How are you?

How are you? It is a question we often ask other people throughout the day. Now I am asking you. How are you? I am not asking if your upset because someone just dinged your car or happy because you just got a pay increase. I am asking how are you doing in life? Often times, we forget to take off the happy mask and take a step back to evaluate and clarify our current state in life. I have day to day troubles just as we all do but I am well. I am alive, in a good place and things are looking up. If they aren't for you, maybe it is time to figure out what you need to do so that they will be.

Again I ask ....How are you?

Confessions of a Shopoholic

Sorry it's been so long, Graduate school is kicking my behind. Something really serious that I want to discuss is a habit that I have. I have had it for a while and am completely unsure of how to manage it. The habit is ...shopping. Mostly everyone who knows me knows that I like to shop. I shop while I am at work, I shop when I go visit my family at home, I even shop when I get bored but it has to end.

Most people think it is easy to stop and just don't buy anything for a while but it is easier said than done. I realize that shopping fills a void in my life. Although I have a great love interest and a good support system, part of my past demons constantly haunt me. When I was younger, I was never the good looking or well dressed guy. I was always the guy that just looked and dressed "OK." Today, people notice me, even if only for my clothes. I always have people ask me "where did you that" or "how did you put that outfit together.'

I have decided that I cannot do this anymore. It just isn't smart. I love the clothes and the fashion but I have to learn to leave it behind. I have a good heart and a good soul. The clothes are only materialistic things that only reflect a small part of me. I cannot seek attention based on clothing or physical appearance. It is faulty.

I know their are other people who experience this just as I do. Just know... your not alone. Next time you realize that a friend of yours buys clothes and other things excessively, stop and ask yourself why do you think they are doing it. Their is generally more under the surface than you think..

Boog and Fizz, Back on the Scene.

Good Evening Bloggers,

Recently I met with none other than the male duo Boog and Fizz (formerly of B2K). I have to say that my reaching out and getting a response was completely unexpected. I am extremely glad and blessed that they decided to meet with me and discuss some of the positive things that they currently have going on in their lives. Please take a gander at the interview below.

JL: Last I read, you both were working on solo projects. How did you guys end up working together on your latest CD?

Fizz: We have been best friends since we were 12. We also have always loved doing music. We decided to start our own label, Popular Entertainment, about two year ago. After we started the label and were looking with other artist, Boog said we should do our own CD and it just kind of went from their.

JL: How would you describe the music on Nightlife, your new CD?

Boog: It's mature, sexy, energetic with a good club feel. It is night life. It embodies everything that is nightlife.

JL: If you were not making music, what other career would you be pursuing?

Fizz: We both are competitive. It would have to be something competitive like sports.

JL: Whats your favorite sport?

Boog: Football, love it

Fizz: Basketball for me.

JL: What inspires you guys to get out of bed every day and continue in the music business?

Boog: Our fans. We are competitive people. It is like going to practice for me. I have to hone my skills by waking up, getting out of bed and working on my music. I can't do anything but that. It is my life. I have wanted this since I was a kid.

Fizz: Passion. We both have it.

JL: I actually tutor a young DC student. He is autistic but loves music. What message can I give him straight from you guys?

Fizz: Write all that he feels down. Get a lot of things on paper. People cal tell when things are genuine and will like that.

JL:What are some of the biggest pitfalls that you have experienced in your career?

Fizz: The B2K breakup. If your going to be in a group, make sure everyone is on the same page. Communication is key.

JL:Did you hear about Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize?

Fizz: Yeah. That was really big. He is being mentioned with names like Martin Luther King. That makes me real proud. This is big.

JL:How is the promo tour going?

Boog: We are getting a good response. We got old fans and new ones too.

JL: Any last thoughts for your fans?

Boog, Fizz: Follow us on twitter, myspace or on fizzandboog.com

These guys are truly doing good things. My hats off to them for staying true to their music, interests and fans.

Alone...

Have you ever felt so alone? Surrounded by people in every direction as far as the eye can see, but alone. I remember what that feels like. Their where days when the light was dim and no one came to see me. I sat in my room and played with toys and made imaginary friends.

I can't believe that was once me. Now I am the laugh of the crowd, so pleased to make everyone happy but in the end, sometimes I still feel... alone. I dress as best I can and create a aura of fun and laughter, but the day ends and I have to go home... alone.

I am grateful for my love because he makes me not alone. His Love stretches my body, my home and my spirit so alone doesn't live here any more. I do still remember alone. I do my best to make the ones I love never feel alone.

If you feel yourself alone, reach out to those closest. If you find yourself feeling this on nights after you were the center of the party, don't get upset, just realize who is friend and who is fun. I have had problems differentiating the two. These days, I do better.

Learning to live

Live Free, die hard. These are the words that we should all use to guide our lives. To not live is to not truly be alive. With the world as it is today, constantly in peril with danger lurking in every corner, it is always important to remember that. (My apologies for the use of the cliche). below I have listed a poem that emphasizes the importance of life. Let me know if it you like it.


Your love for the day is lost
Can you see the light
Fight for the power to live
The light will find you and pull away the dark shadows.
Live!!!

Tears

Tears. Do you know what they are , where they come from and what they represent. I do. I wish I didn't...but I do.

One of the reasons I started Thoughts, Reflections and Strengths was to stop the tears. I am a twenty four year old man who has accomplished a great deal. I have graduated high school, college, I am able to support myself. I even have a huge family that loves and supports me in all of my endeavors, but yet still, I have tears.

Last night, the love of my life asked me if I could share my thoughts with you. I felt that I could but I started to question myself. Today I have decided to push past myself and write. I decided to tell some of my story.

Growing up in middle class Atlanta with a loving family offers an ideal image. Unfortunately for me, it represents a lot of turmoil in my life. You see, I have always been conflicted about my sexuality. I knew I wasn't 100% straight but in my mind, I was not 100% gay either. Society realized this as well. As young as age five, I remember be chastised by the other school boys for being different. I walked and talked differently than they did. The changes were subtle but enough for them to notice and hate.

Every day I was made fun of to my face and behind closed doors. I hated myself for it. By age 10, I was crying tears at least three times a week. Sometimes I told my mother, other times I didn't. It was on me to cope with the issues because I felt that one understood. their weren't any other children around who were being bullied as much as I was. No one understood what it was like being chastised for something that you yourself don't even completely understand. Their were times I cried tears until I couldn't cry anymore...... I think that is enough for now. Just wanted to get at least a little bit off of my chest. Please comment. Good, back or indifferent, I want to know your thoughts.

Back In The Game

A lot of people remember the days when B2K was a hit sensation. They came to fame in the year 2000 with songs such as Uh Huh, Gots Ta Be and Why I love. Together the group sold over 22 million records in just four years. I feel like they had to have broken a record or something....

Unfortunately, like many other young groups, the four young gentleman disbanded . Omarion has gone on to independent success while the other boys have also pursued solo projects. Currently, J-Boog and Lil Fizz have re-entered the music scene with a new song and album. The song is entitled "Bounce" and has recently received a lot of play. Their new album is entitled Night Life and is now available on iTunes.

Now that I have plugged their history and album, I actually want to extend a kudos to the boys. Encouragement is something that always seems to be lacking in the African American community. Fizz and Boog have recovered from the disbanded group to come out on top and do what they love to most, make music. Much props to the boys. I wish them well in their future endeavors.

Introductions

Personal introductions are in order. I am a young African American male living in Washington, DC. I hail from Atlanta, Georgia where I was raised by a strong black supportive family for eighteen years of my life. I arrived in DC in Fall 2003 for the sole purpose of attending Howard University. Their, I studied TV Production for four years until I graduated in the spring of 2007.

After graduating I tried one or two jobs before settling in to what I currently do. My technology consulting job was not planned but for some reason, it works. I am also currently attending American University and studying Public Relations (Masters Degree).

That's pretty much me it in a nut shell. I am a youngin, but educated and ready to take on the tall order of today's issues.

Beginnings...

Hello World,

J.L. here. I decided to start a blog. I know it is not a brand new concept. I am definitely behind the trend. The reason I decided to start this blog is because I wanted to be heard. There are so many issues within the African American community including racism (black against other people), prejudice, literacy levels, and my personal favorite, homosexuality issues. It seems that not matter how many books are written and discussions are had, people in the African American community treat the issue the same, wrong.

I know this is my blog and I am suppose to be speaking on issues that I feel passionate about but I also want to hear from you guys too. I am more than happy to write about topics that are top of mind not just for African Americans but for the world.