Life Lessons

One of the greatest gifts I have received this year came from a friend that gets how I think, even though he some times doesn’t agree with y thought process. It is a simple book he gave me, a book filled with ideas/mottos, that seem to reflect how I view the world and my life. Thank You and You’re Welcome by Kanye West with J. Sakiya Sandifer, is a quick and simple read but most of what is said, speaks volumes in understanding me and to a certain extent validates the way I think and approach life. Here are just a few of the more relevant entries:

the Best sees the Best
I pride myself in being able to recognize the best in others. I see it as a testament of my taste level. I can’t stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with energy that supports your goals. Old folks used to say, “You can’t soar with eagles if you’re walking around with chickens.” Unfortunately, I have encountered countless chickens and not just on tour either.

There have been times when I’ve had to separate myself from certain family members, childhood friends, and people in general who brought negative energy into my life. It is not always easy, but very necessary.

If you know you’re the best, it only makes sense for you to surround yourself with the best. NO EXCEPTIONS!

WOULD YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN if you were the only one who believed in it?

…When someone is strong enough to believe in something only they believe in, people are going to call them crazy…sometimes crazy is a label that the average put on the exceptional.

YOU should be HAPPY right?
I refuse to accept other people’s ideas of happiness for me. As if there’s a “one size fits all” standard for happiness.

Regardless of your position in life, no one but you is qualified to determine your happiness.

I think it’s great to never be completely happy or satisfied in life. If I ever became completely satisfied with the work I put out as an artist….that is the moment I would suck!

It is the sand which irritates the oyster that makes a pearl.

I WOULD RATHER LOSE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WAS RIGHT THAN WIN WHEN I’M WRONG.

Never justify your behavior with the wrongs of others

You should never make a point that starts off with “But you.” That’s a sure sign of a dysfunctional, tit for tat exchange.

When does it make sense that because someone else made a bad decision, now you should?

You must learn to fight the impulse of believing: it’s not fair that you can do it and I can’t.

It is a man’s own mind
Not his enemy or foe,
That lures him to evil ways.
-Buddha.

I WOULD RATHER BE HATED FOR WHO I AM
THAN LOVED FOR WHO I’M NOT

I question anyone who questions me…but I question myself all the time!



Just some food for thought. These words may mean nothing for any of you, but for me, it’s just a reminder on how I try to live my life.