Longview. A new view.

As kids, we have dreams. There are never any ends to them, no limits to how high we can fly, or how big of a castle we can build to sit on our rightful thrones as king of LEGO Land. People seem to have lost that vision, often looking through the lenses shaded with societal standards and responsibilities. But the sight of these such expectations are a matter of perspective. For example, one may believe that everyday may be his last and is glad to have a wonderful family, friends and the ability to do good for other people. Self-worth. The majority, however, sees a world burdened with financial debt, emotional insecurity, and the lack of future goals. I retract that; the lack of the proper vehicle to attain future goals. Then before you know it, you are 65 years old with a pot belly retiring from your desk job having done the same thing for almost 40 yrs. And somehow social security seems like nothing compared to the paycheck you had labored for all those plentiful years. No longer can an occupation be professed with passion unless the infatuation with money is thrown out the window. What happened to the land of opportunity, where freedom rang louder than the bells of the NY Stock Exchange?

Just a little insight as to where my mind has been for the past couple of weeks. I'm happier than I've been in quite so many months. I've learned some things about myself and structured them with confidence to walk through my days without confusion. I know what I want, how I am going to get it, and who I want to share it with. The only institutions that serve as the burden stand as school and work. But school is a necessary back up plan in my mind. And work the only means to finance my free spirit. I have a fairly good-paying job, I guess you could say. I like the people and the interaction with customers. It also keeps my options open to scouting sharp new business partners. LOL. Call me 007.

I decided to move in with Emily into her new place. There are many reasons why, but the most important is that amazing connection that has not ceased to exist. We've been through hell and back, as she would say, but we are back. And there are still some trust issues for her to work out, and that's just fine with me. Her new place has a master bedroom that screams out my name (and will yell out Josh in many other spots within the house...hehe). The house is gorgeous and warm. With enough space for 5 people and a rent that is quite reasonable, it seems as the best alternative to spending no money where I live now. I love my grandmother, but her lifestyle is not the way I would ever choose to live. Ridden with faint smells of smoke and pet piss I am, quite frankly, sick of it. Em and I are going to build a business and rebuild a relationship together, and this provides the best environment for us to do so. I'm still in love with her, and I am forced (tied down with chains) to be around her most of the time because of it. Living in two places isn't cutting it and is practically inconvenient to have stuff in two different places. And their is a useful community center there that has a good FREE gym, pool, QI room (lol) and sophisticated environment. And Avalon Park area is the modern Pleasantville so there is plenty of people to meet and new places to explore.

Let it be known, though, that I have become more open with my life and am no longer afraid to associate with whomever and to do whatever makes me happy. Because my relationship is the number one source of happiness, it will also be the number one source of strength, trust and confidence from now on. The truth is etched on the tombstone filled with the past mistakes, lies, and emotional deceit. It reads "A love stands strong above weak soil that requires no attention, no mending, no shovel to excavate nor hands to cultivate. Only a seed need be planted to bloom from the past a magnificent rose of scarlet red for the future."

We all make mistakes. Not only small, but often big. The judge of how revolting the mistake can be depends on who chooses to judge. We are all vulnerable to that judgment. So I say, tread softly in life when walking in or along other people's pathways. Although we are only human, I feel it is important not to lead people in their own journeys, but step out of their way to find your own path. Following them will also do no good. And as they continue on without, you will choose to stand still or proceed, as it often occurs. Such is life. The best choice is to tie your shoelaces, prepare yourself emotionally/mentally for the long journey ahead, and keep on moving. You might be surprised that along the road, paths not yet tread will cross once again. And you will find yourself a partner to walk by once more. Only God's map of winding roads can show who will stumble next across your avenue. But it's your choice to let them.

The 411 on 7-05

Up early today. My stomach is killing me. It must have been that $8 Italian Sausage I bought out by Lake Eola. That would make anyone's stomach hurt having to pay that much for a shitty sausage. lol.
Last night was the fourth of July, and it was celebrated downtown drinking "free beer" and "dollar drinks" at chillers, which translates to "dollar beers" and "2 dollar drinks" at chillers. We all fall into the trap that alcohol sets for us. It takes your money, turns your stomach if you don't pay more for the top shelf and settle for the rot gut, and hinders your good decision making skills. But it sure is fun in the moment. I only wish that there were some better rationale for getting stupid and having to pay for it (in more ways than just one).
Anyways, so it was somewhat enjoyable besides the profuse sweating once we got down to the lake and the continuance of a bleeding nose from when I had cut myself shaving only an hour ago. The fireworks, the friends, and the fans (whereever available) were awesome. Though, the night ended early for Emily and I, as everyone else had other plans that evening and we did not. But just as well, because I didn't want to drink to start with. But somehow a birthday or a special event during the summer always seems to come up and I'd be lame and antisocial if I didn't go out. Plus, I like meeting new people. Which brings me to what I've been doing for the past month.
I met a guy named Kurtis one night about 3 months ago at Applebees. Seems like a great guy going somewhere, so I talked to him. Turns out him and his brother are doing business together here in Orlando after they decided to move from Texas to expand a bit. So he gives me his number because I am always looking for other options; for someone to scout out my undeclared ambitions and abilities. I blew him off at first, as I did this guy in Best buy only 3 months earlier who was also interested in doing business (and little did I know until 3 nights ago was dealing with the same business team). But I thought one day, "what if this is my chance to find something outside of Red Lobster, outside of going to grad school for something I am not even sure I will like?" So I called him up and we set up an appointment.
I saw the plan on a Thursday out in Lake mary. I liked the group dynamic of the team, having met young and older business partners, all sharp and ambitious as I am. And what the business plan asked for versus what it offered sounded fair enough for someone willing to work smart. So I kinda took a blind leap of faith. I got signed up, became an independent business owner, and learned more about the business.
So all I have to do is be myself and look for other people that might be interested in making money on the side? Simple. And monday and thursday there are meetings that help to educate the team and new people interested in the business. I was bored anyways. Ever since I started I have found a new part of myself. Whether it be a sense of belonging or maybe an actual challenge or a goal to get me to work for something worth while, I am pursuing a different outlook on life. This opportunity has worked quite well for others, and capitalizes on the fact that ecommerce is the next big thing in the 10 years upcoming. Makes absolute sense to get paid for starting that trend. Teaching others to do the same and to get paid for it? Seems to be common sense, right. And you get to choose who you want to work with and use your knowledge gained to help them make their money. Thats rewarding to give a piece of yourself and see the results. And its not about getting one person to sign up and do all the work so you can profit. Not by any means. Its about helping a number of people to do that within your business, and when they start making money based on your mentorship abilities, everyone shares in the success. Its the most unselfish business system yet, in my opinion. Yet it bugs me that everyone is so skeptical. Almost makes me doubt whether they trust in me and my abilities as well.
And its not like I want everyone to get signed up or something so I can make tons of money. Thats not true because it will take a year at least to get a good business going anyways. Its that I wish I could have all of my closest friends share in this success with me and be able to hang out with them while we are all learning to build our business. That would be awesome to have our own little group dynamic of younger, smart IBOs that attend everything and have our own inside jokes and personal strategies and team meetings, events, parties, etc. And thats what is great about this opportunity. Its not about strict business, its about having fun building the business and meeting new faces who are going to be just as successful as you are. Thats the perfect setting for me. I want to be around winners, ambitious individuals, and people with a heart. And I want all my friends in the like to be there. So I pray that some will open their eyes and at least learn more about what it is. Ya know, give it even a chance, like I did. You don't know what you don't know. Emily is excited with me at least. That's encouraging. This is so much better than a year of going out all the time and getting wasted, a year of drama with people that think they know everything and want to pretend that they are your best friend, or a year with no personal growth. Its exciting to share something like this with your best friend too. Her and I are going to rock it! I just hate to think that Emily and I are going to be making great money one day and our friends will have missed out on the opportunity. Maybe they will catch on when we are making some odd 500 extra a month just doing practically nothing. Who knows...but I know where I'm going. I'll be making 3k a month ON THE SIDE by next december at the latest and still work at RL and still go to school without breaking a sweat. I'm so excited.