Choices: The birthright of life

No matter how much you succeed in life or who you are, you can still fall prey to temptation, lust, greed, and have your faith and beliefs shaken ­— if not completely stirred.  But before the final chapter is written, keep in mind that you possess free will to make your own choices.  In facing the reflected truth as you gaze in the mirror of self-revelations, you must admit that no one can make you do anything you don’t really wish to do, especially if you have the faith in yourself to persevere in even the most arduous endeavors you face.

In today’s society just about anyone can become famous or infamous within the flash of a camera.  Then quickly they become our idols and celebrities that embody the perfect lives that one can only dream about.  Strangely, when one of the elite makes a mistake, a sadistic glee rears up once the disappointment of feeling betrayed passes.  Often the supposition may be that somehow the fall of the mighty in some ways lifts us up.  Truth be told, it absolutely doesn’t.  It simply illustrates that elevation of our souls is within each of us and it begins with our process of making choices.

Choices are inextricably packaged with a person’s beliefs, paradigms, behaviors, and the ability to deal with the consequences of one’s action.  There exists within everyone an innate ability to make their own choices.  But with choice, there is also a measure of both accountability and responsibility.  Too often when one is faced with an unfavorable result (failure), there becomes a tendency to mask the result in excuses, rationalizations, or explanations rather than admit that it was an unwise choice that may have caused the end result.

Ironically the same mediums that elevate folk to celebrity status normally depict a storyline where adversity reveals the building of character.  In actuality, adversity doesn’t build character it reveals it. Character isn’t determined by how one conducts themselves when the choices are easy and comfortable, but rather how one conducts themselves when life is tough.

The mental process of thinking to determine a selection of multiple alternatives is one definition of choice.  While the media may showcase the flawed choices of the famous and others, instead of passing judgment and ganging up on those that fall due to unwise choices, it would be better served to learn a lesson that can be applied to one’s life.

In making those applications, ask yourself “How do I make choices in my life?”  Five simple steps may assist you:   

1. Think it out. Ask the right questions. Is this the right thing to do? How will this affect me and others? Why am I doing this?
2. Take ownership and be willing to deal with the consequences.  
3. Accept responsibility for your actions.  
4. Be accountable for your actions.
5. Be honest with yourself.

The more you practice these five simple steps, the better you can become in making rational, intelligent choices that lead you forward—not standing in place, going backwards, or living a life full of regrets.  Give it a shot.  It’s your choice and it is a birthright.

From my heart to yours.

Let your light shine this year! Let your spirit run free!
Take the time to stand at the water’s edge and look out over the vastness and
the seemingly endless view and shout to the heavens, “As far as the eye can see
and beyond there exist endless possibilities and they start with my choices.”

Feel it, believe it, have faith and most importantly...live
it! Yes, we are living in uncertain times, but if you review history, times
always appear to be uncertain in some form or fashion. That’s why I’m a big
proponent of living life until the end. I’ve become known for saying, “You
never know where life will take you, so just keep living.”

Where are you headed in your life this newly christened
year? Are you going go back to school? How about changing careers? Really
increase your exercise to help decrease your mid-section? Have better control
of your finances? Remove yourself from that unhealthy relationship? Or stop
overindulging in the liquid spirits or stop using street and prescribed drugs
as a way of coping with life’s challenges? I could go on and on.

It all starts with your choices. If you can (and I encourage
you to try) don’t complicate issues. Keep it simple. Simply give yourself permission
to live. Then do it! Take action where needed and attempt to remove, replace
and do away with as much self-inflicted negativity as possible.

I was privileged to meet an older wiser man named Henry
Walker during a down period of my life. The gentleman was a resident of a
nursing home. In my role as a volunteer, it was our responsibility to visit
certain institutions and report on findings of poor care, neglect, etc. One day
Mr. Walker asked me to read a letter to him he’d received from his daughter.
While we were interacting, he commented that I wasn’t my normal outgoing and
chipper self. That led to us having a conversation. During the talk I noticed
that Mr. Walker never stopped smiling. Then again over a two year period I had
the blessing of knowing him, I can’t remember him not having a smile on his
lips and a shine in his watery eyes. I can’t tell you how much his words meant
to me and how often I’ve put into action the advice he shared with me that day.
Little did I know that as he spoke to me and made it a point to lift me up, he
was actually dying. Even in what I considered—a dark hour—this man still took
the time to speak life into me. Mr. Walker died thirty minutes after I left his
room. I’m told that he died with a smile on his face.

When I met his daughter she told me that her father had a
tremendous passion for life and a great compassion for people. She said, “No
matter what, my Dad could always find the silver lining in the darkest of
clouds. He truly believed that each day was a new beginning.”

As I was leaving his room that day he spoke words that I
repeat and live by till this day, “You never know where life will take you, so
just keep living.”

I pray that contained in the above words there is food for
thought and nourishment for the soul.

Happy living in this New Year!

It all starts with belief!

The response to my latest literary endeavor has been--in a word--awesome! 5 Simple Steps To Choosing Your Path has been well received by so many people that have followed my writing career from day one with the release of my debut best selling novel, Choices. I was honored by the attendance and love shown to me by all that attended the book signing in Philadelphia. People coming together to support a new writer such as me is truly the key to any success I'm currently experiencing.

When I first considered self-publishing, I feared that I wouldn't be taken seriously as an author. A big part of me thought that people would view me as less talented as a writer and incapable of attracting interest from a big name publishing house. Then common sense kicked in and I conducted some research that revealed some surprising revelations. Self-publishing wasn't new and for many years and for many reasons writers have chosen to self-publish their works. So I was not alone. Way before little ole me, great storytellers such as James Joyce, John Grisham, Zane Grey, Mark Twain and the list goes on and on, have all used self-publishing as a way of getting their work into print. And believe you me--it certainly wasn't because they lacked talent. Now mind you, I'm not saying I'm in their class as a writer, however it doesn't take Sara Lee to bake a pie. I was...correction...I am a writer. One that like the esteemed above mentioned chose to self-publish.

Initially when someone asked my why I took the path taken, I would attempt to come up with an answer that sounded good. Then I decided--after stumbling over my words repeatedly--to simply tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I chose to do so because I believed in myself and no amount of rejection letters or unopened and returned manuscripts would change that powerful fact.

Believing in oneself has taken many an unknown to the tops of the world. Ever heard of Bernard Schwartz or Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta? Both of them turned belief in themselves along with talent, sheer determination and a strong desire to succeed into incredible careers. By the way, I'm referring to Tony Curtis the actor and the mega-star Lady Gaga.

I might not ever write or publish a book that makes the New York Times bestsellers list. So what? Would not doing so make me less of a writer? Absolutely not--hundreds of writers--great ones, have never made the list. Tony Curtis never won an Oscar, but his film work is greatly revered by those in the movie industry and his fans around the globe. Would it shock you to know that Diana Ross never won a Grammy despite being the lead singer for the ultra-successful singing group, the Supremes as well as selling well over 100 million records?

Success isn't measured by a cup, but by those that keep getting up. I pray that with you reading these words, you will determine in your heart and mind to unleash the greatness that lies within. Don't allow fear, worry, or doubt to prevent you from joining the ranks that have blazed the trail before you. The world can never have enough Mark Twain's, Tony Curtis', or even Lady Gaga's.

Believe in your dream, believe in yourself. Remember where God has placed a vision there will be provision. You too are not alone.

The Wait is...almost over!

I'm so proud and humbled to report that my second book is forthcoming. To be more accurate, it's just about ready to go to press. As promised this book--well more like a guide--is a self-help book that deals with my favorite topic, choices.

The book is entitled: 5 Simple Steps To Choosing Your Path. It will be available on my website: www.wgranvillebrown.com as well as on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Making a choice is a mental process. During the course of someone's life, that person will encounter innumerable situations requiring multliple selections. Some will be simple and may not require much thought or effort, while others will require a more detailed approach. The guide clearly illustrates five simple steps to making wiser choices in life and business.

Pick up a copy, or two and sit back, relax and enjoy. But most importantly....please apply the steps and let me know the results. God bless and thank all of you for your continued support!

The year changed--how about you?

On January 1st of every year the clock strikes midnight and all across the land people shout "Happy New Year." They get so excited and many of us will make resolutions. You know--these promises we make to change something or another about ourselves. Like...lose weight...work out more...spend more time with loved ones...find someone to love...etc...etc. But by the fifteenth of the month the weight loss has turned into a gain. Working out is put off for another day and as for those loved ones--oh well they understand how busy one can get. Sound familiar?

Here's an interesting way to get started with this new year. I call it the "Examination of Determination." It's a way of examining your life and determining where you are and where you want to be. To benefit from this you must be honest with your toughest critic--you.

Tools needed: 1. A quiet spot to think. 2. Ink pen 3. Paper 4. A sincere desire to improve your life.

On the paper write down whatever date you decide to do this. Example: 4 Jan 2011. Under the date write down where you are in your life at that time. Put whatever comes to mind, such as lifestyle, habits, living conditions, job, income, etc. The purpose is to fully examine your life.
Then write down the same date using last year. Example: 4 Jan 2010. Under the date write down where you were in your life at that time. The purpose is to see how far you have come or if you are stagnant. You want to see if you have made any changes in your existence.
Then write down the same date five years from the first date. Example: 4 Jan 2016. Under the date write down where you would like to see yourself five years from now. The purpose is to see yourself living the life you truly want to be living at that time. It enables you to focus on what's really important.

Give this a shot. It's helped me make positive strides in my life as well as some clients I've worked with over the years. I do it every year as a way of staying focused.

I pray that 2011 will be much better for all of us than the last one. May our world experince true peace, feel more love and we reach out to each other in spirit and in truth. God Bless!

It only takes a word.

The other day I had an interesting encounter. Standing in line at the ever-so-busy Apple store a nice mature lady struck up a conversation. The conversation started off rather forced since both of us were attempting to mask our frustration with the long slow moving line. In the middle of a sentence I said, "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself...my name is W.Granville Brown." Immediately her face lit up and she fired back, "The author? OhmyGod...I loved your book and I read your blog."

Needless to say my ego inflated just a bit. Then she punched me lightly, but a hit none the least and said, "I'm so disappointed with you."

Flabbergasted I asked, "Why?"

"Because you have abandoned people that read your blog and have gotten something from your inspiring words."

Wow! Her words hit me like a Tyson hook-completely floored me. The primary reason for me writing in the first place was because I truly desire to be an inspiration to others. So to be told that someone felt abandoned by me since my last blog entry a few months ago, hit me in the blood pump.

My grandmother used to say, "You never know who's life you will impact, so don't take anyone for granted." Believe me, I don't take my readers for granted and I sincerely apologize to all that have supported my writing career through purchasing my debut novel, "Choices" and the readers of this blog. My prayers have been answered and that nice lady (with the heavy hand) put everything into perspective for me.

People are constantly in search of inspiration. In a perfect world-one medium would work for all-but in reality that's not the case. To even be consider an inspiration to someone is...well for me...I'll call it...an honor.

Words truly are powerful. They have the power to impact and transform. The right word at the right time could even save a life. I am extremely honored that people find my words inspirational and I pray that each of us will take the time to remember how powerful our words can be. Just as they can light a flame, they can also extinguish one too.

Share a kind word with someone today, be it a loved one or a stranger. You never know-you just might bring a little sunshine into someone's rainy day.

Ramblings of a middle aged mind.

The great Stevie Wonder recorded a song entitled: "For Once In My Life." Over the years many performers have done their version of the song, but no one sings it with such passion and depth as Stevie. It's truly as if he was living the lyrics as he recorded the song.

For once in my life I have someone who needs me. Can I get a witness? Everybody (even those that claim otherwise) seek, long and desire to have that special someone in our lives that needs us and appreciates us for being in their lives. When you are blessed with that special someone, don't forget to let them know how much you appreciate them. Do something different for them. If you normally don't send your lady love flowers, do it. And for you ladies, men like gifts too.

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of. What does your heart dream of? Are you touching it? Don't allow past disappointments or results stop you from going after that forgotten or laid aside dream. Go for it! You never know where life will led you as long as you keep living.

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it. No one has control over you. You are not a puppet on a string. What God has for you is for you and nobody can stop you or take possession of what He has deemed to be yours. Don't allow an unseen enemy steal your joy. It's your life...claim it...own it!

For once in my life. It doesn't have to be only one time. However it does start with the first time. Make it happen! Whatever it is for you... make it happen!

For once in your life.