3 Things I've Learned Up To 2021

I’ve been around Adversity Boulevard a couple of times in my 22 years of age. Having grown up in Mexico from ages 4 to 10, playing with shoes that had holes at the bottom of them. Coming to America at the age of 10, not knowing a single word of English and having to redo 4th grade in an all Spanish class then bilingual until 7th grade. Growing up with no money my whole life with acne on my face and never being with my family because they were always working. 

At 18 I had 1 established business flipping cars and motorcycles and was building 2 more at the same time as I'm getting ready to get out of high school. Then, all of the sudden the most unforeseeable thing happens and I see both my parents behind bars for the most nonsense thing and losing just about everything we had here in the US to where we had to move to Mexico. Sadly many people have experienced this also this year.

1 and half year later, I came back to the US and got kicked out of my brother's apartment for my marijuana addiction and almost being killed by my close friend leaving me with trauma, huge trust issues and suicidal thoughts for over a year as I move over to northern California to start all new by myself with $500 bucks on my pocket and a job interview, and now Covid happens. These are just a few of the major things that I’ve gone through, not saying this to make you feel bad either, but to help you see where I am coming from when I say certain things.

Be Grateful

Sometimes it can be challenging to be consistently grateful. We say the same things every single day that it becomes mundane and loses meaning after a while. Step outside, look and enjoy the clouds, the breeze, the structure of the houses and then curse the sun for beating at your face too hard! Just kidding. Be grateful for it, it is the reason we have beautiful plants and animals that make us fall in love with earth and sparks our curiosity of how earth was even created. 

Don't get me wrong, I still struggle to be consistent with my daily gratitude practices even though there is an abundance of things to be grateful for. Be grateful for the things you cherish and enjoy, the love of your significant other or kids if you have any, the clean and lean water you get to wake up to and drink. Be grateful for all that you have, whether it is a lot or a little. The ups and the downs, the failures and losses, laughs and tears. Look deeper and know that you are alright and say thanks.

Reflect

Through constant reflection you acquire holy curiosity and gain true wisdom that makes you raise your standards. Reflect on your life, your journey, the strength and courage you have put out to overcome all your obstacles and still being brave enough to keep moving forward. Life is tough but it can also be joyful even when you are alone, as you cherish memories and think about life's meaning.

Through reflection is how you become aware of everything. It is how you become aware of your thoughts, actions, where you could improve and where you must go. Don’t be afraid to lock yourself up in your room at night when it is all dark and you leave your phone charging somewhere in complete silence and have no one to bother you. Don't be afraid to open up the closet and begin healing from any bad things that have happened to you or simply digest things as you look for solutions to move forward. 

Curiosity and imagination is also developed through having no distractions. If you are looking for creative solutions to a problem, know that you will most likely find it as you let yourself sit back and think with nothing to take away your focus. For me everything tends to happen at night or at least when it is dark, your eyes can see things that take away your focus. So Focus.

Have Courage

Being courageous goes beyond anything. Having the guts to move with confidence and do you despite what the whole world says is the most beautiful thing to see in people. Playing life at your beat and not feel the rush of meeting society's expectations allows you to step back, reflect, and cherish life's simple moments. Have the courage to carve out a new path away from everyone's expectations, whether that be your parents, friends or siblings. Recognize that it is your life and no one will build it for you. You must take initiative and strategize your best foot forward with the things you currently know while acknowledging that you don't know what you don't know and move your body where your soul leads.

Decide & Ignite 

Make the daily decision to discipline your mind to choose love over hate, forgiveness over grudges, gratitude over pessimism, faith over fear and most important your inner self over outer expectations. Easier said than done of course but it is doable. I deeply believe that the future belongs to those who have a voice as AI becomes more of a simplified standard for corporations throughout various industries. I challenge you all to start creating that voice as we must work together to uplift everyone spiritually and truly live a life of love, generosity, empathy and kindness. I invite you all to join and support me as I strive to consistently build mine, there's abundance in this world. Look up, the future is bright.

Your Friend,

Jobany A.