What do YOU want?

Good Morning Subscribers,

People will always tell you what you should do and where you should go, but until you decide what it is that YOU want to do and dedicate yourself to that goal, success will elude you. Remember true success is self-defined; success is not when everyone else acknowledges your accomplishments. True success is when you have that feeling of fulfillment and you can look yourself in the mirror and be proud.

You must do for yourself! You may use others as a catalyst to give you the drive to push through the hard times, but at the end of it all when the sun goes down and the lights go out it is just you and God. God will always love you, just make sure that you love yourself.

- Jean Claude (J.C.) Louis-Charles III

Capturing Optimism

Everlasting happiness is something that we all aspire to achieve. It's the little glimpses of happiness that we see that keeps us motivated during the rough times in our lives. However, very few have learned to master the technique of taking those glimpses and bringing them into the light. Often we let the negativity and or rough hurdles that we're facing take control of our day which can lead us to only seeing what's in front of us at that current moment. 

We must remember that during these times of adversity, we must remain optimistic. Being optimistic towards any situation that you face in with in life will keep you away from stress, anxiety, and fear. Once you begin to make optimism or even positivity a lifestyle, you will be able to master control of your happiness. Those little glimpses of happiness that you see during the rough times will begin to naturally gravitate to the light and push that negativity out the way! Reminding yourself that your current situation(s) will not last forever, that you have all the strength to battle through any challenge, and that eventually you'll have your everlasting happiness will keep you uplifted. 

Once you begin to understand that life is meant to challenge you and mold you into a greater person, you'll soon accept any and every challenge that comes your way each day. Eventually, you'll wake up every morning, look at your day with the utmost confidence and say to yourself, "BRING IT!"

Guest Creative Writer, Jonathan Sims

What's Your Why?

When you wake up in the morning – What drives you? Why do you continue to do what you do? Why do you put in all those late nights and early mornings?
 
Your why might be for your family. It could be for a better life, the satisfaction of helping or inspiring others or buying a new home or car. Whatever your why may be, continue to hold on to it, and never let it go no matter what the world may throw at you.
 
Knowing and recognizing your why will be the driving force that you will need to keep you focused through times of adversity. Every time I begin to question a tough task or even face a disappointment, I consistently remind myself as to why I started it in the first place. Many times, we begin to think more about the frustration of the actual task more than remembering our purpose for starting the undertaking in the first place. Recognizing your purpose and understanding your why will give you the grit that is needed to sustain your motivation.
 
Keep asking yourself the why questions: why am I doing this? What’s my goal? What’s my purpose? Will the result benefit me or someone else? These are critical questions that we must continue to ask ourselves to give us the encouragement that we need to overcome tough challenges. Is your why to become a successful business owner? Is your why to graduate? Is your why to inspire the next generation behind you? Is your why to encourage or inspire your little brothers or sisters? Is your why to make your parents proud? Is your why to help your community? Is your why for your son or daughter?
 
Whatever your why may be, do everything in your power to never let it go! Your why may be the very life vest that will keep you afloat when faced with rejection, disappointment, and failure. Keep grinding, maintain your tunnel vision, and continue to remember your why.
 

-CS

Love Yourz

It’s been quite a while since I last used a song to facilitate a positive message to each of you. The previous reference was titled Harlem Shakin’ Through The Pressure, and it was about how to dance your way through times of adversity. Thank you, Drake and Future. Inspiration can really be found anywhere. 

This week will be a little different as it will focus on a popular hip-hop artist named J. Cole, specifically his “Love Yourz” track. In this song, J. Cole highlights the importance of being grateful and living your life as if nothing was missing. One of my favorite parts of this song is the hook, which says there is "No such thing as a life that's better than yours". The digital age has completely changed our daily lives as we now have the ability to peek into anyone’s life every second of the day. As humans, we naturally try to find similarities and differences with anybody that we meet or know. Because of numerous social media platforms and our fundamental human nature, unfortunately, this leaves room for many of us to compare ourselves to everyone around us (friends, family, coworkers, etc.). Accomplishments, appearances, and even personality traits are all examples. We all do it, it’s honestly hard not to, but you must continually remind yourself that your life is a blessing just the way it is now.

The moment you start acting like your life is a blessing and truly appreciating everything in it, is the moment it starts to feel like one. If you don’t love your life, your life will not love you back. No matter what you think you want or need, your life will never be enough until you start to appreciate what you have now. Remind yourself to focus on the blessings in life to intensify your sense of gratitude. Doing this will virtually continue to remind yourself of everything that’s amazing in your life, as oppose to things that are “missing.” Just like J. Cole, make sure you Love Yourz.

Love your family. Love your friends. Love the ups. Love the downs and remember to enjoy the journey of life.

-Chazz Scott

Growing Through Life

This week our own Nucleus team member, Shayma Sulaiman, will share this week's message:

When I am ________ years old I want to have this goal accomplished.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to be at a certain place in life by a specific age. Goals are important and you have to set them in order to attain something of greater value. Rarely does anyone achieve greatness without putting in work. Just be aware if it doesn't happen by that specific age DO NOT lose faith and give up. Try, try, and try again. Everyone has their own path it may not be exactly the same as the person next to you, and that's ok. There's only one you so put your best foot forward and never give up. Small steps are key when you have a goal to reach.

Don't get stuck in a rut of simply going through life. Seek new experiences, instill in your mind that you want to seek a new adventure at least once a week. Whether it be trying a new restaurant, getting involved in a local organization or joining a local kickball team you must put yourself out there. Also, never get discouraged and always use a set back as a set up for a comeback and grow through life!

Have you found your purpose in life? If not, keep seeking your purpose. I leave you with this powerful quote below:

If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.

-Thomas Jefferson

By: Shayma Sulaiman