Whoever thought you might have to take few steps back in order to take just one step forward...but in the right direction? This past year has been tough and there have been some real questions about whether or not I could really achieve my dreams or even just some of the projects that I've had in my head for years.
Those questions might still be valid, but at some point I just said, I'm going to try and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work out. But I do know this, any time I try to work out or make something work out, I'll always end up stronger in the end because of the experience. No pain No Gain.
I have few irons in the fire, but I'm learning to focus. I am excited about developing a Meditation and Affirmation business. Inspiration, Wellness, Mental and Physical Health are all in my wheel house and so Zenjiro Shanti was born. "Zenjiro" means Abundance in Japanese and Shanti means Peace in Sanskrit. Abundance and Peace. Abundant Peace.
"Don't let the endless pursuit of perfection keep you from actually publishing. Sometimes there's something called 'Perfect For Now. ' " - Old Man at the Gym
This is a concept that I'm learning to embrace more and more. Of course, we strive for excellence and perfection in our published and public works, but there will inevitably be corrections, oversights, and especially new ideas that if we let them, could keep the "finished" product stuck on our computer, canvas, or in our mind, right up until our death bed. That's not to mention the fear of criticism, other's opinions, or failure. Yeah, it's a lot for a Wednesday and kind of heavy, but maybe worth stating.. So, here's just a draft of a project that was stuck in my head for years, far from from a finished product, but I don't know if I'll do more with it later. Been playing with AI for storyboarding, so I figured I'd share. Maybe it's helpful to hear, maybe not. I just know I've met a lot of elderly people, who in their 40's and 50's falsely accepted that it was too late to do the things they always wanted to do. They always say they regretted not taking more risks. And maybe that's ok for some. But like the girl said "Ok well that's you. But on the other hand, me? I'm finna turn up."
Captain's Log. Star date August, 2nd 2023 @ 3:54am ET
Progress Not Perfection. That's my theme for now. Just like the scene from equalizer. Have you seen that movie? Not the TV show, but the movie. Denzel Washington's character, Robert says to the trainee after hearing some suspicious sounding crunches in his sandwich....Ahh, rather than me doing a terrible job of explaining it, 😅 Go see for yourself.
For the past week or so, I've been having this thought in my head "You need to write another blog post. You need to write another blog post..."
And I'm saying to myself, I really don't have anything to say....but... I'm starting to think, maybe that's not the point every time. So finally, I get ready to write...and that's where it starts to get a little crazy.
Well, I bring up the blog site and lo and behold, the last post I made was on Sept 6th, 2021 and was titled "A Year From Now." Isn't that wild? Had I listened to that thought and wrote it last week, it would have been pretty much a full year from when I made that post. It's incredible how we can manifest things unconsciously and not even realize it. Today is September 15, 2022. I started writing at 1:16am ( I know, I should be sleep. Tell me about it...) I'm excited about what a year from now will look like. At the same time, I'm also learning how important it is for me to appreciate each day and as many of the moments in it as I can, even the tough ones. But umm yeah... as far as right now, I'm going to appreciate this good ash sleep I'm about to get. Thanks for reading.
So there is a quote that says "A year from now, you will have wished you started today. "
My question is when that year is up on 9/6/2022, what will you be glad you started today, 8/6/2021?
I've learned this lesson over and over and now I think I'm finally getting it. It's about having a clear vision of yourself in the future and then taking small steps, consistently, over a period of time to turn that vision into a reality.
Think about the pyramids of Egypt...now they are UNIVERSAL treasures. So are YOU.
There is a scene in Drumline where the President of the University is so excited about the band's new modern sound and what it could do for the University's fundraising, that he shouts "New Beginnings!" Then he repeats that phrase but the stress of "Beginnings" is on the "BEGIN" sound..."New Beginnings...New BEGIN-nings!" Something about it has always made me chuckle and it stands out in my mind, but maybe there is something more to it.
A concept I'm learning as I turn 40 today, on June 29,2021 is that sometimes to have a "New Beginning" I can get caught up on everything else but, the part where I actually "BEGIN." I plan, I research, I overthink it and by the time it's time to start, life, work, and other obligations get in the way and diminish that opportunity to have a "New Beginning." Sometimes you just have to BEGIN.
Cue the Denzel "Equalizer" clip. "Progress...not Perfection"
This is what I'm striving for in 2021 and beyond. Not getting stuck in "Analysis Paralysis." But instead focusing on necessary preparation, commitment to deadlines, and most importantly, EXECUTION.
What keeps you from EXECUTING? For me it was procrastination-so maybe that's from a fear of failure or maybe even a fear of success.
"What are the OPPORTUNITIES that I have right now, that are in my life,...because of my DISAPPOINTMENTS?" I cued it up, if you want to hear it for yourself. I thought this was such a good question from Steven Furtick. I generally try to keep a good perspective on the ups and downs of life, but this gave me just another way to frame it, so I had to share. Have a good week good people.
Chadwick Boseman passed from cancer on August 28th, 2020 at age 43. His death and his life resonated with me. Below is a clip that I found powerful and I thought I would share my thoughts.
"Throughout filming I was communicating with them knowing that they were both terminal...what they said to me, what their parents said is that they're trying to hold on 'til this movie comes. "
This was after Chadwick was diagnosed, but he was reminded of the impact of how he spent his time and life could still have in the face of uncertainty. His character King T'Challa, shouted "Yibambe" which (from what I've learned) in X'osha means "Hold the Line" or "Hold Strong" and knowing the importance of his role, I believe that's what he was trying to do.
I've found that at times someone's passing can be overwhelming, even as we know death is a part of life. What I'm most overwhelmed by is the impact people can have on others while living...and many times not even know it. It doesn't even have to be big, It can be as simple as a smile, a sincere "how are you," or just the energy and spirit in which we engage with others daily.
No matter what it is, I think so much of it starts with love, compassion, and understanding- understanding which sometimes just means acknowledging that "I don't understand" or don't know, but above all recognizing what we choose to do with our time and our lives always has an impact on others. I'll keep working on myself and my time, in the meantime...Yibambe!
For my birthday this year, I released my first book, Life Lessons & Lemonade. It’s a story and coloring book technically for kids but practically, the lessons are timeless, no matter your age. https://www.etsy.com/shop/LifeLessonsLemonade/
As Drake says "Working on the weekend, like usual." 4:47am on a rainy Easter Sunday morning as I type this post. I just wanted to document some of the process leading up to the release of my "long awaited" first book. If I'm the only one who waited that's cool too. :)
Up early brainstorming ideas for a promo video/trailer for the book, Life Lessons and Lemonade. Trying trying to decide between an animated or live action version...decisions, decision...
What do you think I should do?
Congratulations to Misty on winning the 2017 Real McCoy Adventures MBG Award!
Through hard work and dedication Misty has proven that it's not about the assets you start out with, instead, it's the assets you finish with that really matter.
Congratulations on winning this prestigious award Misty. We hope, nah, fog that, we know you will thoroughly enjoy your adventures with us here at Real McCoy Adventures.
We also want to acknowledge that Misty will be crushing her 40 by 40 list at the same damn time! You Go Girl! This is definitely the Year of Misty!
CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR THE LINK TO AN UPDATED LIST OF AVAILABLE ADVENTURES...
In our Post Malone Voice CONGRATULATIONS!!!
MISTY, ARE YOU READY? WELL, THEN...LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
As we always say here,
Love & Live Your Life!
Greg McCoy, COO & Founding Concierge
Real McCoy Adventures, LLC.
As you read this post, Five Points for the Future. Here is a music playlist to listen to now and later.
1) Have a vision. Have a picture of who you want to be.
2) Focus. The ability to eliminate distractions in order to realize your vision.
3) Represent.
Where you’re from… Who you’re with…and what you’re about. Your actions are a reflection, not just of you, but for those people who cared enough to help you get here too. Do your best and remember where you come from as you work towards where you want to go.
4) Shut Up and Grind. S.U.A.G. Simply put: Do the work. You can plan, prepare, theorize, and get hyped all you want, but at some point you have to sit down, focus, shut up, and grind. The work won’t get done just because you want it to. Michelangelo has a quote that sums this up “ If people know how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all.” There will come a time when you face a challenge and initially you may not get the results you wanted. At that point you have to ask yourself am I’m really grinding like I can? Am I really putting in the maximum effort possible? Go the distance, pain is temporary. Like Nike says, Just Do It.
5) Work Together. Harambee. “Means much more than I got your back.” There’s so much more you can accomplish by working together than trying to go it alone. It’s easy to ask your friend “what’s good?” or “what’s up?” but it’s much more difficult to say “are you ready for that test?” or “how’s everything at home?” Don’t be afraid to bond over the tougher issues in life and have the courage to step outside your comfort zone and the stereotypical expectations of you and your peers to achieve something greater together. You’ll be thankful that you did and amazed at what you all were able to achieve.
Friday, September 30, 2016
My alarm for Early AM Basketball is always music. I feel like I'm waking up to my own personal life soundtrack. Lately, it's been asking me this question. What's Over Yonder? Thanks Professor Toon...I'm still doing my research. #takenotes #tendo #ballislife #motivation #squad #ynot #organicchemistry #physics101 #cp3 #kingmez #bigkrit #goodmorning #lifelessons
I met Professor Toon after he opened for Bone Thugs in Harmony in August of 2015... i think. This is the best way I describe Toon's performance: His passion in his performance always results in the same thing: He always leaves each show with more fans that he started with. At his first NYC show, one guy who had never heard of Toon before said halfway through the show "This is crazy. All he needs is to be in front of like 10,000 people. I'm definitely a fan now. Wow." Passion communicates volumes more than words can. Below is his latest project, Take Notes. I recommend sitting down with headphones. You can listen for free, but I recommend buying the album, appreciating the artist, and keeping it on your phone's playlist.
Let me know what your favorite tracks are. Mine are Who Gon' Stop Me? The Rain...Millions, and Yonder...and ..and pretty much all the tracks. But maybe that's just me.
Until next time...as Toon says, T.E.N.D.O. :Take Extra Notes Defeat Obstacles
Throwback Thursday. Crimson Tide Main Theme by Hans Zimmer. This is the music from the movie that made me realize how much the music in the movies is major. lol. Major key After I left the theater with my Dad in '95. I ordered this from BMG Music Club (who remembers that?) for like a penny or $1 or whatever deal they had back then. It was a game changer. Happy Thursday to ya. Feel free to put me on to any of your favorite score
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