Thursday, August 4, 2016
Barefoot Games Night
In my action plan for August I am determined to Blog every Thursday before midnight for the entire month. My post this week is about how in everyday there's an opportunity to do something you e never done before and be happy doing it. I went for an afternoon swim yesterday ( I do live on an island after all ) but forgot to pack flip flops before leaving for work. I thought to myself, no worries you won't need to get out the car anyways. What I failed to take into account was the sporadic nature of how plans change on said island. I ended up picking up my aunt after work to run a few errands. She decided to tag along to the beach and then to have dinner at a restaurant she desperately wants to try but also wanted to go to games night at another... Too much if you asked me. My mission was simple. Beach>>>>Home. I parted was with her on my way to the beach as she set out on a quest to do as much as possible in the hour that my swim would take. Not long after I got to the beach and walking the tranquil shores, my cell phone starts being bombarded by her friend asking me desperately to come join them for quiz night as they needed my intellectual brain power. Of course my slippers dilemma was relayed as my reason for not attending, to which I was told to come barefoot as no one would care. On that note I decided that life is too short sometimes to wear shoes sometimes. Unfortunately though I didn't lead the team to a barefoot victory but alas a fun night was had by all. So the next time someone tells you to come on out to have some food and drinks, do t let your shoes keep you back. 😎 Till next week. Stay Driven.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Conversations in Life
Had a good chat with a dude today on the street car. He's from the Dominican Republic but has been in Canada for most of his life. Though his mother is a millionaire he's still working 40hrs a week living in Toronto with a girlfriend he's not sure he loves anymore. His exact words were "I feel like she's sucking the life out of me". Having been on both sides of that situation, I could definitely identity. He went on to say that they're different in their ideologies. He explained that although she knows how to save she values money over people and is materialistically driven. They argue for months at a time and even when they're together it feels like they're apart. Taking a vacation together was suggested as a means to solve the issues but in my advice the problems would still be waiting when they got back. I told him about a friend of mine and how he spent five years with a girl and not marry her because he wasn't happy in the relationship. I also told him about my experiences in my past relationships and how I'm now learning what I need to learn. It's funny how life comes at you sometimes huh, especially when you least expect it. I've had my fare share of conversations on the 501 street car but this one by far was the best. We're both introverted and looking that opening to talk to more people. We both listen to Eric Thomas as a motivational speaker and trying to get to that next level of consciousness. All in all I couldn't help but think that Gods sense of humor is not funny at times but other days I'm humbled by how timely it is.
At the end of it I couldn't help but think that my struggle isn't only unique to me but there are others out there struggling as much as I am. However I need to bear in mind that my struggle does not define me. It's just one part of who I am. For I am a man made in the image of God, made to thrive not merely survive.
At the end of it I couldn't help but think that my struggle isn't only unique to me but there are others out there struggling as much as I am. However I need to bear in mind that my struggle does not define me. It's just one part of who I am. For I am a man made in the image of God, made to thrive not merely survive.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Paying off my credit card debt
4 years ago I got into a car accident. The repairs were estimated to cost me $2,500.00. Money I didn't have at the time. In trying to find a solution to my problem I applied for a credit card. I figured I'd be able to advance the money from my card and pay it back in installments. The application process was pretty simple. Within a matter of days the card was approved.
Thankfully I got a second quote on the repairs and was able to pay out of pocket. A few months after I went on vacation and the card came in quite handy.
My understanding was that I could pay off the overall balance in installments. Though I knew of interest fees and late payment fees I paid them no mind. And thus the cycle began.
Emergency bill payments were added to the mix as well as another vacation. As I was diligent with my minimum monthly payments (nothing to celebrate) my limit was raised (without consultation) and I felt like I had arrived in good card heaven. But this bliss was short lived as I soon realized that there were monthly interest fees against my outstanding balance which pretty much nullified my above minimum payments.
Fast forward four years later and another stint in higher education I was still liking down the barrel of a $5,000.00 balance. My wake up call came when a hopeful relationship ended due to my debt situation. It was o e of those moments where you either put up or shut up, and I put up.. This meant doubling the amount I had previously budgeted as well as committing my extra earnings towards clearing off this balance.
Happy to report that in two months of once and for all deciding to clear it all up, I did it. Funnily enough during this time frame the bank offered me a pre approved loan as well as a second credit card. I tried desperately not to laugh at the teller as he made his sales pitch. Little did he know that I was once behind the counter and made the same pitch to unenlightened (not sure if that's a word) customers. Fortunately for me I had years of experience to draw from and knew that the only way to end the cycle is to end the cycle.
If you're struggling with credit card debt my advise to you is to get out as soon as you can. This may mean getting a part time job or simply bootstrapping your weekly/monthly budget and squeezing the very last drop out of it. This may mean no drinks with friends or a few other frills for a while but trust me when I say it'll be worth it.
Thankfully I got a second quote on the repairs and was able to pay out of pocket. A few months after I went on vacation and the card came in quite handy.
My understanding was that I could pay off the overall balance in installments. Though I knew of interest fees and late payment fees I paid them no mind. And thus the cycle began.
Emergency bill payments were added to the mix as well as another vacation. As I was diligent with my minimum monthly payments (nothing to celebrate) my limit was raised (without consultation) and I felt like I had arrived in good card heaven. But this bliss was short lived as I soon realized that there were monthly interest fees against my outstanding balance which pretty much nullified my above minimum payments.
Fast forward four years later and another stint in higher education I was still liking down the barrel of a $5,000.00 balance. My wake up call came when a hopeful relationship ended due to my debt situation. It was o e of those moments where you either put up or shut up, and I put up.. This meant doubling the amount I had previously budgeted as well as committing my extra earnings towards clearing off this balance.
Happy to report that in two months of once and for all deciding to clear it all up, I did it. Funnily enough during this time frame the bank offered me a pre approved loan as well as a second credit card. I tried desperately not to laugh at the teller as he made his sales pitch. Little did he know that I was once behind the counter and made the same pitch to unenlightened (not sure if that's a word) customers. Fortunately for me I had years of experience to draw from and knew that the only way to end the cycle is to end the cycle.
If you're struggling with credit card debt my advise to you is to get out as soon as you can. This may mean getting a part time job or simply bootstrapping your weekly/monthly budget and squeezing the very last drop out of it. This may mean no drinks with friends or a few other frills for a while but trust me when I say it'll be worth it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
The Art of Gratitude
The art of gratitude knows no magnitude.
Within the last 24hrs I've been retaught the lesson of gratitude twice. On the first occasion I encountered a well off family hosting a birthday party for their 10 year old daughter. I was taken a back as to how insistent the father was with his daughters manners. Given that the family could've bought the establishment without thinking twice reminded me that money isn't everything.
On the second occasion it occurred to me how influential a coworker was in assisting me with the completion of a task. It dawned on me afterwards that I needed to say "thank you". Realizing that so many men and women are committed to not only doing their jobs but doing it effectively is humbling.
My mind pondered on how many persons go through the day without saying thank you. We all go to work to make a living but how many of us receive any sort of appreciation for the services we render. How many of us instill in our children the importance of gratitude?
It can and probably will be said that your pay cheque at the end of the week/month is all some persons need. I however beg to differ. Saying thank you to a coworker/colleague for assisting you with a task or even for just showing up for work should make that person feel appreciated.
On any given day we make phone calls to get information and to make inquiries. Do we stop to tell the other person on the other end thanks for their time and letting them know how much their assistance is appreciated ? Do we thank our teachers for caring for our children while we're at work earning said living? Do we thank the crossing guard for ensuring their safety ? The list could go on and on with each person adding their own question to the mix.
It dawned on me that I should walk through my office building and thanking everyone for coming to work today. I wondered what their response would be. Luckily I got side tracked before submitting this blog post. The delay allowed me to encounter a coworker who was leaving work early for the day. I stuck out my hand and thanked her for coming in to work today and that I appreciated the effort she put in for the day. Sure enough she was puzzled and asked why I was thanking her for coming to work. I explained that I simply wanted to say thank you.
I encourage you to attempt the same wherever your place of work may be. Feel free to leave a comment with your experience.
Within the last 24hrs I've been retaught the lesson of gratitude twice. On the first occasion I encountered a well off family hosting a birthday party for their 10 year old daughter. I was taken a back as to how insistent the father was with his daughters manners. Given that the family could've bought the establishment without thinking twice reminded me that money isn't everything.
On the second occasion it occurred to me how influential a coworker was in assisting me with the completion of a task. It dawned on me afterwards that I needed to say "thank you". Realizing that so many men and women are committed to not only doing their jobs but doing it effectively is humbling.
My mind pondered on how many persons go through the day without saying thank you. We all go to work to make a living but how many of us receive any sort of appreciation for the services we render. How many of us instill in our children the importance of gratitude?
It can and probably will be said that your pay cheque at the end of the week/month is all some persons need. I however beg to differ. Saying thank you to a coworker/colleague for assisting you with a task or even for just showing up for work should make that person feel appreciated.
On any given day we make phone calls to get information and to make inquiries. Do we stop to tell the other person on the other end thanks for their time and letting them know how much their assistance is appreciated ? Do we thank our teachers for caring for our children while we're at work earning said living? Do we thank the crossing guard for ensuring their safety ? The list could go on and on with each person adding their own question to the mix.
It dawned on me that I should walk through my office building and thanking everyone for coming to work today. I wondered what their response would be. Luckily I got side tracked before submitting this blog post. The delay allowed me to encounter a coworker who was leaving work early for the day. I stuck out my hand and thanked her for coming in to work today and that I appreciated the effort she put in for the day. Sure enough she was puzzled and asked why I was thanking her for coming to work. I explained that I simply wanted to say thank you.
I encourage you to attempt the same wherever your place of work may be. Feel free to leave a comment with your experience.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Taking the Bus on an island
Taking the bus
Given the rising cost of gasoline and the fact that I drive a 19 year old SUV, ever so often I take the bus to work. Mind you I so t live in a metropolitan city like New York or Toronto but rather the small island of Antigua. There's no bus schedule or time table just routes and independent drivers who own their own buses. Growing up on the island you learn the schedule by knowing the time particular drivers pass your home during the morning rush hour. So if Donald (actual name of a driver) passes your street at 7:00 am and you're not there to catch him, you know you're already late.
The actual bus ride though is something else in entirety. Firstly if you don't greet everyone with the customary "good morning " you'll be considered rude and unmannerly. Add to that equation scores of children getting off at the various schools along your route and mothers with young babies in tow. Compound that with teenagers playing dancehall music from a device at the loudest volume. And you have the unique experience that is catching the bus on an island. Not to mention. That you might be asked to hold said baby while mother helps her older child across the street. Or that you naught be the one to cross the street with said child. God forbid the driver has to stop for breakfast along the way. Regardless to say that whatever the scenario your trip will be one of a kind. The experience of rubbing shoulders with your kinfolk as they too journey to work to make a living is indeed a humbling feeling. The journey home in the evening is just as humble. You see mothers with babies strewn across their laps, construction workers nodding on the window panes as this is the first time they've truly rested since waking up at the crack of dawn. At the end of another day you ride side by side those who've kept the wheels of production turning for another day here in paradise.
Given the rising cost of gasoline and the fact that I drive a 19 year old SUV, ever so often I take the bus to work. Mind you I so t live in a metropolitan city like New York or Toronto but rather the small island of Antigua. There's no bus schedule or time table just routes and independent drivers who own their own buses. Growing up on the island you learn the schedule by knowing the time particular drivers pass your home during the morning rush hour. So if Donald (actual name of a driver) passes your street at 7:00 am and you're not there to catch him, you know you're already late.
The actual bus ride though is something else in entirety. Firstly if you don't greet everyone with the customary "good morning " you'll be considered rude and unmannerly. Add to that equation scores of children getting off at the various schools along your route and mothers with young babies in tow. Compound that with teenagers playing dancehall music from a device at the loudest volume. And you have the unique experience that is catching the bus on an island. Not to mention. That you might be asked to hold said baby while mother helps her older child across the street. Or that you naught be the one to cross the street with said child. God forbid the driver has to stop for breakfast along the way. Regardless to say that whatever the scenario your trip will be one of a kind. The experience of rubbing shoulders with your kinfolk as they too journey to work to make a living is indeed a humbling feeling. The journey home in the evening is just as humble. You see mothers with babies strewn across their laps, construction workers nodding on the window panes as this is the first time they've truly rested since waking up at the crack of dawn. At the end of another day you ride side by side those who've kept the wheels of production turning for another day here in paradise.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
30 days
30 days from now I would've crossed the stage as a graduate of Humber College. I would've achieved my life long goal of attaining a degree in Human Resources Management. So why do I feel like I haven't accomplished anything ? Truth be told I haven't really accomplished anything. In the years (6 to be exact) succeeding graduating with a BSc in Psychology I have yet to be free of the debt for pursuing that course. Now fast forward I'm more accomplished but less fulfilled. I won't rehash my money woes as that was covered in the piece "losing focus". It's a bittersweet feeling to be honest but honestly more bitter than sweet. So though I will once again cross the stage as a graduate, I am still humbly a student of life. The lessons that we fail to learn are learnt the hard way.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Losing Focus
A lot can happen when you lose focus. 10 years ago I was focused, I was gonna go to university get a degree come home get a job pay it back in 5 years and then move to Canada. I did move back home, I did get a job, I did move to Canada but I didn't pay back my student loans. Why? Because I lost focus. My first year was quiet. I went to church I joined the master guides, I went camping, youth retreats, blitz, I did all of it. But in my second year I lost focus. I figured that since I was getting good grades and had money to spend (banks money) that I could afford to drink, party, and just have a good time. By God's grace I graduated with honors and came home. At first I was working at the bank again but I knew that wasn't my final destination. I became a probation officer and learnt the ins and outs of the justice system. I was making ten times the amount I was making at my first job as a tour guide and I was on cloud 10. I thought the world was at my feet. My master plan was to as I said before was to pay off my debt and move to Canada but I never wrote I down, I never made an action plan I never truly committed to my plan and there in laid my demise. Once girls entered the equation that was it. One girl in particular who was my main inspiration for moving to Canada came into my life but the timing wasn't right. What should've been a moment in time turned out to be a season of hurt. Mainly because I was still hurting. So as much as the pipe dream was alive, I lacked the fortitude to realize that long term I had nothing to offer simply because I hadn't planned what was gonna really take place after I go there. The lesson I'm learning now is that planning and execution are more important than having dreams. Anyone can have dreams but not everyone can achieve them. For me I have achieved some while failing at others. At age 30 I have a bachelors degree in psychology and a post graduate diploma in Human Resources Management as well as a certified human resources professional. But with all that I have moments where I feel like a failure for racking up credit card debt and student loans that could've been repaid by now. Now at age 30 I'm starting over again. The next 10 years of my life will definitely be interesting as I try to figure out where to go from here. My advice to anyone trying to accomplish anything is to stay focused. Distractions are gonna come and they're going to be lots of them but remain focus. Write your goals down and plan to execute them one phase at a time. You might be the odd one out not going out on a Saturday night with your friends but trust me when I say it'll be worth it. Your long term pay off will be much greater than anything short lived, trust me I've been there. A lot can happen when you lose focus but great things can happen once you achieve it.
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