Author: imjustdrew

Ok what a week! I will go Live later, especially as the Kelly Bryant story is still developing. The main narrative is we often like to encourage someone to live their best life, but when that best isn’t what we want, we turn on them, don’t see them as human, and expect them to be the character they display.

Let’s start with Bryant. About a week ago, he left the Clemson football team after finding out he would lose his starting QB job. Now he won’t lose his eligibility if he goes to another school and we’re only five games into the season. Also, KB2 has graduated, has his degree, a national championship ring and a 16-2 record at Clemson. I’m all about teamwork and brotherhood but I don’t like how he’s being called selfish, egotistical and a quitter. He’s trying to do what’s best for his professional career, and even fix his deficiencies with a different coach and system. Many do this, like LeBron James, Peyton Manning, even Alex Rodriguez. The media can be a terror, as well as other people that don’t realize Bryant is a person and has a life outside of the Clemson uniform. That said, if he has a change of heart this week, people will act like it never happens. I hope KB2 uses this either way to realize who his true people are.

Now with Bill Cosby. Let me make this clear. Cosby deserves to be in prison, perhaps longer. What he did was cruel and heinous. Forget that he’s black, old and a beloved celebrity. He messed up big time, admitted to it and must suffer the consequences. When you choose to admire someone, remember they are humans first. The courts are not penalizing Dr Huxtable or Fat Albert, it’s William Henry Cosby. He needs to be seen in this fashion.

The moral here is athletes and celebrities are human beings. They have alternate lives. Please allow people to live these lives and if they commit crimes, they need to be punished all the same. No one should be above the law.

Next will be about a new celebrity that shows his human side through movies. Stay tuned,…

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I wanted to give folks some time to cool off. It’s now officially Fall and people are not 38 hot as they were so here are my thoughts.

We just had a hurricane/tropical depression in the South. People are still coming together to assist each other in the aftermath of the storm. Why can’t we come together on this issue.

Why are you mad that sponsors such as Nike and Ford Motors are giving Kaep deals for his now courageous act? Because he is actually brave enough to peacefully protest what he believes in?

Racism is still alive and well. White people want him gone forever. Black people are happy but are still torn about watching the NFL or supporting its sponsors.

Here’s the deal, Kaep saw a wrong and he wanted to right it. He has been serving the community and speaking out well before the anthem controversy. Please look it up first.

Also, the anthem is racist, outdated, and needs revising period. Why can’t people see this? He actually spoke to military officials about the most effective way to protest the anthem without disrespecting the military or the flag. He’s very intelligent and does not have a track record of being disrespectful.

Finally, for those that still think he’s disrespecting the USA, take a peek at this. The NFL didn’t start this with its players until 2009, when the US Army gave a ton of money to the NFL. It’s all about business when you think about it. Yes former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick (Kaep) is gaining but so are many businesses and sponsors.

Furthermore, I keep hearing “he should have did it a different way.” The best suggestion I have heard is he should go to Washington and protest on Capitol Hill. I actually like that one.

So please let’s see all the wrongs here and see how we can correct the issue and realize our country and justice system is wrong for allowing it to get to this point. Look at all the angles and look within yourselves.

Bringing this all home, let’s love each other as we do in times of crisis.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

The narrative for years in the workplace has been you’re only coworkers and not friends. In some areas, being connected with coworkers helps out a lot.

These include inside intel about the workplace, stuff that may happen while you’re not there, and clarification on work policies. The latter has come into play this week with the Hurricane Florence closing and delays. My job called today with a confusing message. They said the building was closed but there would be a delay. Why would you say that if you already announced the building was closed today. Anyways, a coworker messaged me so we could clarify and we wouldn’t miss work.

Employee groups are also good for venting, sharing information and keeping each other encouraged. Morale at work makes it so much more fun and you can build that, even if it’s strictly business.

Let’s face it, you’re often around your coworkers more than your own family and circle of friends. You may as well try and get along with them, and even hang out sometime.

Friends are always assets and coworkers see you in your element. They can help with promotions, and future job references. It’s definitely a benefit to connect with those at your job.

Dating is a separate issue I won’t cover. But at least be cool with your team members.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

It has now been 17 years since the tragic events of 9/11 at the World Trade Center. For weeks, you saw people of all races, backgrounds, and all come together. It didn’t matter who you were, if you were American, you stood with each other.

This lasted a few weeks anyway.

I know there are obvious exceptions. But don’t sit and tell me we can’t all come together, especially involving politics and social issues. I have seen it throughout my lifetime, I know firsthand. The problem is we get so bent out of shape and forget to love each other and put differences aside. Our pride gets in the way and we forget who we are. We allow other forces to divide us.

Let us never forget, truly. Also, don’t forget how to treat others. Remember the Chick-fil-A lesson? It definitely applies here.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I’m sure it’s in From Darkness To Sunshine somewhere. But either way, get it in or you will be rested, whether or not you want to.

I have been suffering from fatigue lately due to heat and going hard. This is forcing me to change up the routine and rest even more.

I can claim old age, but I can also claim taking better care of myself, getting more organic energy and just knowing my limits.

One must do this, or it will be trouble, period. Your get up and go will have got up and went, quickly.

I have already decided that Mondays and Thursdays are short evenings for me, and that Fridays could vary depending on what I do the following morning and on high school football. Either way. I want to be rested and motivated enough to go full tilt.

It’s frustrating when you have to readjust your habits to fit your body, schedule and activity. But if you trust the process and work, it will as well.

Therefore, get that proper rest and be ready to go. Maintain that body just like you do your car or house.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

We are in an era and time with so much division and unrest. People constantly tearing each other down in public and private.

Then we have the cheering section in our lives. Those that support and cheer us on to victory in our endeavors and efforts.

Sports is full of them. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. The Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders has the Black Hole. These types of fanbases understand how important being the 12th man is.

I remember from my own playing days how much better I played, even on the road, when I know that the crowd was behind myself and my teammates. It was of course special to be at home, where my mom and other relatives and friends were loud and proud in the stands.

Being that fan, that good, loyal fan makes a huge difference. The activity doesn’t even have to be a sport. It’s feeling that vibe and positive energy helping you out and achieve.

I have experienced this in a new life as a competitive runner. It’s so awesome when people are cheering you on during those last few miles or the last mile. They’re at the finish line jumping up and down, high fiving you. I sat out of a race just last month. This local bodybuilder/runner came up to me and told me he was looking for me because I encourage him. That meant the world to me because he has always encouraged me. Those types of moments give me cold chills and make me wanna go harder.

Cheer hard,work harder, continue to encourage. That seems like a good recipe to me.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Yes summer school has technically been going on. But now summer is ending and regular school/college and such is almost in session.

Bullying and violence seems to still be a problem. Here are some points to add to anything I have posted in the past:

1. Learn from each other, don’t make it a competition on who is right and wrong. Help each other to get right.

2. Social exclusion is rarely true. Make it a mission, especially to the newer students, to welcome them to the fold. Leave the pranks and initiations elsewhere.

3. Play nice, please. Games such as Fortnite help. It’s better to treat people in real life as you do on Fortnite.

4. Form and find long lasting friendships. Trust me, they are like diamonds and can be forever.

5. Live, laugh and love. Just try and be positive towards each other. Resist division at any level.

I hope to see better schools and stories throughout this school year!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I’m telling you, the division we seem to have towards each other is real, even when we have so much in common.

You do something great and you may have support, but it may not be the proper support. Or worse, it may be people that don’t see that it’s ok and cool to support others doing the same or similar.

I’m referring to the whole LeBron James thing far as his new school in Akron, OH. As I don’t get overly political, I refuse to acknowledge Trump’s tweet about him. I am talking about Jalen Rose’s candid, positive and real remarks about his new school and the schools that many celebs have, including his own.

I’m just wondering why supporting each other morally seems to be a problem. People probably should direct negative attention to our POTUS and not Jalen. He is not being salty or negative. He applauds Bron and wants to see him do well.

Why can’t we want that for each other? I am an author and I not only honor authors from the past that influenced, inspired and paved the way, I support my fellow authors. I realize we have a silent bond and it’s good to help each other out. This isn’t competition nor comparison. This is brotherhood and sisterhood.

We need to fight this division, and help each other out morally, emotionally and even financially if it warrants it. We are all in the same battle and want to reach higher grounds. Let’s inspire each other and do it together!

This seems to be lost or misinterpreted on many. When one achieves and pioneers, we ALL can achieve. There are several examples of this that we can follow. If you have a staunch goal you want to achieve, find someone to emulate and praise them throughout the process.

Ok this post is over and it’s time to put in work!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I’ve been saying this a lot lately and even on my weekly vlog (new experiment I’m trying out). Basically, I’m over the nonsense far as people acting some kind of way towards certain people.

Maya Angelou said it best “when people show you who they are, believe them”. You see a certain person who throws away friends and associates like old toys or underwear once they’re no longer useful to them. This is very disturbing and then they wonder why people don’t want to deal with them. Well a person’s reputation does precede them.

We all want reliability and stability in our lives: jobs, relationships, the cars we drive, even the technology we have. I’m currently having a problem with an electronics company due to inconsistent products. Basically you want something that’s gonna last you a while, not just a short time.

Granted, everyone isn’t meant to be in your life for a lifetime. We have to be better than that: be the person that we would want to have around all the time.

So let’s do better and put words to action. If someone wrongs you, tactfully call them on it. If they are always good to you, make sure they’re appreciated. Good words and actions go a long way.

And as always, let’s just love each other, please.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

The countdown is complete, I am now 40, have been celebrating. Now it’s time to reflect on the 30s while living well in my 40s.

The last year of the 30s were some learning, trying, times. Here are some things I learned the past year

Take care of yourself first in every aspect. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Do more things, live life, even if you have to live it alone.

Have zero tolerance for disrespect, pettiness, and nonsense. If someone isn’t treating you like they should, fall back and get out of that situation.

Maintain what you have while building what you want.

Check on your people, keep in contact and be the best person you can be.

Be considerate of others, but don’t be a pushover

Speak up and act for what you want in life

Everyone isn’t for you, but someone is. Recognize the real from the fake

Love yourself first and don’t be afraid to love others

Be helpful as you can to those in needs

Be fully dedicated to your passion and achieving your goals

Nothing happens by accident or fast. Be patient and trust the process.

Let’s see what 40 brings,…

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine