#gregshrug

This has been an incredible week. Not only has it been one of the busiest and most fun weeks I've had in 2014 but it's also been the most enlightening, yet bittersweet. I've come across some news about people that I'm close to that rubbed me entirely the wrong way and unfortunately it's left me to make a move in the future I never thought I would. What I've realized from this is that I need to be more aware of my surroundings. You really can't see the snakes through the high grass. So it's time to bring out the mower.

Friends are hard to come by nowadays. Good friends have always been and still are extremely difficult to come by. So, in order to take the risk of coming into close contact with anyone, I must make sure I have my ducks in much more than a row. They need to fly.... in the "Flying V" formation.... even better than the Mighty Ducks. I can't allow anyone in my circle without making sure the circle is intact. The damage done to my psyche can't be dependent on what others do or say to me. 

My life has been taking off since New Years 2014 and it will continue to do so... with or without anybody who that's around. It needs to stay this way in order for me to continue my growth, become successful, live a healthy life, and one day start and build a kingdom/family.

I look at my "brother" who I met only less than two years ago. (We'll call him Ray since I can't put him out there like that haha) Ray has lived a troubled life unintentionally. Things happened to him that shouldn't happen to any boy or man... or any person rather. However, he's learned now to not let those events and people involved in those events to alter his destiny. He's a hard worker.... period. And now he's got an apartment for himself, his lady and his soon to be born son. (Today, I attended his son's baby shower and he personally asked me to play Godfather. I'm honored not only because of the responsibility but mainly because of our friendship and the level of mutual trust and respect.) I tell him every time I visit him that I admire what he's done regardless of how small it might seem. For he is in a place in his life that I'm trying to locate for myself.

He and I had a discussion recently with one of his friends about growth and accountability. His friend was going through a situation and mainly what we were trying to explain to him was this:

You're not able to care for, love, or even attach yourself to anyone until you do those things for yourself.

Really heavy stuff....

What I've got out that conversation and the things that I've encountered this week is that people are going to continue to be who they are regardless of what you're doing. You can't be too focused on them because if you're that dependent on them, they can be the very reason you fall. Also, I learned not everyone will support you simply because they don't share the same abilities as you. No one is built the same. 

This is my life. No one can alter it except me. There may be influences and voices that can lure me certain ways, but it's my choice to allow that to happen. I'm not just the captain of this ship. I AM THE SHIP...

Only I can decide where, when, how, and why I move across the sea. If there's no wind for my sail, then I have to row. If I need to maneuver though or around a storm, i will make the decision. it is me holding the map that God has placed before me. As friendly as I am, I cannot let anyone determine what's best for me and my journey.

With all that being said, this ship has moved away from the docks and will not stop moving across the sea unless I say so.... And unfortunately, that means some people who don't have a boat are going to be left in the murky waters... to hopefully save themselves and construct their own raft to get them to the closest landfall. I pray they learn how to build their own ship to cross the waters one day. If so, I'll see them out there... in the open waters... wave politely... smile proudly... and sail (or row) on...

Reminds me of going home to Jersey... Although it's by two dudes from Cali... #GregShrug

To prepare you for the "Quickie" that's actually a "Quickie"...

No bite marks

No scratches

I'm in the midst of a growth spurt... And it's pretty awesome... The thing that makes it great is that it's continuous... Everlasting... I can't say I've ever encountered this and recognized it... Things are being said, thought, and done differently... The amount of contributions to this is endless... I must say that a huge influence in this is my mentality... Me deciding and continuously wanting to grow the hell up... Who wants to stay stagnant? Who wants to sit in the same place?... "Not I", said the cat... My relationship with God is the foundation of this new life movement (of course) but if I never made the choice (the same choice I have been avoiding for years.... Dodging bullets like Agents in "The Matrix") then the opportunities I've been given wouldn't have presented themselves... And I'd be as lost in the world as I was a year ago... And we're talkin "Lost in the world, down for the night" Kanye My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy lost...

With that being said, if you recognize you're on the right path to growth and greatness, stay the course. If it was easy, then everybody would do it. We're built differently for a reason. (Greg Shrug) Just sayin...

Embrace your growth.