boldly, know who you are and your capabilities, don't tiptoe around them! Lastly, when faced with challenge, disappointment, disapproval, and rejection,

3. Don't worry! Stay firmly planted, readjust your stance and work harder.

its up to you, stay lifted.

[UPDATE] The film caught the eye of many; including ATLANTA BALLET, Sibahle has been awarded a scholarship and know dances in the states. We all win when we follow our dreams beyond circumstance without waiver!

P E A C E