This was a wonderful day for me. Once again the sun does shine on me I really feel good about what I am doing. It is the first time in my life that begin a business owner has become primary instead of being secondary. The reality is that I control my own destiny. That is a scary position to be in where you are the captain of your ship the master of your fate. I think it becomes a higher level of faith. I fell like Peter in the Bible who Jesus asked him to walk on the water. My greatest fear is not the water but it is my hope that I don’t loose my focus. That is tough beacuse this is the journey that I must make. This is my season and this is my time. That is what my heart says.
Yesterday, I was having a conversation with a dear friend about what is going on with me . He stated that he had wished he was more like me. That he knew his purpose in life. What I explained to him that he knew his purpose but he just had to do it. I told him don’t be like me. It took me to loose it all to find life. It took God to destroy my comfort zone , for me to begin to look at him for everything. That is a strange place for a person who was three years away from making close to a six figure income. What I explained to him do it now. Do it before he have to risk it all. Do it before the Dr. says you only has months to live. Do it before you only have a year before retirement. I think now is the time for many of us to make a break towards our hearts desires. It is fearful. However when you hear stories of daring American that choose to leave fear and to fulfill purpose there is an inward reward. My Dad always tells me that you should die empty. That you lay it all on the line. The reality that this blog is not about me just selling books, t-shirts, and making money it is about me dying empty. It may seem selfish but this is about me. This is my journey and my purpose. To have the ability to love someone else you have to learn how to love yourself. Loving yourself is also loving the the journey.
I had a hot interview about my new book. Talking what ya want go to www.antoniolove.com
I love celebrations. The laugthers the food and the music. I have to say this weekend I had a wonderful time. So was I disciplined? NO!
This was one of the worst days that I have had this week. I am stressed and depressed. I find myself asking why in the world do I exist? What is my purpose what is my plan? But I soon realize that what I have to give the world is far greater than my present situation. It is only day five and I have falling short. However, I attempt to shake it off and get ready to take the world by storm. It is a struggle but I have learned that I must dust myself off and get ready for a new day. AS I drive in my car with a bag full of candy. I often want to inspire others but the biggest fight is for me to inspire myself. So in short not a good day, better yet a very crappy day. However the sun will rise again.
Some times you have to show that you are still standing. I learned that sometimes the battle is not wither you win or loose it show if you can take the blows and still stand. Yesterday, I went to a meeting that was ran by my former employer. I was challenged by someone to attend the meeting so I did. It is amazing to see people reactions when they have mentally tried to killed you and they see you still standing. They are amazed. As a CEO of my company I have to remind myself that I am a fighter. I have been fighting my whole life. I have learned that sometime when life throws you a blow that regardess if you have won or lost the fight, that you need to stand. This bootcamp is all about standing. It about lacing up your boots to go into the ring to fight. You might get knocked down, you might get a bloody nose, you might even lose but regardless of the situation or the outcome I encourage you to stand.
It is day three of this life changing boot camp and the only thing that I am reminded of is the power that God has. After creating this blog I feel the need to really open up and allow the readers to hear some of the conversations from people that always impart wisdom into my life. Two of the most significant people in my life are my mother and father. They are awesome people. Growing up it was like living with your own personal life coach. I have the type of parents that would have these deep life changing conversations. I often quote them in my books. However , yesterday, my mother sent my an e-mail that really touched my life. This is the message she sent me.
You are an incredible man… an awesome person… a great son. God has always answered my prayers. I am thankful for new mercies each morning… and a chance to leave a legacy for my granddaughter… I am putting pieces together and God will redeem the time. You are in his will… I saw you at the BET awards ceremony. I see you among the stars… a star is only a person with the tenacity to believe the dream that has been put inside of them.
That message meant so much to me. It made me realize that if I keep my tenacity I will be among the stars. That is tough when you feel like giving up. There has been a lot of things that I have been dealing with in the last year, some I will share later, but it is making me into a better man. Many people who have read my blog seems to think that the boot camp that I am on is just something to do. This is not a simple boot camp this is one of many that I have experienced in my life that has utterly change me as a person. It is my belief that at every stage of a persons life there must be another level of disciple that must occur. A buffeting of the body, mind, and spirit. For example, the training that is needed to run a sprint is different than the training that is needed to run a marathon. The training that is needed to run a triathlon is different than running a marathon. Which means that we as individuals must know what race we are training for. I am training for a triathlon, a race where I must be proficient in many dimensions. This is one of the hardest races of my life. So the challenge that is before us all is to know what race are we training for. For some of us we are training just to run again. Some of us are training for a sprint, we need instant quick result. Others many be working and training for a marathon because what you need is the endurance to go the distant. People like me are not only trying to go the distant but we are trying to go the distant in a realm that has multi dimensions. So as you join this boot camp know what race you are training for and train for your own personal race.
Day two of my 6 weeks of transformation has been quite difficult, As I sad on day one I had eating way to man carbohydrates. I decided that I would use day 2 as a carb-cutting day. All I can say is
I WANT SOME CAKE
Really, yesterday all I could think about was that I just needed a slice of cake. I was struggling yesterday. Without the carbohydrates my weight-lifting routine and cardio was a little sluggish. However, I made it through my workout. I still spent most of the day struggling wanting some cake. However I was discipline, kept to the plan. I also rolled out the official Antonio Love Bootcamp T-Shirt, for those who struggle to complete something invest in the t-shirt to remind you of the commitment to transform your life. You can get the shirt at www.antoniolove.com.
Yesterday was very interesting; I learned the power or disciple to commitment to change. It is easy to make resolutions it is common to say tomorrow. It is very difficult to make tomorrow today. I find that many people lack self discipline. They cannot follow though with anything. They say they want to write a book, develop a play, workout, start a business, clean house, and become a better spouse. I often wonder what happens, on of the parable that I learned years ago, you never build a house unless you understand what is needed to complete the projects. If you plan to loose weight you have to be willing to change your diet and workout. Those are key elements. If you plan to have a business you must develop a product or services. The bottom-line is you have to start. I have also learned that sometimes the universe put you in a situation by which you are forced to decide to start. For example, your doctor says if you don’t loose weight you will die. You have the choice to choose life or death. You loose your job, you have put your resume out everywhere, and you are faced with either starving to death or starting your own business. You spouse says that your marriage is falling apart that you as a couple need help, you are forced to choose either get help or get a divorce. What I often find that many of us even when faced with clear chances to change they choose not to start the process of change. I hope that through this 6 weeks bootcamp, you make the decision to start the process of change.
On the business tip, The Summer of Love Tour has just begun. On June 17, 2008 the tour began with my book being previewed on Urban Literacy Review. That was a really hot show. I was at the Juneteenth Celebration in Dayton, OH. I will be on Literary Pizzaazz with my girl Pam Osbey. I will also be on Askherheartbeat.com talking about my books. So we are on the bus and moving forward. I am so excited. I have also had people start signing up with the blog.bloggingwithlove.com and talkingwhatyawant.com. Slowly people are joining the movement. People are seeing the need to transform there lives. That is exciting for me because Antonio Love is more than about products it is a movement. I received a message from MySpace about how to get the books. The best way to get the book is to order it directly form me at www.antoniolove.com. It is also available at amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. You can also find the book also at www.talkingwhatyawant.com. Also more than just purchasing the book it is imperative to join the conversation. Comment and post your ideas about relationships. This week we are talking a look about ruffneck men.
I stated my total life transformation. The first lesson to be learned was the element of truth. The bible state that “Ye Shall know the truth and that truth shall set you free.” We all lie. There are some times that we have to expose ourselves to telling the truth. June 23 was a day that I had to let the truth be known not only for myself but for also those individuals that are around you. The motto of Antonio Love is to Love, Express, Inspire, and Live Free. I how can we really love, express, inspire and live free if we don’t live in the light of truth. June 23 was my day of coming face to face with truth. I want to become through this company as the CEO free. Lies only becomes walls and deceit becomes prisons.
I had a wonderful workout 1 hour of cardio and did a tremendous leg workout, only to have to go to Olive Garden to celebrate a birthday. So on June 24, 2008 starts my body transformation. I am just kidding. I will just have a day that I will cut carbohydrates. I was also surprised that many people have also joined my cause for transformation. If you join my 6 week program let me know so we can encourage each other. Everyone has room to change.
Yesterday, I posted a blog about Ruffneck Males. This week I am focusing on why women like those type of men. I cam up with this idea because one of my best friends told me that she wanted to hear read more personal stories of women who dated the men that I describe in the book. So tell us your story it may be in the next book give. Go to www.talkingwhatyawant.com. I have to say that this is a really hot site. I have totally develop a website for my new book you can blog, chat, and comment. I am very excited. If you have not got my new book you are really missing a treat. This is what one woman had to say.
“Ok. I just completed the test and the book and test has made me realize that I really NEED to be for certain about the type of man I want in my life. This was an eye opener for me – I have been slam dunked. This was a journey from adolescent to adulthood for me.”
So join the movement. Go to blog.bloggingwithlove.com to join the 6 week transformation and go to talkingwhatyawant.com to join the conversations. Anyway it goes Love, Express, Inspire, and Live Free. You can purcahase the offical Antonio Love Bootcamp T-Shirt at www.antoniolove.com
We Fear African American Love
Antonio Love ©2008
I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
– Frank Herbert, Dune. Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear.
We can never become free as long as we fear. Over 200 years of bondage we as a people have endure some of the harshest treatment known to mankind but it appears that we still maintain to be in bondage to our own fears. Our fears have become our own shackles that have made use slaves in an environment of freedom. I understand that people of color have to deal with issues of stereotypes and prejudices, but that does not negate the fact that as a culture we are program to be a people of fear. For example, black men fear strong black women. I have found that some, but not all African American men choose not to date African American Women, because of the perceived attitude that black women have. I have also found that Black women fear black men. They are train not to trust black men. Throughout our culture black women are taught that African American men are not responsible, supportive, and will not be there when things get bad. As a result of this fear African American women live with impenetrable walls of mistrust, because of the uncertainly of the stability of African American men. This fear has been our community mind-killers. It has become the issues that we fear not to face. We as a community never have dialogue about relationships. We only talk about the sexes, women talk about what African American Men are not doing, and African American Men talk about the issues that they have with dating black women but that conversation is never dialogue. The circle just continues over and over. We never get to the point were we have dialogue about what each sex needs and how do we fulfill each others desire and what happen is that we procreate but we never establish relationships. We live together but we never develop homes. It is that fear that has brought death to our community. It is my belief that if you can develop people you can develop homes. If you can develop homes you can develop communities. If you can develop communities you can develop churches/religious intuitions. If you can develop churches/religious intuitions you can develop governments. If you can develop governments you can develop a nation. It is apparent that African American has attempted this process in reverse. I often question how we can establish ourselves as a nation of people when we cannot establish ourselves? How can we as a people develop communities when we cannot establish homes and families? Just think about it we still have issues with skin complexion. Good Hair vs. Bad hair. The list goes on. How many African American have stable homes?
That is the reason I started my company, we have a mission to develop people. That is the reason I wrote the book Talking What Ya Want , Getting What Ya Want: A Conversation With Women which comes out this June. The first thing that I want to do is to emphasize that Black love is alive and well. It just needs to be nurtured. I spent months interviewing sistas for this project, discussing in detail their wants, needs, desires, concerns and frustrations when it comes to building relationships with brothers. Why? I needed to know. Unlike a lot of men that write about relationships I did not assume that I knew the answer. What I learned from those conversations gave me an inside perspective so intimate and endearing that, up until now, the thoughts have usually been shared only between circles of women. It was really hard to do, but I just listened. This book takes a hard-line look at the issues surrounding African-American love and commitment like never before. This book is my way of dealing with the fear that we as a community have in dealing with love and relationships. It is a book that we all need to read. So on June 3, 2008 go to you local bookstore and order a copy of the books Talking What Ya Want , Getting What Ya Want: A Conversation With Women. Or you can order the book from my MySpace page. But still order the book to make sure they carry the book.
www.antoniolove.com
blog.bloggingwithlove.com
www.myspace.com/antoniolove
www.empoweringlifeinternational.com
First Love and Friend
Antonio Love
(c)2008
She was the daughter of a Black Panther
Conceived as passionate harmonies and rhythms
Became orgasmic
Her soul was classic
I was totally captivated with her blackness
She had this bottom that was as heavy as bass
Being pumped out of 15inch speakers
When we used to go out she used to play with me
Get me to the point where I used to scream that is my shit
Her very essence was chocolate
Her lips were melodic.
We were going to take this world together
She was my best friend in middle school
She taught me how to dance.
She was my girl in high school
We used to study together
She taught me about love, romance, Afrocentism, and religion
In college she was my first love
Taught me how hustle, get my grind on, and shine
With every year she became more fine
Her natural essence her beauty became twisted
She was no longer happy with being black she wanted to be a bitch
She traded me her fist love to get rich
instead of following God’s Truth she herself became a religion
Started to sleep with niggas straight out of prison
Told young black men she was the answer to the white man cancer
She was no longer captivated by the educated she was a hoe for dough.
I tried to talk to her but she would not listen
I could see her convictions
She started to disfigure her face to hide her addictions.
I just wanted her to come home, to be with me to start a family to make home
She was convinced that I was wrong.
She believed that other people cared more about her than me.
So she kept providing services for men who hated her
Some even raped her
Now she is sick trickin for 99 cent to pay rent.
Doing anything to get on
She was about 30 skin and bones
Her classic style became plastic
Because of the surgery that she had to stay young
Her lips were black
Her arms were had scars
I asked how she was doing she said fine
I said I been knowing you my whole life I know you are lying
The doctor says you are dying
Infected with AIDS
Why are you still sleeping with everyone in the community?
Just to get paid
Damn Hip-Hop
www. antoniolove. com
blog. bloggingwithlove. com
www. myspace. com/antoniolove
Who You be
Antonio Love
© 2008
Carmel Coated
When she walked she woe it
Fine a wine
Her swag was poetic
I could not help it
One Click
Flip though Pic
I only could imagine
The life we could be havin
To sacred to ask what you name
What is your sign?
She was fine
Like a kid again
Writing lines with end rhyme
She was a dime
Can I spend some time?
Getting to know you
You been hurt but let me show you
I have a plan
Need to be you man
Take you away from harm
Take your had lace it with a charm
These words are so elementary
But if you be with me you never have to check boxes
I will only write love letters
When I have it you can have all my cheddar
I know it sound silly but I will run your bath water
Cook you Italian dishes for starters
Pour red wine in crystal glass
While we watch candles as the time passes
Then you ask this question of me
Who I be?
Just a man that asked you to be my friend on MySpace.