How I Rediscovered My Faith
While writing this article, sitting at my desk listening to Pandora radio (classical for studying radio station), glancing out of the window watching Autumn take over the trees, I can’t help but to think about August 2011.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
In hindsight 2011 was the year that changed everything. It was the year that landed me right here typing this article. The summer of 2011 was the year that helped me become a four-time author. 2011 was the year that helped me get my very own daily radio morning motivational segment. 2011 was the year that put me in front of fathers that needed some encouragement, which landed me and my work on the front page of the local newspaper. It was 2011 that led to my recognition as a community hero by a national syndicated television and radio network. 2011 also helped pave the way for me to marry a woman who I can’t live without. It looks as if 2011 was the year that helped compel me and my wife to launch a mentoring program for at risk young men call GIVE LIFE. You see, none of these events took place in 2011. But looking back it was 2011 that truly shaped my life and laid the foundation for success. I can sit here for weeks and write down every single detailed event that took place because of August 11, 2011. However, I won’t bore you any longer.
You’re probably asking yourself what was so special about August 11, 2011. Here is what’s special about that date. It was the day that I bounced back from a dark place call rock bottom. Some of you may or may not be familiar with this place where no one wants to be. But for those of you that are familiar with this Hell-on-Earth state of mind you know it’s no fun. In the last sentence, I wrote “state of mind”. That’s exactly what it is, rock bottom is a mindset. I believe it was Shakespeare that stated, life is neither good or bad, but your thinking that makes it so. Prior to my bounce back moment, I allowed my perceived bad events to eat away at my self-esteem. I started to mentally entertain and believe that the world would be a better place if I was dead. I seriously thought about ending my life. I was at my wit’s end when I read an article like this one. I’m not sure what would make me read an inspirational article when inspiration was the farthest thing from my mind. Maybe it was that whispering voice that said, “your work here on earth has not even begun. There’s still a lot of life left to live. Pick yourself up and get to work. Get to work and create the life you desire to live. Get to work and stop being a victim. Get to work and become your goals. Get to work Kashaun, PEOPLE are depending on you to push forward. Get to work and make your life matter!” I’m not sure where that whispering voice came from but I’m glad I listened.
You who are reading this know that life is filled with swift transitions. Some transitions will come without warning. Some may even knock you down. However, just like the beauty that is created during Autumn, know that change is neither ugly or beautiful, it’s all based on your perception, your mind-set. No matter what you’re going through get up, get to work and create the life you truly desire!
