“The Power Of Just Showing Up"
Hey family,
I traveled to New York this weekend to partake in the Harlem Book Festival. While my hopes of coming home with plenty of book sales and great pics of the city were dashed by moderate sales and my underground train ride on the 3 train (or whatever New Yorkers call that train with the #3 in a red circle), I can at least say that I rode underneath of Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Central Park and the world famous Apollo Theater! LOL.
Even though I didn't sell as many books as I had hoped, I did meet some very prominent movers and shakers in the book industry that I wouldn't have otherwise met. Book buyers from Border's Bookstore, independent bookstores, talk shows and magazines, Long Island and Brooklyn Public Libraries and even “the other hu”, Howard University were very interested in getting my books to their respective markets.
That got me to thinking about the “Power of just showing up.” I'm sure we have all fallen victim at one time or another of either going somewhere and not having our expectations met or promising someone that we would show up and then not going. It's easy to miss or overlook the blessings of just showing up since sometimes the benefits of showing up aren’t so easily visible.
Many times our well thought out plans are trumped by God's perfect plan so we must always position ourselves to receive what ever it is that HE has planned for us. Sure I didn’t sellout my inventory on Saturday but I met people who could potentially lead to 100 times the sales I would have made on Saturday.
I also want to thank two of HU’s finest, Janelle and Mike (sorry I missed you bruh!) for just showing up on Saturday. Sometimes just showing up to support someone else’s dreams is the biggest thing you could do. So before you get too busy to “just show up” at your friend’s CD release or your nephew’s piano recital, remember that the success of someone else’s dream could very well depend on you just showing up and being a familiar face in the crowd.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Monday Motivational Minute: I Believe That Children Are The Future
It's my favorite day of the week! Just kidding. Actually, Thursday is my favorite day of the week. I'm not sure why, but I have always been a fan of Thursdays. Go figure. Anyway...on to the motivation. LOL
"I Believe That Children Are The Future"
Today I attended my son's kindergarten graduation and while it was full of your normal elementary school follies like funny songs, group poems and kids reading like robots, the one thing that made it so special was that my son was the only 5 year old in the group of 6 year old classmates.
My son is pretty brilliant (definitely gets that from my side of the family. lol) so we started his schooling a year early and got him accepted into the kidergarten at 4 instead of waiting another year for him to turn five. Although he was the youngest kid in the class, he excelled beyond most of the older kids and has been reading at a first grade level all year.
Surely tooting my son's horn is not going to motivate you this Monday but perhaps this lesson will. What if my wife and I would have accepted the school system's limitations and low expectations put on 4 year old that says they are not ready for kindergarten and aren't smart enough to count to 100? If we accepted that, then my son would have never been given the chance to excel the way he has and would actually be losing ground instead of gaining it.
What limitations have you accepted in your life simply because someone told you that you weren't ready? Is it really necessary to have 5-7 years experience to be effective in your dream job or did you just acept that as truth?
What if Bill Gates accepted the thought that he had to have a college degree to be successful?
What if Oprah Winfrey accepted the thought that no one would want to watch, let alone listen to, a fat ugly black woman on TV?
What if Barack Obama accepted the thought that America is not ready for a black president?
Everything we need to be successful is already in us. Sometimes, just like my son, we just need to be pushed and believe that we are good enough and smart enough to compete with everyone else. As a child, we are only born with two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. So where did all the rest of this junk we're afraid of come from? Probably from other people.
Well I want to challenge you this Monday to take that fear and "Return to Sender." Push yourself to achieve more than you're "supposed" to and get the success that belongs to you.
Be Blessed,
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
"I Believe That Children Are The Future"
Today I attended my son's kindergarten graduation and while it was full of your normal elementary school follies like funny songs, group poems and kids reading like robots, the one thing that made it so special was that my son was the only 5 year old in the group of 6 year old classmates.
My son is pretty brilliant (definitely gets that from my side of the family. lol) so we started his schooling a year early and got him accepted into the kidergarten at 4 instead of waiting another year for him to turn five. Although he was the youngest kid in the class, he excelled beyond most of the older kids and has been reading at a first grade level all year.
Surely tooting my son's horn is not going to motivate you this Monday but perhaps this lesson will. What if my wife and I would have accepted the school system's limitations and low expectations put on 4 year old that says they are not ready for kindergarten and aren't smart enough to count to 100? If we accepted that, then my son would have never been given the chance to excel the way he has and would actually be losing ground instead of gaining it.
What limitations have you accepted in your life simply because someone told you that you weren't ready? Is it really necessary to have 5-7 years experience to be effective in your dream job or did you just acept that as truth?
What if Bill Gates accepted the thought that he had to have a college degree to be successful?
What if Oprah Winfrey accepted the thought that no one would want to watch, let alone listen to, a fat ugly black woman on TV?
What if Barack Obama accepted the thought that America is not ready for a black president?
Everything we need to be successful is already in us. Sometimes, just like my son, we just need to be pushed and believe that we are good enough and smart enough to compete with everyone else. As a child, we are only born with two fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. So where did all the rest of this junk we're afraid of come from? Probably from other people.
Well I want to challenge you this Monday to take that fear and "Return to Sender." Push yourself to achieve more than you're "supposed" to and get the success that belongs to you.
Be Blessed,
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday Motivational Minute: It Only Takes A Minute
It's that time again... The Monday Motivational Minute!
I know, I know, I missed the last couple of weeks but thanks to my big sis Leann (still on her job after 14 years!) I am back.
"It Only Takes A Minute"
Remember when life was simple? Remember when we could count on our parents to fix all the hardships and headaces in our lives? Remember when the Registrar said your student loan hadn't been applied to your account and you couldn't register and somehow mom and dad fixed it? Do you remember the day you woke up and realized that YOU were the parent now and you had to fix your own problems?
If your life is anything like mine then I'm sure you have been thrown a curveball a time or two. Something that comes out of nowhere and totally knocks you off your rocker. Something so big that makes you ball up into your own cocoon and say "the heck with everyone else i got my own problems to deal with."
Martin Luther King said, you find out the true character of a man not when times are good but during times of adversity. It is when your back is against the wall that you really find out what you are made of. Will you run and hide or will you stand and fight?
It only takes a minute to make a difference in a life
It only takes a minute to sow a positive seed into someone else's life
It only takes a minute to forget about your own problems and help someone else with theirs.
It only takes a minute to remember that someone else is always counting on you to keep pushing so that they may be inspired to keep pushing themselves whether you know it or not.
The next time you want to quit or have a pity party for yourself, take a minute to think about all those who look to you for their own inspiration. Focus on pouring into the lives of others and your life will get much better much faster. It only takes a minute.
"When cares are pressing you down a bit, rest if you must but don't you dare quit"
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
I know, I know, I missed the last couple of weeks but thanks to my big sis Leann (still on her job after 14 years!) I am back.
"It Only Takes A Minute"
Remember when life was simple? Remember when we could count on our parents to fix all the hardships and headaces in our lives? Remember when the Registrar said your student loan hadn't been applied to your account and you couldn't register and somehow mom and dad fixed it? Do you remember the day you woke up and realized that YOU were the parent now and you had to fix your own problems?
If your life is anything like mine then I'm sure you have been thrown a curveball a time or two. Something that comes out of nowhere and totally knocks you off your rocker. Something so big that makes you ball up into your own cocoon and say "the heck with everyone else i got my own problems to deal with."
Martin Luther King said, you find out the true character of a man not when times are good but during times of adversity. It is when your back is against the wall that you really find out what you are made of. Will you run and hide or will you stand and fight?
It only takes a minute to make a difference in a life
It only takes a minute to sow a positive seed into someone else's life
It only takes a minute to forget about your own problems and help someone else with theirs.
It only takes a minute to remember that someone else is always counting on you to keep pushing so that they may be inspired to keep pushing themselves whether you know it or not.
The next time you want to quit or have a pity party for yourself, take a minute to think about all those who look to you for their own inspiration. Focus on pouring into the lives of others and your life will get much better much faster. It only takes a minute.
"When cares are pressing you down a bit, rest if you must but don't you dare quit"
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday Motivational Minute: "It's OUR Time!"
Happy Monday Friends! You know what time it is so I hope this week's message finds you in good health and gives you that extra push to make this week count!
"It's OUR Time!"
While I would never consider myself a Michael Eric Dyson or a Cornell West, I do have very strong feelings about being black in America. The media and politicians would try to make us believe that everything is OK now, and Blacks are crazy and anti-american for being upset and speaking out about the injustices we see.
From Hurrican Katrina, to The Jena 6, to "Jeremiah Wright-gate" to the Sean Bell Verdict to most recently the remarks by DNC Chariman Howard Dean that "One of the presidential candidates should drop out of the presidential race by June for the sake of the party.", blacks have repeatedly been ignored and had our rights stolen and our voice muted.
I wonder which candidate Howard Dean had in mind? It's hard for me to believe that if Barack Obama were the candidate trailing by an insurmountable number of votes and delegates that Dean (and others) would not be calling Obama out by name to drop out of the race. In my eyes, this is shaping up to become the biggest crime against democracy in the history of the US (yes, even bigger than the 2000 election).
So what can WE do about it? Well of course we can scream from the mountain tops and stage protests, rallies and boycotts, but we can also do more. WE can get involved and become the change we want to see! Let's face it, most of us are between 28-45 and we are still riding on the coat tails of the generations of 65-80 year olds who fought before us, FOR us.
I know it sounds cliche' but the torch has been passed but WE have not taken it and ran with it. It's OUR time to be the voice of change! It's OUR time to fight for what's right! It's OUR time to sacrifice today for our future generations! It's OUR time to run for office, lead organizations, take back our communities and set OUR course instead of just trying to fit into someone else's course!
I challenge you this week to determine a way that you can get involved politically and socially in order to make difference year round and not just on election day. Wearing an Obama T-shirt (or whomever you support) is not enough, WE must go from "t-shirt wearer" to "torch bearer" (hey, i like that. lol)
Be Blessed,
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
"It's OUR Time!"
While I would never consider myself a Michael Eric Dyson or a Cornell West, I do have very strong feelings about being black in America. The media and politicians would try to make us believe that everything is OK now, and Blacks are crazy and anti-american for being upset and speaking out about the injustices we see.
From Hurrican Katrina, to The Jena 6, to "Jeremiah Wright-gate" to the Sean Bell Verdict to most recently the remarks by DNC Chariman Howard Dean that "One of the presidential candidates should drop out of the presidential race by June for the sake of the party.", blacks have repeatedly been ignored and had our rights stolen and our voice muted.
I wonder which candidate Howard Dean had in mind? It's hard for me to believe that if Barack Obama were the candidate trailing by an insurmountable number of votes and delegates that Dean (and others) would not be calling Obama out by name to drop out of the race. In my eyes, this is shaping up to become the biggest crime against democracy in the history of the US (yes, even bigger than the 2000 election).
So what can WE do about it? Well of course we can scream from the mountain tops and stage protests, rallies and boycotts, but we can also do more. WE can get involved and become the change we want to see! Let's face it, most of us are between 28-45 and we are still riding on the coat tails of the generations of 65-80 year olds who fought before us, FOR us.
I know it sounds cliche' but the torch has been passed but WE have not taken it and ran with it. It's OUR time to be the voice of change! It's OUR time to fight for what's right! It's OUR time to sacrifice today for our future generations! It's OUR time to run for office, lead organizations, take back our communities and set OUR course instead of just trying to fit into someone else's course!
I challenge you this week to determine a way that you can get involved politically and socially in order to make difference year round and not just on election day. Wearing an Obama T-shirt (or whomever you support) is not enough, WE must go from "t-shirt wearer" to "torch bearer" (hey, i like that. lol)
Be Blessed,
Ryan
www.ryancgreene.com
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday Motivational Minute: "Can You Hear Me Now?"
It's Monday again and you now what that means. Time for this week's Motivational Minute. I want to welcome all my new friends whom I've found since last Monday and I wish you all the best for another blessed and prosperous week.
"Can You Hear Me Now"
Has anyone ever told you "I can't hear what you're saying because your actions are speaking too loud"? Do you know someone who always knows the right things to say but when it's time for action they fall short?
This week I want you to focus on the words you use and the promises you make to others. I want to chalenge you to DO what you say you are going to do. If you tell someone you'll call them back in 20 minutes, then call them back in 20 minutes. If you promised someone you would help them move, clean or watch their kids then DO it. If you said you were going to start losing weight this week, then DO it.
You never know how much your words and promises may mean to those whom you make them. Choose your words wisely and only say it if you really mean it and plan to DO it. The old saying goes "Actions speak louder than words" so if your actions don't back up your words, eventually people will stop listening.
"Can You Hear Me Now"
Has anyone ever told you "I can't hear what you're saying because your actions are speaking too loud"? Do you know someone who always knows the right things to say but when it's time for action they fall short?
This week I want you to focus on the words you use and the promises you make to others. I want to chalenge you to DO what you say you are going to do. If you tell someone you'll call them back in 20 minutes, then call them back in 20 minutes. If you promised someone you would help them move, clean or watch their kids then DO it. If you said you were going to start losing weight this week, then DO it.
You never know how much your words and promises may mean to those whom you make them. Choose your words wisely and only say it if you really mean it and plan to DO it. The old saying goes "Actions speak louder than words" so if your actions don't back up your words, eventually people will stop listening.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday Motivational Minute: "Are You A Legend?"
Due to the overwhelming positive responses from last Monday's message, I've decided to make the "Monday Motivational Minute" an ongoing thing. Hopefully this little "pick-me-up" will help you start your week on a positive and purposeful note.
"Are You A Legend?"
Throughout the week I have had many laughs at the conversations in the "HU Legends" group on Roundup (Thanks Rassi ;-). Some true legends have joined the group and some not so legendary people have also snuck in. LOL. This got me to thinking about my own LEGACY. Not just at Hampton but in all aspects of my life.
I define legacy as the impact, imprint and impression one leaves on history and the generations that follows him/her. What will people say about you and your work long after you are gone? How many legendary people will you help to create? What will people 50 years from now be thanking you for doing today?
As Hamptonians we are part of a rich legacy that has been passed down through generations. From the Emancipation Oak to Ogden Circle to the Memorial Chapel to Booker T Washington, we understand how important those who came before us were to our success.
My challenge to you for this week is to understand how important YOU are to the success of others around you. Understand that if you quit on yourself or give up on your dreams then you are quitting on your legacy and those who stand to be impacted by your legend. Legends don't live their lives trying to become legends. They live their lives trying to help as many people as possible become legends. Don't strive to be the Legend, strive to be the Legend Maker!
How will you build your legacy this week?
Be Blessed,
Ryan
"Are You A Legend?"
Throughout the week I have had many laughs at the conversations in the "HU Legends" group on Roundup (Thanks Rassi ;-). Some true legends have joined the group and some not so legendary people have also snuck in. LOL. This got me to thinking about my own LEGACY. Not just at Hampton but in all aspects of my life.
I define legacy as the impact, imprint and impression one leaves on history and the generations that follows him/her. What will people say about you and your work long after you are gone? How many legendary people will you help to create? What will people 50 years from now be thanking you for doing today?
As Hamptonians we are part of a rich legacy that has been passed down through generations. From the Emancipation Oak to Ogden Circle to the Memorial Chapel to Booker T Washington, we understand how important those who came before us were to our success.
My challenge to you for this week is to understand how important YOU are to the success of others around you. Understand that if you quit on yourself or give up on your dreams then you are quitting on your legacy and those who stand to be impacted by your legend. Legends don't live their lives trying to become legends. They live their lives trying to help as many people as possible become legends. Don't strive to be the Legend, strive to be the Legend Maker!
How will you build your legacy this week?
Be Blessed,
Ryan
Friday, April 11, 2008
Intoducing the "Monday Motivational Minute"
I began this motivational email with a group of alumni from Hampton University and the response was so great that I decided to post it to my public blog as well. It's called the Motivational Minute because it is short and to the point and should only take you a minute to read it. What better way to fuel your mind for a tough week ahead of you? So beginning next Monday, I will post the "Monday Motivational Minute" right here on my blog every week. If you like what you read then take a minute to respond and leave a comment. Here is last week's message:
"Do You"
I want to challenge you this week to take that
dream you tucked away in the back of your mind and
pull it out to the forefront of your thoughts.
Dust it off, shake away the excuses you used to
convince yourself that now is not the time to
pursue your passion, and take ONE action this week
toward YOUR DREAM!
Write one page for your best selling book, apply
to that post graduate school, record one song for
your platinum cd, file the paperwork to start your
new business, call that special someone whom you
can't get off your mind! Whatever it is for you,
>DO IT this week! Success does not happen in a day,
t happens daily! Start moving toward your dreams
one day at a time.
"Do You"
I want to challenge you this week to take that
dream you tucked away in the back of your mind and
pull it out to the forefront of your thoughts.
Dust it off, shake away the excuses you used to
convince yourself that now is not the time to
pursue your passion, and take ONE action this week
toward YOUR DREAM!
Write one page for your best selling book, apply
to that post graduate school, record one song for
your platinum cd, file the paperwork to start your
new business, call that special someone whom you
can't get off your mind! Whatever it is for you,
>DO IT this week! Success does not happen in a day,
t happens daily! Start moving toward your dreams
one day at a time.
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