Author: imjustdrew

Not only are social breaks okay, they are highly recommended. One can get mentally tired from too much talking and socializing and need a break from “peopleing”.

There is now a term out called an ambivert. It’s a hybrid of an extrovert and an introvert. I believe this describes me the best. I love people and socializing, but the best time I have is in recharge mode, all alone.

Ambiverts get that just because you fall back from everyone for a while, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to talk ever. You simply need to refocus.

Again that’s OK. Just politely tell folks you’ll talk to them another time, don’t be rude or shady. People are best in small dosages anyways. This is Halloween week/weekend, where all sorts of socializing and weird stuff happens. Children gain the courage to ask strangers and friends alike for candy. After the sugar and people rush, they definitely need a break as well.

So continue to be social, but don’t apologize for canceling an appointment, a dinner date, or an outing. That me time is so important. I’m getting mine in right now. Enjoy!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

This is a post that I have been speaking on for about 16 years.

Too much we lack the key ingredients when it comes to achieving success. Relationships are no different.

There are four key elements/ingredients that a relationship of any type must have to succeed. These are honesty, trust, communication and respect. Lacking even one can sour things.

You have to be honest and upfront with your friends and such. Your word is your bond and you can’t jeopardize credibility with people you care about.

Mutual trust must also exist. Do you trust each other? Why or why not? Once that is broken, it is hard to regain. It’s actually easier to earn it. Therefore it’s best that one is of good character and doesn’t ruin people’s trust of them.

Communication is more widespread now but yet has seemed to have gotten worse. It now seems easier to misinterpret people and messages. You must make your desires and voice heard and known. Anyone you deal with seriously should know where they stand with you.

Respect ties all of this up. You should respect each other, other people and yourself. This also has to be earned and maintained. There has to be that feeling between two parties where you can respect their heart, character and actions.

Therefore, if you’re looking to rebuild or rekindle anything going into the late year holidays, keep these in mind.

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine

I have been seeing a lot of people getting their feelings hurt lately. It saddens me, as I am currently going through this, and I know how it feels. 

I wrote last week about betrayal. Well getting your feelings crushed is the sibling of betrayal. Sometimes this person may have not meant it. But you still may hurt for weeks, at least until this person or persons proves they are better than this. 

Humans will human and change on a dime. You don’t need to be around people, places or situation that threaten your emotional health. You are not alone so seek out those who wouldn’t do this to you. 

Now there’s a different in being tactfully honest and simply bruising your feelings like a sly serpent or the many whores, liars and thieves in history. They have evil inside of them and do not need to coexist with your happiness. 

My friend and fellow author Larry Parks has a hashtag #EnjoyLife. I invite you to do this, and to find your happy place and people. You deserve to live in peace. I pray that you get away from any negativity and live great!

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

It’s currently training season for many of my fellow runners as we gear up for Fall and Winter races. I have three coming up in a few months, including one less than a month out. It has been challenging, but I have been preparing, and continuing to have a social life. 

It takes a lot of prayer, planning and prioritizing. Here are some tips to accomplish this: 

1. Set a routine

You need to have a training routine first and foremost. If you don’t, there are several out there. Mine of choice is Jeff Galloway’s. Truth be told, outside of things such as work and family, not much comes before all of this. Having this routine keeps you plugged in and motivated. 

2. Try not to have any engagements too early or late. 

Typically training runs occur in the mornings. Some afternoon and evening runs also happen as the temperatures drop (still waiting for that in the South). Now having stuff too early or late can halt these. If this is an early run, do the bare minimum, and be inside early. If it’s evening, run before or after you link up with people. Bringing me to

3. Be dedicated but flexible 

Allow for flexibility in your training regimen. This includes even planning for inclement weather. Try to fit in runs on odd days, lunch hours, and late nights. Even utilize the dreadmill. Yeah I know it’s hard to beat pavement and trail but you have to keep training and working. 

4. Cross train, eat well and stress less during this time. 

Having an active social life is apart of all of this. You are adjusting your lifestyle so you can be in superb shape come race day. Use the time with friends and other engagements as good breaks, then get back to it. 

5. Have others motivate you

This can include members of a running group, fellow runners and peers. Once you’re deep into training, it can be easier to fit in the rest. Just remember to breathe and recover every now and then. 

6. Recovery sessions are best for this

Carbing up and days off can be used for social time. It’s a matter of fitting it all in. 

I have never been the fastest and long distance running can ruin speed even more. But it builds energy and endurance necessary for all of your desires. Keep running and keep socializing. We know what happens when it’s all work and no play. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

There has been way too much turmoil and division. It seems everyone is too easily set off, stressed and tense. 

This was happening to me before I realized it was best for me to properly decompress and explore my outlets. I realize I had neglected those in the September chaos. I’m currently trying to get October off to a better start. 

The fact is people as a whole don’t get enough rest and relaxation. They don’t even take proper vacations or go to the doctor for checkups. 

Point being, take care of yourself so you can be the person that you want around you. It’s hard being around a down and out friend when they won’t or can’t help themselves. Don’t be afraid to seek help and to improve yourself. 

No one takes better care of you than you. Regain your infectious energy! Be that person that everyone can’t wait to be around. Just don’t forget to get some rest first. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

I have learned a very valuable lesson in my adult life: beards are awesome on men and women love them. Well for the most part. 

The latest social media trend has been the group #BeardGameMatter. It is a great celebration of awesome beards, and women showing their love and admiration. 

We have another wave of hard times as Fall begins so this is a good positive to get folks together, get them talking. People actually being positive, loving and supportive. The basis of what I talk about. 

All it took was a few beards to do it. 

I rock my beard proudly so I definitely appreciate the love. It’s like a beard to a woman is what boobs or a nice butt is to a man. Very appealing and sexy. It’s just a good pick me up. 

Let’s continue to find ways such as this to lift each other up. This will keep us calm and mellow as we work out other struggles in the world. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

There has been so much second guessing people after the Kenneka tragedy in Chicago. After this young lady was set up and murdered under her own “friends” watch, it brings friendship and loyalty into the forefront. 

I have been dealing with personal drama and pettiness myself. You simply can’t trust everyone, and certain people aren’t on your side. 

First off, you need to be able to differentiate between your social media friends and your real life friends. They are not one in the same. If all they do is like and comment on your posts, that doesn’t make them your friend. Second, if they ignore you in real life, definite red flag. 

Second, people change for the worse. Life gets to them, they may get on drugs, etc. Often these people just need space and maybe a talking to  (#countrysayings). Be considerate of people’s moods and realize that it may be temporary. That’s when it’s good to fallback. If necessary, you may have to fallout. 

Finally, adult bullying is real! That has been another black eye for social media, the fact that people can use their longevity with you to bully and pressure you on and off social media. It’s not cool folks, not cool at all. 

Basically be careful and watch yourself. Others are definitely watching you. Don’t put yourself in a constant position of being in harm’s way. Be happy, healthy and wise. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

Want to reunite with friends and family, and even connect with strangers? Talk about the weather, and experience a big storm together, namely a hurricane. 

The past couples of weeks, the South and East Coast has been devastated by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Jose isn’t far behind. It’s another time people put their differences aside to help each other. 

Of course the media will always try to seek and divide with the release of the expensive iPhone X, and we know a racist or political act is on the horizon also. I call that Hurricane M (simply for media). 

Many people have such a hard time reuniting with their families that they don’t have reunions, regularly or at all. Trust me, it’s a lot of work, time and money and it’s good for those that show up. When attendance is dropping and key family members can no longer come or die, it’s almost time to make changes or pull the plug. 

Now throw in a catastrophic storm and the relief efforts, people feeling the need to be closer,  and folks evacuating to your town, it’s more sincere and heartfelt. 

I wish we could come together more than in a time of sincere need. Unfortunately, that’s not what many people want. It’s s mindset and morale thing. It can also be a learned behavior. Perhaps one can start gradual, then adjust. I know one group of people that get together that have outgrown their venue. Others have had to downgrade.

In any event, it’s good to see fellow humankind bonding and being nice to each other. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

I guess I am a phantom. 

I have successfully pulled off being at several events and cities many times. It’s not easy and it requires forward thinking and planning, but I make it to all I can. Thanksgivings as a child, past Homecomings and CIAA festivities has helped. Here are some tips on how I have achieved this feat. 

1. Try to keep your events a few cities or one county apart. 

Just this past Saturday, I had two parties at 7, and one party at 10. The cities were close so it was cool. Now I have had it where I have had a party in Spartanburg at 10 and one in Charlotte at 9. Obviously that’s a personal preference scenario. 

2. Plan how long you will stay at each event. 

Know when each one begins and the other one ends. This helps in making the next one and being in that “phantom” mentality.

You want to be a good guest and stay 1-2 hours. If not, let the folks know you’re stopping by. 

3. Don’t overdo it, know your limits.

It appears in my experience Saturdays are when everything happens. As the night gets later, more stuff may happen, time starts running out, and you have to choose. Therefore, prioritize.  But, how?

4. Choosing which events you go to. 

The first rule of thumb is who lets you know first. Outside of family and close friends, everyone else falls according to promptness, how close you all are, and closeness. You obviously won’t make someone a priority if you aren’t that close. Now if it’s a milestone birthday, wedding or such, they may get bumped up. We have had plenty of big nights and events, with more to come. 

5. Find where your last event is and plan to stay there the longest. 

This is how I try to do my phantoming. I try to find the event that’s the most chill, lasts the longest, and where I’m closest to the people there. I often am not only too tired to leave, I don’t want to. It’s a perfect nightcap. 

The advice I just gave isn’t for everyone. But don’t try to tell me you don’t have time for this event and that event. I can help if you really want to be there. 

#imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine 

Ok we have had quite a week in our region, nation, world, etc. It’s strange how all of this comes at the time we are having our first solar eclipse in over 30 years. 

People are going bananas also. Weddings are being planned. Schools and daycares are closing. Parties are also being planned and had. It’s a good time to really bond and get together over an astronomical phenomenon. 

Now, I believe this is a good thing as many people are hurting and upset. It can be used as a healing tool, a way for people to take their minds off of certain things for a while. There are definitely prophetic undertones, which is great. That aside, it can be a positive experience, as long as you don’t view the eclipse directly. 

My high school agriculture teacher, Bill Parker, had a principle in his class “let common sense and reason be your guide, and act the way you want to be treated.” That’s good for the eclipse and for life. 

Also, if we can come together for something this rare, we can work on coming together to end this violence, hate and drama in our society. That will take longer, but we need somewhere to start. 

How about a time where it’s bright, then dark, and suddenly bright again? See what I did there? 

#solareclipse2017 #imjustdrew #fromdarktosunshine