In spite of California’s current drought, in spite of the global evolutionary changes taking place everywhere, in spite of sweet little Daniella Collazo, and the fact that three minutes from now another child will be diagnosed with cancer, in spite of the fact that I’m an unemployed TV host….
I recognize how abundantly blessed I am.
Yes, this is one of those optimistic, acknowledgment, blog posts. So what that my dad died. So what that I lost my house 4 years ago and had to file for bankruptcy. So what that I have a felony for selling pot when I was 19.
I am still BLESSED.
Blessed to be here to see my children grow. Blessed to have had a career where I get to do what I love and enjoy daily, because of my freedom. Being black in America is no longer the excuse or reasoning for any limitation in my life.
We are blessed
Being raised by 2 parents, a step mother and having step and half siblings is what’s made my life experience so wonderful. Having broken up and now reconciled with Tiffanie, my wife for the past 23 years; is what’s given us the opportunity to learn how to love, live, and raise our own kids. Raise them together in such a way that they will have even more tools and experience than we did growing up.
Life on planet earth is hard and yet we’re all endowed with the same common rights, responsibilities, and talents. The same get down attitude that we can each step into when and where we need to. No matter how much challenge and strife life delivers to me, I maintain my warrior attitude. I teach others to tap into this same warrior mindset and be the badasses, the talented and the optimistic characters, in their own life stories. It’s about taking limits out of our lives. The last time I argued with the producers of my former show Yard Crashers was when they tried to put me in a limited box called “Host”. I sent my executive producer the video of a song I so enjoy by Lauren Hill titled, “I Get Out“.
Marie is another powerful, positive blessing in my life
No matter what the challenge, no matter what the pain, no matter what the struggle and small mindedness around me is; I seek to be big, be loving, and give thanks for my opportunities. The opportunities to reach, teach, and express a love and optimism for life. As many of you might know. I’m in the process right now of writing my very first book with Author and all around positive chic Marie Blackstock. She and I are both students and teachers of positive living. That is to say that we have both experienced many of life’s challenges and are completely obsessed with figuring out life’s mysteries and sharing these truths with the rest of humanity. Please continue to follow all things for positive change both here and at Alive Again Positive Living.
I know that I am abundantly blessed and I know that these blessings will continue and expand so long as I am willing to acknowledge them and give thanks, and so it is!
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Wow – thank you for sharing this – and most importantly for your positive attitude. It shows many others that to make mistakes is human, losing a loved one is part of life, being able to reconnect and LEARN from your experiences good or bad is priceless. Continue to motivate and being positive. Life is too short to do otherwise!! Continued blessings & success!
Thank you for this post Ahmed. I REALLY needed to read about reality in the life of another person who so often can make it look good on the outside, and sometimes far too easy. Many in my life have only seen the perspective from the outside but I’ve lived it on the inside. Just needed the inspiration that comes from looking through the prism.
I wondered what happened to you. I like Matt, but I really miss you.
Sometimes the universe “key holder” has to reach out and smack you just a little bit harder to get you to realize your
Blessings.
So what I experienced the trifecta…no not that one. Having a heart attack, stroke
near simultaneously only to then drift into traffic and get smacked
by a truck.
So what the insurance company delayed paying my short and long term disability.
So what I spent 6 days in a medically induced coma to wake up with a pacemaker at just age 49.
So what the insurance company only approved 7 days physical therapy even though I couldn’t count to 10 anymore or remember the alphabet post accident.
So what I walked out of physical therapy after only a week on Christmas Day 2007…gotta use the time you get!
So what I as a black man, raised a then 8 year old blonde little girl as my own who now 18 years later and much strife about dropping out of school, is not only a proud veteran but third year pre med student.
So what my now 17 year old daughter was born with Aspergers.
So what for two years after my accident I woke up at exactly (3:16) every night!
So so blessed to still have my wife of 19 years.
So blessed to understand that despite all the speed bumps, I get up every day with this hunk of metal in my chest, put on my man suit and go support my family.
So when we open our B&B in 2017 near Munich Germany drop by.
So blessed!
It is so nice to see you are still fighting and making it! I was an avid fan of “Yard Crashers” when you we’re no longer on the show my whole family stopped watching…continue on and yes, we are blessed!!
awesome message. Keep your head up. You are very positive and encouraging.
It’s refreshing to see someone open up about their trials and tribulations. Kudos to you for being able to stand up to your former employer, reconcile with someone whom you share a special bond, and raise your kids in a happy home with a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will help mold them into strong adults.
I wish you luck and continued blessings.