Author: imjustdrew

The viral 10 year challenge has given not only the CIA a chance to update its databases, it has given many lots of nostalgia and a chance to look back.

For me, I’m proud of my last ten years. Plenty of highs and lows and a lot of highs:

1. Seeing the age of 40

2. Being in better physical shape and having better skin and a regimen to keep me healthy

3 Changing jobs with a chance to advance

4. Becoming an author

5. Being able to travel and provide myself and my mom with necessities and material possessions.

6. Having two blogs.

7. Building strong networks on social media and in real life.

8. Steady Improvement in every area of my life

9. Valuing family and friendship now more than ever.

10. Gaining wisdom and experience necessary for the next 10 years.

With the longest government shutdown in history, hamberders, R. Kelly, continuous rain, the Patriots going to the Super Bowl again, the challenge is something positive for everyone. At least no one is eating Tide Pods or trying to jump out of a moving car.

So continue to be positive and try for the great comeback that Soulja Boy was talking about!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I am the type to give advice and often my opinions on things. I simply like to help people that want to be helped.

Often people think I’m being forceful but really I am a passionate Cancer man. If I know something works or is good, I will speak my mind on it.

Believe it or not, I do subscribe to the notion that people will do what they want, and often need more help than I can provide. I work daily to know the difference.

I charge all of us to do the same. We seem to be counter judgmental if others aren’t up on the same issues with you, disagree with you in t slightest, or call you out on facts. If they’re your friends, it shouldn’t matter. Otherwise, you can be adults and talk in person or by phone. That is my usual go to.

Therefore, let’s be aware, opinionated but respectful. We can still get alone. We just cannot let emotion and meaningless things get the best of us. We can do better as humans.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Ok unless you weren’t born or have been under a rock, you are well aware of the lack of the moral and mental capacity of R&B singer R. Kelly.

The two main narratives is that certain people in society can get away with darned near anything, and that black girls get molested and sexually abused far too often.

This isn’t to say it doesn’t happen to other little girls or to boys. R. Kelly is the main focus because he has been doing this for so long and has somehow gotten away with this. The victims and others are now speaking out.

I would really like to see more than his music boycotted or his music being played now more than ever. I think I speak for many others when I say it’s time that R. Kelly gets his just desserts and serves time. Many men have been exposed due to the #MeToo movement. Let’s get R. Kelly also please.

More than this, we have to care for the victims and the PTSD that they are suffering from reliving this. This also applies to other victims of this sick crime that were molested or touched inappropriately as a child by a family member, uncle, aunt, etc. It is a problem far bigger than the border wall that has the government shut down.

Putting away Robert Kelly isn’t as hard as everyone is making it appear. Getting these victims the proper help is the bigger battle. This is a serious matter and needs to be addressed. We cannot have our little girls getting touched and urinated upon. Victims also do not need to feel ashamed. This is 2019 and we need to put aside any idolation towards a musical superstar or a force and get down to the real issues.

#imjustdrew is covering many issues this year. Community and such will still be stressed as this applies here also. It’s difficult for abuse to exist in a healthy, clean, protective environment. You will see me finding sources and topics relevant to my upcoming books and talks. We must feel comfortable talking about this subject and others and ending it.

I’m tired of it but in reality we need more R. Kelly type documentaries, if the agenda is proper.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Ok in a year where Santa Claus can’t even be a male anymore, 2018 was a year of recovery and rediscovery for me and mine.

The highlight of the year was the big step for #imjustdrew and the release of my very first novel “From Darkness To Sunshine: Making Unlimited Friendships and Connections”. I was and still am very blessed with the support as to date the book has sold over 150 print and digital copies nationwide. Look for more stuff from this release as I work on my second book.

Another huge milestone was turning 40 in July. I made it a huge celebration and involved several of my close friends and family. It felt awesome to reach that stage in life and I still embrace.

Speaking of birthdays, a lot of new life came into my life through family and friends. I told them instead of all of these baby gifts, I am buying them birth control (*laughs).

All joking aside, I lost many loved ones this year. Some, but not all include Doug Hambright, Curtis Martin, Frank Childers, Justin White, Ginger Horton, Rev Tony Didwell, Jay Hardin, Victor Gaines, and finally Charlie Martin. Charlie probably hurt myself and my mother the most as he was a father figure to her and was a huge help to us and many others.

Outside of deaths, my family is doing well. My mom made big strides this year, and has been more open to organic remedies. I got to visit my uncle Kenny in prison twice this year. He is a trustee with Anderson City jail and it is a better atmosphere for him and visitors. I keep praying for an early release for him.

Healthwise, things are still on the up and up as I work to get my weight back down to my ideal size. I have a good team on my side, gyms, motivation and plan now to keep me at my ideal size and prepare better for setbacks.

My size had impeded my running pace, but never my grit and determination. I ran four races, three of these were half marathons. I actually managed to place at or near my age group in two races. I also won two fitness challenges at my gym. My regimen change will help even more in the coming months.

Employment wise, year 3 with Amazon has been a good and promising one. I became a Learning Ambassador, won honors such as Spartan of the Month for Attendance and Pit Pro, and served on the Associate Activities Committee. I also have an awesome manager and that often makes a difference at any job you work at.

I didn’t accomplish all of my 2018 goals but I feel blessed nonetheless for my friends, family and circle and what is yet to come. I was blessed to be able to travel more and I plan on continuing more trips. Downtown Blacksburg is set for growth with the addition of small businesses such as Aunt B’s Hog Wild BBQ truck, Wisefire Coffee, and a new mayor for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Festivus to all. I love everyone and just want to see all happy in success and blessings.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

We’re in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest shopping days of the year. One of the most unsung days of the year is Small Business Saturday, designed for us up and coming entrepreneurs and business. #imjustdrew definitely fits that bill.

I was out supporting one of my favorite local businesses when the properterior was reminding me of that. He and the owner of the neighboring coffee shop actually help each other out, and he does the same for the local cupcake shop.

This is what I try to do to my fellow authors. I do my best to seek them out and support their works. If they support mine, all the better. There is plenty of market for all of us as many of us are geared towards different audiences. We have made a silent pact (most of us) to support and push each other, rather than compete.

Now, when I’m competing in road races, it’s a mix of both. However, with books and videos, we’re ultimately working together. I would love to be the next Stephen King, JK Rowling, or even Charlamagne Tha God. What I really want is to be the only Andrew Lanier. Inspiring like Dave Carnegie with Southern roots like Charlamagne or Nicholas Sparks. I want to take all the market I can, and help my fellow aspiring authors.

The less you think of yourself, the more you can accomplish. I think of this somewhat like a team sport. We are all wanting to win, but there is plenty of room for individual accolades. I still support and promote whenever I can and whatever is appropriate. People know they can count on me and that makes my heart smile.

Therefore, do the same. Support the little guys. Make Small Business Saturday a daily thing. Together We Do Achieve More!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This is the time to start seeing who will still be down for you and associate with you in 2019. It is literally out with the old, in with the new in some cases.

For me, these sorts of people are out:

Fake, unsupportive, nonresponsive, racist, bullies, jerks, politically charged, judgmental, negative

The following are in:

Positive, honest, optimistic, tactful, helpful, deep, appreciative, intelligent, understanding.

And this is the short list.

Basically, if I don’t get that good vibe from you, we will be falling back. Nothing personal but sometimes that’s how it is.

And for others, welcome to my experience. Whether you’re here for a reason or a season, I look forward to expanding our bond.

Two more posts remain for 2019 and one is the Christmas Letter. What shall I post about next???

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Red, blue, other.

That’s the underlying theme of Election Day and for all early voters. Voting has become divided by race, socioeconomics, and of course the flawed 2 party system.

I lean towards the best overall candidates, but the Democrats seem to have my best personal interests in mind. Nevertheless, I’m all for Liberterians and Independents due to how unfairly our government has been divided. People simply don’t use common sense anymore and elect their candidates as they would reality show contestants instead of going off of values and issues.

You have to realize that no candidate will be able to nor deliver every campaign promise. We have to pray for our leaders and support them in every step of the way.

The big step is happening: more people are finally voting. Now if we can get more of these offices filled with more than one opponent. Many candidates run unopposed and that’s a problem. You can hold a small office and it shouldn’t be a huge deal. You are contributing heavily to the process.

Please let people be themselves, unless of course they are hateful, hurtful and full of anger. Know the limits and exceptions but it is hypocritical to hate someone just because you voted differently. We need to have better conversations.

That being said, cast your vote by this Tuesday and let’s talk to each other, instead of loving each other. It would go a long way in truly making America the great country it can be!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

The saying goes “dogs are a man’s best friend”. Well it seems you could say that for a lot of animals: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, gerbils, etc.

I have two dogs and one kitten and I love them to death. Early on in life when I didn’t have many friends, my pets held me down. These fur babies through the years showed me unconditional love. I’m so grateful for being around animals as a child and early adulthood.

Many don’t like some or all animals and that’s fine. However, when you need a companion that can be low maintenance, doesn’t talk back, listens and loves, consider animals.

Mine are truly like family. I protect them, laugh when they are good, cry when they hurt, and am grateful for them. I name them, look out for them, spoil them with their favorite foods, and simply treat then well. We should treat all half as good as we treat our fur babies. You wouldn’t be whining and crying about people betraying you or not wanting any friends. You should already know to miss me with that talk.

I’m always grateful to have pets to love. It makes life more worthwhile to have someone to love that genuinely loves you in return. I wish this for all.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This could apply to many things. However if you call yourself my friend and do the following, then do yourself a solid and don’t communicate with me.

Ok cyberbullying has come up again, this time someone came at me. I don’t care if they’re reading this, they have been addressed. It is perfectly fine to kid and joke around. But when it goes to badmouthing, slander, spreading lies, and simply picking on someone for deficiencies, that crosses the line. At that point, you are not a friend to me or anyone you do that too.

Parents, please teach your children both sides of this. Don’t partake in any form of bullying, but don’t tolerate it either. It is textbook, it has been going on long enough and it is real. Anyone that doesn’t subscribe to this can also go.

Now I’m not being hypersensitive or trying to run anyone off. I just tire of double standards and lies. Yes I promote unity, friendship and connections. But remember because I experience things like this gives me insight and motivates me to look for solutions rather than problems.

Finally, realize when something is simply off and get far away from it. And be apart of the problem rather than the solution.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Harry Ratchford has gradually gained my respect.

He works closely with Kevin Hart as producer for many of his comedy specials and movies. Two years ago, he bought out two showings for Hart’s standup comedy movie. This time, he went for the gusto, buying out two theaters for one showing of the latest hit “Night School”. He also did it during Gaffney High’s homecoming weekend. The timing couldn’t have been better.

Ratchford has not let Hollywood go to his head. He wants to let his community and city know he hasn’t forgotten his roots or about them. He has brought folks together and included anyone who wished to see the movie. As a result, this movie reached #1 at the box office. Good deeds really are rewarded.

I would pay close attention to Kevin Hart and Harry Ratchford and not just for a free movie. They are doing big things in their communities and are bringing folks together without an agenda. They will continue to be blessed.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine