“Hey, that’s not my school!” There’s no connection for me anymore!” We’re the statements as we drove around the campus early Sunday morning. During our 2022 Valentine’s Day road trip, Ursula and I decided to visit Prairie View A&M University, where we first met. It had been over 25 years, and this would be a time to reflect, reminisce, and remember fond memories we shared as college sweethearts. But as we approached the entrance, it became clear the campus we so remember was gone. Gone were the roads that ran through the school, gone were the buildings we studied in, gone were the dorms we occupied, and gone was the football field where I practiced and played. Don’t get me wrong; it was exciting and a privilege to see the change and transformation of the school we once attended. But for a moment, we wanted the past, the good, the bad, and the ugly of our old campus, the one we remembered, the one we walked on, the dorms we stayed in, and the field I played on. Looking back, I realize that the old campus still exists, the roads still run through, the dorms are still standing, and the old football field is still there. It’s through the memories and the stories that we share. Ursula, thanks for the stories and the memories! 😘😍🥰💋❤️- John (Panda) 🐼

Don’t fear, move forward. The life you’re looking for is on fear’s backside.

Today we navigate thru life’s uncharted waters, and write a new chapter. Today we see the world thru a fresh pair of eyes, and face the imposter syndrome. Today we face the fears that’s been holding us back. Today we seek out a new path, and strive to improve our craft.

The strains on the mind; the focus on today’s events, the betrayal of missed opportunities. What do you have in your hand; it has value, it has purpose, maybe not to the world but to you.

The decision: Check the sales paper, go to the store, buy the product. The outcome: No product on the shelf, they’re sold out! You made a good decision, but the outcome wasn’t in your favor.

If you’re waiting for a certain outcome, a certain feeling, a certain result; then your wait continues.

Oh, do I long to be released from this leather jacket of compliance and conformity, to embrace the old sweatshirt of constraints!

At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, it’s the ability to see that makes the difference.

Hey where is Egypt, it’s looking so far away right now. Things were bad but this? We didn’t have the best food but at least there was something! We were in bondage but now we’re out in the middle of no where! Can we just turn around and go home, right now, this minute! I don’t know what to expect; I don’t know what will come of all this. I don’t know what the outcome will be. I’m longing for Egypt.

Is this a good opportunity, or is it distracting me from my work; from the work that matters, from my practice. Only you can decide.