Yes I Can (A Theme for Hope and Love)
First, I will admit that this theme was inspired by Barack Obama’s campaign theme, “Yes We Can.” While Barack continues to engage our nation across unnecessary lines of division, I want to engage people to take ownership of a personal theme that can heal our pasts of hurt, anger, abandonment, fear and bigotry. “Yes I Can” is a decree for taking a personal step in one’s life to rise up from ashes and storm through the blockades which continue wreck havoc in our personal lives with regard to our happiness and well being.
Throughout our lives, the many good people of this land have been battered, bruised and taken for granted because of their good nature. Today, many are bitter, angry and hopeless of any future that might witness the Sun’s rays shining an answer on a dark and cloudy day. I want to encourage my fellow good natured people to take oath today for great change. Let’s turn the tide of cynicism and despair into invincibility and happiness. Yes, the world is a muck with corruption, division and instability. Yes, the world is suffering from famine, greed and selfishness. Yet, must we too suffer as well?
Let’s take that critical step forward and put an end to our own misery — The misery which creeps up when one inappropriately judges us, takes us for granted, says hurtful things, or assumes things which aren’t true. The misery which leaves us hopeless when we see the world is blind-folded by social constructs such as race, religion and politics. The misery which finds us weeping for answers because the world is too absent-minded to discover common sense. The misery which leads us to depression in times where we’re secretly weak, for we continually detest the status quo by standing alone.
Yes, I can forgive. Yes, I can love again. Yes, I can be more patient. Yes, I can be less critical. Yes, I can be more loving.
The world has been designed for consistent failure due to the policy of a few. By standing tall and proud of who you are, you can wither the storm which often catches us without adequate protection. You can choose to remain defeated by the masses, or fight back with a fierce force that knows no boundaries or limitations on your ability to stand strong. Let this be the day which inspires you with hope, love and unlimited possibilities. Let this be the day where cloudy skies are blue and dark days are bright.
Yes, I can and I will. I hope you will, too.
Let’s Connect on Twitter, Facebook, Pownce and Jaiku
So I like to network, eh? If you’re on Twitter, Pownce, Jaiku or any of the social networks listed below, let’s connect? The larger our circle, the more connected we are.
Be Your Own Cheerleader (Get Your Own “Inspirational Fuel”)
Call it evolution or basic human desire, but often, human beings seek encouragement and inspiration in most things they are passionate about. Unfortunately, this can lead to much disappointment by relying on others.
At some point in our lives, we’ve all been immensely driven by something we love, be it an idea, business, relationship or even a football game. There’s a lot of excitement and raw energy — It’s euphoric even. You want to run to the top of the mountain, shouting to the world, “I am sooooooooooooo pumped! I am sooooooooo excited about this!” Suddenly, there’s defeat from deafening silence: Few people acknowledged your passion.
Scorned and bruised, you’ve retreated to your hideout, depressed and uninspired. You now believe your passion is pointless, only because you expected a different response from the world. My question to you: Why are you allowing the world to dictate what you should be passionate about?
Until recently, I also fell victim to this trap. I am extremely passionate about things I love and it’s obvious in many ways: I’m smiling, my voice is elevated and I’m highly animated. The feeling is unlike any other. It shows that you really have a deep appreciation for your passion. And, so, because of this passion, this raw and rare streak of emotion, you must become your own cheerleader. You cannot wait for the world to understand and reciprocate your passion, because otherwise, you’ll deflate the promise and possibility of your drive.
Does this mean there aren’t people who can reciprocate your passion? Absolutely not! We’re on the same team. We can jump around like kids on a playground celebrating your passion and inviting those who care to share in the moment. You are not alone, but do not rely on the world to join you — It’s a death sentence to innovation, creativity, ideas and a lot more. Your inner drive is your own “inspirational fuel.” Take advantage of it.
Getting Acquainted with My ‘Brand Logo’
There’s a lot of talk around the Internet about your ‘brand’ and what you do.
Being a fairly brand-driven guy myself, I’ve always used logos to convey a message in marketing, advertising and other platforms to build awareness. And, for years, I always wanted a logo which I felt would compliment my ideas, values, knowledge and mission. So, I think I recently achieved this by designing the logo now featured on this web site and below this post.
This logo represents me. I will use it on business cards, clothing, projects, practically everything. It will also become the new logo for my holdings concern, Riverscape. Essentially, I want my brand to be recognized in everything I do: Social media, business, public speaking, etc.
So, anytime you see this logo, you’ll know who it is.
Nevermind, Robert Scoble (and Others)
For more than a year, I played e-mail tag with Robert Scoble about striking up a partnership with PodTech to host my own show.
Scoble was impressed by my podcast, but for whatever reason, we simply failed to connect. In Scoble’s last e-mail, he told me that PodTech was “cutting back” and of course, I predicted that Scoble would probably leave PodTech at some point — And he did (he’s now at FastCompany).
I am not angry with Scoble, Intel, Cisco, RedHat, Webaroo or any other individual or corporation that dangled their carrots in my face or promised me some oasis of hope. Instead, I’ve taken a better approach, and have started working with the local community here in Denver to achieve my goals in social media. I’ve accomplished a lot and I’ve simply wanted to realize a livelihood from my passion — That’s it. Considering the contacts I’ve made here in Denver in just the past day, I think I’m well on my way to finally achieving my goal.
I’m not giving up on my dreams — Ever, no matter how many doors are closed or how many times I’m ignored.