Author: imjustdrew

Yeah and what did you do with the other guy? You’re like the 3rd lead man of Black Sabbath, only few people know this person (go on to Google).

Yeah I said it right.

Basically, while I love when people socialize with folks from all walks of life, I don’t like when they change up their entire persona. Not necessarily their language or diction (some things just aren’t met for mixed company or are only for your close circle). I mean when you act like Jekyll with one person. Then as soon as you get around another group, you’re Hyde.

Apologies for all the references but this is like an annoying itch. Why can’t you be consistent? Act like who you are and be genuine. Many real folks can sense when you’re not being you.

I realize this has also been said to death but more people will appreciate the REAL you. You will lose people in translation but guess what, they weren’t for you anyways. Let them exclude and belittle you. Being who you really are is so freeing and revealing.

So unless you’re doing community theater, cut the act please. I came for the real experience, not the secondhand version.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Yes I know I talk about coming together and bonding with each other. Having fun, socializing, and such. I have mentioned sports, vacations, restaurants, and even cookouts. Here are some others for you.

1. Escape rooms

They are poppin up everywhere and are fun and challenging. I did one for the first time last week and had a blast. We also escaped with 10 minutes left.

2. Bounce parks (Big Air, etc).

These are also for adults and have many other activities. You get a workout and get to pay fun games with friends and family

3. Book signings

Yeah I’m biased here but you can meet some good people here, and bond over literature and the issues of the day.

4. Coffee houses.

Yeah the Starbucks issue is hot and the media is definitely having fun with it. But real time coffee houses are better, more hip and safe, and have better food and beverage.

5. Comic cons

This is a great year to start these with Marvel and DC’s popularity growing. The cost is low, but the fun is high. You can make plenty of friends and connections at one of these conventions, and even see celebrities.

Ok well get out, invite some people and let the bonding ensue!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I am a contradiction. I am for common ground and coming together. At the same time, I don’t like when people always play follow the leader and go with the status quo. This goes along with the success of rapper Cardi B. Yes she’s talented but wouldn’t be as noticable if it weren’t for everyone on her and not others more talented. That will be covered in detail on laniera74.blogspot.com.

Here is the difference between coming together as one and just following along. You come together when everyone mutually agrees something is greater than you, it’s an experience and a happening. It also doesn’t fade quickly. When you follow along or dare I say act as a “sheep”, you are more concerned about who is doing it, rather than the why and the purpose. It’s like the greatest cookout in the neighborhood is this weekend, but you won’t go because your people won’t be there.

The Cooper River Bridge Run is basically South Carolina’s version of the Boston Marathon, but more for all levels of running. Walkers, speedsters, joggers, and marathoners are all welcomed. No one with a pulse is excluded from “getting over” the huge Ravenel bridge from Mount Pleasant into downtown Charleston. And for the fee, the city, the before and after race activities, it’s a happening you don’t want to miss. It really brings folks together in a city that experienced great tragedy just three short years ago.

I have ran several races in different cities and both Carolinas and Georgia. I have honestly seen ones better organized, but the Cooper River Bridge Run committee makes it a year round thing to register, promote, sponsor, and gather volunteer. They do such a superb job, from the beginning to the end. It is a runner’s dream and very inspirational and historic for everyone. The fact that it often happens during high school Spring Break makes it easy to plan for.

Therefore, look for happenings and things that won’t go away quickly. 41 years and 36,000 fans, including Hulk Hogan and Jesus Christ can’t be wrong.

#crbr2018 #imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I am writing a lot more about social exclusion. This post is dealing with how the behavior of others in any setting can affect our moods and all.

I cannot and repeat CANNOT stand seeing childish clique behavior. I am all about good friendships of course. But every one that is your close friend or confidante shouldn’t be recognized over others. You have those always on their grind, extremely helpful, and are always seeing improvement over approval.

Nonetheless they get about as much attention as a white crayon. Think on that one.

Here’s the thing, that behavior and treatment can weigh on you. You stop focusing on what’s really important and you focus on the pettiness and entertain it. You are definitely losing your payday for small change and insignificant matters.

You have to recognize your chosen few as my running club mate Amy says on her blog #mychosenfew. Check her out if you haven’t already. If they aren’t paying your bills or adding to your life, focus on the good and those that do.

A rolling stone gathers no moss. Therefore, it’s ok to get angry. But then think back to people that do treat you well and are nice for no reason. Also, be nice to others. You are excluding them because you got excluded and that’s backwards.

Ok now leave that spare change for someone else and get your true paper!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

One thing many of us can have in common is tough times. We all can share them and have experienced them.

These don’t last of course. There are few greater pleasures than getting together with your people and simply having a good, heartfelt time.

This is that season for me. I an getting invited to more things than I am excluded from. I am a blessed man for that.

It shows how far I have come, and the fact that I value my true friends and connects. I honestly only have a few of them. I cherish each one of them and what they can do for me and what they mean to me.

We share all sorts of experiences, and have more to make and build. The best is yet to come.

I want to continue to build and network with others, while keeping my core together. For my fitness folks, you definitely don’t want to lose anything with “core” in it. Add your relationships to this list.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

We all have good and bad times. Some of our best times are with those we love and cherish the most.

Life will never stop happening but you have to keep the good memories close to you.

I like to go back to past vacations, trips, and outings for starters. Also, I have my football days, and most especially my WU experience.

Pictures and videos help, but often visiting a nostalgic place or home is the true antidote.

This is why people love going back home for Homecomings, reunions, why they vacation at the same place annually. It brings that sense of peace, that refreshing that our minds and souls sorely need.

We have quite an NCAA tourney thus far. I’m sure the players on the teams of schools such as Texas Western, NC State, Loyola Chicago and especially UMBC will forever have these times in their hearts. You can’t forget something special, and you want that to be your driving force.

Never let joy and happiness with others get permanently taken. It’s one of the many pleasures of life.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Ok many of you are up in arms about the protests that happened nationwide on Pi Day 2018. No pie, but a lot of people coming together for a common cause.

You have to agree, that is beautiful. People are sick and tired of not feeling safe at school, so they took action.

This is the type of gumption it will take for other issues, specifically bullying. You have to come together in peace and love, then be persistent in your actions.

Change takes action and doesn’t come overnight. Think and work smarter, and play this game like chess rather than checkers. You will see more positive change.

I am smiling on this day and I haven’t even had any pie. This should lead to bigger and brighter things.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I am still on vacation high as me and some of my closest friends went a guys trip last week. We took a cruise to the Bahamas and had good, wholesome fun.

We get so caught up in our everyday lives that we rarely get to see those we love and enjoy the most. I’m all about new connections, but the ones that have been your A1s since day 1 are special.

Getting away is great period, and when you can do it in a safe, fun environment, it’s even better. I often say time is a great resource and not to use it on just anyone or anything.

Be sure you make this time at least yearly to get up in person with the ones closest to you. It will refresh, energize you and make you remember that there are decent people out there. I have been on both sides and I still like my quiet time. But it’s always good to have just a close circle that has your back and you connect with.

Summertime is around the corner, get to planning so you don’t miss your opportunity!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This has been a wonderful, exciting week. Great weather, Valentines Day and finally the epic premiere of Black Panther.

I love seeing folks come together and forget about negativity and focus on the good things. It was very exciting to see folks do this through cinema.

I make a few notes of this in my book “From Darkness To Sunshine” but here are some tips to keep this good feeling and momentum going.

-Always support positive things

-Find that common ground, and bond and discuss it.

-Don’t berate and insult each other so harshly.

-The world is divided right now, but look to the positive.

-Love each other, and stop with all the hate and arguing

-Get together in person with folks that share this passion regularly, at least once/quarter.

I don’t know about you, but I want that feel ing in my heart that many got after seeing Black Panther 1, 2, 3 times and dressing up for it and all. I try to replicate this from vacations and Homecomings. These seem to work for me.

Therefore find your own Wakanda and don’t ever leave!

#wakandaforever #blackpanther #imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day isn’t the same when you don’t have kids or a significant others. Then it seems like many businesses and society in general want to punish you if you’re single.

It seems it’s the day of love, but it’s really romantic love. It should be love for everything and everybody.

This is so twisted, we should all love each other. Show others that everyone matters: single, taken, married.

Most importantly, love yourself. It’s hard to ask someone for your love if you can’t love yourself.

Valentine’s Day is in its essence for folks in relationships. However, it doesn’t mean that you should forget about single folks. We love too, and have emotions.

Therefore have dinners for all of the special people in your life so that no one feels badly. After all, restaurants are super packed and people will get hungry.

The key is to try and make everyone included, like Christmas. Be nice and courteous and it will return to you.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine