Landing in New York is always exciting for me the feeling of being back home never gets old. Growing up in Flatbush (Brooklyn, NY) was a privilege and it took my later years to truly understand the competitive advantage I have compared to some. Being raised in a disadvantaged area usually does one of two things to us.

• (1) Makes us stronger mentally and at an early age we learn what we DO NOT want the rest of our lives to look like

  or

• (2) Causes us to play the blame game on every single factor outside of ourselves. i.e. people, government, the past, etc.

So my suggestion is to ask yourself, “Who am I when times get rough?”

For myself I took Option (1), challenge only ever inspired me to overcome my circumstance. I have a really hard time giving up on things, even playing football video games at 4th down and infinity I never punt because there is always a chance that the the assumption of not getting enough yardage to advance can change (think about that for a moment). Being strong and persistent was instilled in me a long time ago as my father drilled two words in me “Apply Yourself” and it definitely has molded me from being a silent troublemaker running the whimsical streets to now still fluidly defining who I want to be, just like you. I encourage everyone to at least visit New York once in their life, it is the type of place that can expose you as one that can fill you with explosive inspiration “these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you” - Alicia Keys. Or strengthen your fears, anxiety or lack of direction due to the pure raw energy and pace that the city pulses with. I plan to go back very soon to visit family, friends, eat good, learn and recharge my battery and eat good some more Lol.

So when are you going?? or planning/would like to go?? let’s link up out there. Don’t waste time I’m already looking at flights!!

To say I love NY is an understatement but I truly cherish everything I learn from there not to mention the remarkable individuals it has produced which is an endless list that I am working to join. i.e. the First Hip-Hop Billionaire Shawn Carter aka Jay-Z. BedStuy (Brooklyn) native. Say Less