Author: imjustdrew

I’ve been gaining a lot of new fans and such to the #imjustdrew movement due to the new release of “From Darkness To Sunshine: Making Unlimited Friends and Connections”. Some, however, are still unsure about what #imjustdrew is all about.

It’s more than a book, a blog, or a vlog. It’s definitely a movement, a vehicle of awareness, and a ray of sunshine for people experiencing a variety of issues, including but not limited to social, financial, intimidation and even mental and physical health.

VISION:

The #imjustdrew movement will empower and enlighten others in a variety of issues using various mediums. These mediums include all social media, speaking engagements, community outreach, written and spoken word, and simple motivation.

MISSION:

#imjustdrew starts out as a journey of one Andrew Lanier’s life and life experiences, but it goes much further. Lanier and others around him will use these experiences to assist and empower others in many ways and mediums, touching on many issues:

-Social

– Being a productive, confident adult

– Overcoming obstacles such as bullying, social exclusion, poverty and mental illness

– Use talents such as writing and speaking to further the cause and inspire others

– Bring everyone together as close as possible

– Promote good health and wellness as well.

There is a lot of depth to #imjustdrew, especially as it grows. But at the core, it will all about helping others to overcome obstacles and become the person they are capable of becoming.

Continue to stay plugged in,…

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Another Super Bowl is upon us which means an entire Sunday dedicated to football, music, commercials, good food and drink and this year This Is Us.

Many throw parties that start early and end late. In lieu, they invite a bunch of friends over to watch.

Now I know what I based part of #imjustdrew and #fromdarktosunshine on. However, this is a time where I need “me time” or a very small crowd. I have planned and been to Super Bowl parties. What I have found is half the people haven’t watched any football all season, are talking constantly, are drunk, and it’s hard to concentrate on the game.

Normally this wouldn’t be a problem for me. But here are some reasons why it is.

1. I like to concentrate on every part, from the beginning to the end. A large, raucous crowd prevents that. I simply want to watch the game, while others have alternate plans.

2. I cannot stand annoying questions or people there for reasons other than football. This is the final game for six months or so and I like to concentrate in peace.

3. The food is usually good anywhere. But as with a lot of parties, some folks want to get greedy, evasive, and it’s hard to move around. I like small settings where the game and experience is more intimate.

4. I usually work the day after. Therefore, I’ll be crashing immediately after This Is Us. If I go to a party, I’m up most of the night. Now I have attended parties near the end but not while I’m trying to catch commercials, halftime performances, key plays, etc.

5. I had certain Super Bowl rituals. I stay off of social media, I use the bathroom during the game, I am fully tuned in, I am comfortable, and I enjoy my quiet time.

Super Bowl is by far the most watched event. For me, it’s still the game and I don’t want to miss that, although I do DVR it.

Therefore, if you’re having a big party, you can give someone else my invite. I will hang with you another time.

Now for other people, it can be great to socialize and connect. I use it for intimate isolation and fun. We all need that to stay balanced.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This is something I hear and get sick of hearing everytime it’s a heavy snowstorm in our area. Look, save for black ice, the main roads are going to be good because the Department of Transportation maintains these around the clock.

They don’t do secondary roads. Even with a four wheeled drive vehicle, it’s usually an extra day for these roads to thaw out.

Therefore, miss me with that talk. Or better yet, try to come down my road and back at around 6am when it’s 20 below and the ice and road is slick as owl poop.

Not unlike secondary roads, everything may be fine with a person from the exterior and in the neighborhood. Deep down, they could be fighting demons, like ice on a secondary road. It is no short recovery period either or a set one.

There has been so much tragedy in my family, friend circle and community the past month. Demons are definitely at work. We can’t give way to negativity and evil. We must work together as a community, love each other, and have each other’s back.

We have to remember what being the village is and support each other. Put aside racial and political differences for a short time and simply love and help each other. You don’t want to see your loved one on the news or social media in a tragedy. You also don’t want to endure one.

Life does goes on and it’s real, just like black ice. You have to brave each tough road carefully and patiently. Having help and support always makes it worthwhile.

So until you have seen and travel these rough roads, please kill the phrase “the roads are fine” in 2018 and beyond.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Ok we’re over halfway into Janaury and some of have been running ourselves into the ground getting back into shape, MLK weekend, getting ready for taxes, etc.

Please don’t forget to rest, relax and put the mind at ease.

Some of you know that I have been extra busy and stressed lately. The common phrase from those closest to me is “take care of yourself Drew.”

Well this past weekend I finally did that, going to a fun benefit and then an awesome old school house party. I needed all of that fun. Also, today and tomorrow I will most likely be inside due to snow and ice. It is very relaxing and I get to physically and mentally catch up.

I have some stuff going on and coming out soon. But let’s not forget to breathe, relax, take care of our inner selves first. Come to think of it, it would be a good idea to do some yoga/Pilates and put on some jazz.

I definitely won’t be driving and I hope my people in the South aren’t either. Take this time to rest, have fun, and recharge. Don’t be surprised your job called off work or mad if you didn’t get paid for it. Just enjoy this moment.

When you’re around good people and things, you are better set up to be your best you. Now allow that to happen!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

And this just isn’t ice, snow and freezing rain that’s on roads and highways in some areas.

ICE means In Case of Emergency, having emergency contacts. I do realize that everyone who reads my works and watches my vlogs doesn’t need or want a lot of people in their life. You do need someone you trust with your affairs in an illness or an emergency. This can be a parent, child, best friend, employer, etc. Medical professionals and other businesses need a method of reaching you.

Many are still talking about what people they’re leaving or left in 2017. I hope you update your contact info and ICE contacts if necessary. You should always have an alternate phone call or means of communication someone can reach you at. I have business cards for #imjustdrew with all of this info.

Obviously the more people that can reach you, the easier it is during a crisis. But have this in place. I was reminded of that late last year when I was buying extra life insurance. Also, some of you are fasting from social media. Ensure those that you want to reach you from there can also.

Don’t be caught hiding under a rock, literally.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Ok first post of 2018. You see and hear the usual “New Year, New Me, New This” talk as usual. I now even hear some saying which people they’re leaving in 2017 and that they’re making new friends.

Ok let’s pause here. What about chanting Drake’s “No New Friends?”

The problem here is beyond people and friends. It’s following trends and fads too much, often for the wrong reason or evil intentions.

Here’s a charge for all of you in 2018: make new friends and connections because you want to, and don’t let fads and trends control you. Be you, be your OWN person!

People like it when others are strong, independent, and can stand alone when the crowd strays to the other side. Be that person, be the one that dares to be different and think differently.

Here’s to 2018 and doing stuff because you feel like it!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

2017 was definitely a year of ups and downs and absolute optimism for the future.

My #imjustdrew movement has hit another milestone as my first book “From Dark To Sunshine: Making Successful Connections and Relationships” will be released soon after the holiday season. I am very excited about this, and doing more speaking engagements from video to personal events.

Despite me keeping an active fitness and training regimen where I completed 8 races, 2 of them full marathons, I gained some unwanted weight, mostly in my midsection. Some stress and other habits caused this. I have the mindset, the blueprint and the connections. I’m ready to snatchback before I turn 40 in July.

I have enjoyed my new car, and have traveled more, and even drive for Uber/Lyft on the side. It’s cool getting to be around big events and even go to places such as Death Valley for Clemson games. I look forward to more happy trails.

The ones around me haven’t did bad either. My friend Precious got married back in October, and I have another friend that may be married soon. I am finally ready to love again so I love seeing folks in love. I hope 2018 brings me this person I have longed for.

Many of my friends and family are expecting babies in 2018. I am very proud for all of them. Having new lives is always great.

My mother is still there for me, as I am for her. She fights demons and illness, but hasn’t went anywhere. I’m blessed I have been able to help her with many home improvement repairs. More will be necessary, but we have knocked down many of them.

I am still employed by Amazon. It has been quite interesting to watch the process from the inside as the company continues to thrive. I look forward to taking advantage of more opportunities that my company offers.

I feel blessed for my large circle of family and friends still around. I always have someone to contact, and some event to go to. Thanks for all of this.

Also RIP to many of the people I lost this year: my grandpa Hut, my cousin Ray, my uncle Leroy, my good friends Steve and Angie (Halloween or fitness will not be the same again) and Chris Farmer. People like this make like more bearable and worth living.

Happy Holidays to all of you and thanks for being apart of my journey. Let’s play nice towards each other and continue to be encouraged going into 2018.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I have a certain skill I learned from childhood. It spins off of me being a phantom. I am a master househopper. My personal best is 6 houses in one day.

I have many friends and family and they invite me to their home for Thanksgiving. I feel blessed as many have nowhere to go.

Here are a few power tips on how to effectively do it.

1. Start early

Many houses start serving at lunch. Be prepared and ready to eat.

2. Bring something.

If you’re over 21 and have a stream of income, this should go without saying. Even if you can’t cook, you can always bring a pie or a beverage. Please do not come empty handed.

3. Schedule and plan your visits.

You may have to pick and choose sometimes, like phantoming. Don’t stay too long at any house, and have a strategy for staying, eating, and going to the next house.

4. Eat little at some houses, heavier at others.

This works best when the houses are in the same city. You don’t wanna be too full or sleepy to eat at the next house. Therefore, pace yourself and eat smaller portions or simply dessert at some homes.

5. Try to eat the heaviest at your first home and your last one.

This keeps things balanced and full enough to go on to the next house.

6. Don’t be greedy.

Get seconds if you are allowed. But don’t bring everything home with you unless the guests insist. The best rule of thumb is to eat only one good plate at each house.

7. Thank the guest, and get your socializing in.

Don’t stop socializing with anyone, and interact with as many as you can at each house.

Ok well Happy Thanksgiving and Happy house hunting!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

Saturday, November 4th started off awesome. I was in Savannah, GA for the first time, running my 2nd marathon. I had a blast and felt great as I drove home that evening. I came home to some tragic news in my phone. One of my oldest college friends and one of the best people I know, Chris Farmer, had passed away. I am still in shock as I write this piece. Farmer exemplified my #imjustdrew movement perfectly. Shoot he could be the mascot. He was friendly, funny, sociable, loved his friends, family, especially his wife and kids. Also, he believed in keeping in touch, making everyone feel included, and lending a helping hand. I have been scanning through the years. The best one was 1999 when we were suitemates and worked Summer SWARM at the WU together. We had so much fun, hung out regularly, and simply made memories. He also loved cars, laughing and talking on the phone, and making people feel good. Icould be in the worst mood. One conversation with Farmer would change all of that. He had the unique and folksy ability to make anyone feel better and good. Farmer was also a hard worker, holding three jobs at one time. He had moved to Las Vegas for better job opportunities. Weeks before his passing, we had our final phone conversation. He told me he had landed a job working for the state of Nevada. He seemed in such good spirits as always, trying to put his young daughter to sleep. I am just gonna name some things from the years that exemplify us and that maybe no one else understands. Is that popcorn? Yeah whatever They’re slack Chillin! American Pie Let’s go to Denny’s! I was just working on the Torino Water and crackers Let’s watch The Simpsons Sistahs! I hate we both won’t be old, cranky men. But maybe God wanted to keep you young and lively. You were so animated and full of life. It will be hard living in a world without a Chris Farmer. Thanks for answering the door that night and shooting the breeze. You’re one of the main reasons I talk to so many people. You just never know the impact your presence or absence will have on a person. Again thanks. #RIPFarmer #imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This is obviously not the drink but referring to the type of comfort one can receive from having the right people in your life.

This is a spinoff from my latest #imjustdrew vlog. Basically, we never intend to fall in with the wrong crowd. It simply happens somehow. Now we need to know how to be around the “right” crowd.

There is no clear definition. They comfort and love you for who you are, have your back through thick and thin, and never allow you to be in harm’s way. They are comforting to be around, period. You feel at ease, all is right with the world and your life.

These people are rare so keep them close. Don’t be afraid to form a close bond with them. They are the real deal and aren’t going anywhere.

Be good to them, treat them well, and always stay in touch. Make good memories and take plenty of pictures. These will last a lifetime.

Remember who gives you this type of comfort as the Holidays come and the year wraps up. Don’t bring the negative people into 2018 with you.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine