Barack Obama: 5 Lessons You Taught Me

Aloha!

Half way through the week & it's #WednesdayWisdom

This post has been a long long time coming, in fact when I started blogging in April 2016, I promised that I would do a post on Barack Obama. Now with the Medal of Freedom Ceremony & Trump being elected as the 45th US President. It feels only fair I feature my favorite President of all.

I know, I know Bold statement. Well I'm a pretty bold guy.

"But how can you say that when there have been so many Greats before him?"~ You may ask.
Some that fought wars, some that won wars, some that ended slavery, some that built economic hubs of prosperity. Well it's simple really, even in the face of all of that Barack Obama comes out ahead because he's been President within my life time and I got to experience his awesomeness as I grew up.
He's the first black president
His speeches are both uplifting and extraordinarily invigorating as opposed to every other politician I've ever heard talking...

Barack Hussein Obama II 

(US ⁱ/bəˈrɑːk huːˈseɪn oʊˈbɑːmə/; born August 4, 1961) is an American politician who is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office and the first president born outside the continental United States. In foreign policy, Obama ended U.S. military involvement in the Iraq War





5 Lessons Barack Obama Taught Me

5. Pusha, Pressa, Phanda!

"The future rewards those who press on. I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. I don't have time to complain. I'm going to press on."~Barack Obama

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress."~Barack Obama

If you read my post from Monday:

How to OverCome Self-Doubt: A New Perspective to 6 Tips

Then Barack certainly testifies to it today. The ONLY way through is... Through! Action causes reaction. If you're down and out, miserable and stressed, sad and lonely~ Just get up and get moving. Do something, anything to keep yourself moving forward. 

4. Equality for All

“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal, as well.”~Barack Obama

Welcome to the 21st Century everyone.
What society finds acceptable is constantly changing and reshaping. By that I mean decades ago, free black men were almost unheard of and slavery ran rampant. NOW, slavery is unacceptable and free black men are everywhere. Do you see what I mean? What is Right will always be Right. Whether now or 20 years from now.

Another perspective is that kids are our future, they are entirely the immense potential our species has. So in saying that, why would we teach them anything else but that Everyone is Equal. In every which way that matters. Race, skin color, sexual orientation, culture.

3. Destiny's Child

"Our destiny is not written for us but by us."~Barack Obama

"The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something."~Barack Obama

When we were younger & even now the people around us tend to Tell us at every corner what our destinies are. What we are meant to do with our lives. What's the best option for us.

Hobbledegoop! It's much easier for someone to judge your life than their own and I'm sure many of us are guilty of this too. Sometimes it just flows through us.

When in reality, No One and I mean NO ONE can chose your path but You.
If you read Barack's background you would never in a million years say that he would end up as president, in fact you'd probably laugh, hysterically. but just look at the guy now. Even though the commonality in society wouldn't even believe he could get a law degree let alone become president. We determine our destiny, end of story. 

2. Obama Out

''If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility. Greatest weakness, it's possible that I'm a little too awesome.''~Barack Obama

“It’s like I was shot out of a cannon. I’m so overexposed that I make Paris Hilton look like a recluse.”~Barack Obama

Hahaha! Seriously there is No one on the planet that has been more original of a President than Barack Obama has!
I mean if you look back at the previous presidents, even Trump...they all have similiar characteristics you know... That serious face, all business no play. It's like they are all about the next mission...
And here this dude comes along and blows the benchmark right out the water!
Not only does he do the Superman pose which earns him my Superman fandom Salute!
The guy dances on the Ellen Degeneres show
Then at the Correspondents dinner he ends his speech with two words that No Doubt Broke the internet: "Obama Out"
and Literally Dropped the Mic!!!!
I am simply in awe of how amazing Obama is.

****

President Obama Drops Microphone on Floor at White House Correspondents' Dinner 2016

View the FULL SPEECH by clicking Here


Barack Obama Dancing On Ellen Show - 2007 Classic

1. YES We Can!

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."~Barack Obama

Probably one of the most powerful statements/quotes ever emblazoned across the world. So simple yet so overlooked and so incredibly clever of him. While every other presidential candidate kept telling the world how They would change things for the better.

The wise Obama-sensei instead talked about how WE can change things for the better. He knew the best successes are achieved by team work and in the support of others.

Because when we help others get what they want we automatically get what we want. 

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just our nation's highest civilian honor - it's a tribute to the idea that all of us, no matter where we come from, have the opportunity to change this country for the better. From scientists, philanthropists, and public servants to activists, athletes, and artists, these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way."~Barack Obama

"Just keep swimming": An emotional Ellen DeGeneres held back tears as she stood next to President Obama and received the highest civilian honor given by The White House, the Medal of Freedom.

READ: Ellen Degeneres - 5 Lessons You Taught Me

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

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~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Nelson Mandela - 5 Lessons You Taught Me

How could I ever forget you?

How could I ever not honor you?

Nelson Mandela has been a positive force in my life for as long as I can remember. He wasn't just a president, in fact, he transcended the position. He was a singular entity of sheer willpower that I will never forget. In my darkest moments, he has been there. In my surest moments, he was there.

Here are the 5 Lessons that he taught me:

1. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Education can be defined as two things, systematic instruction or an enlightening experience. Whichever way you do define it, Knowledge is Not power but the application of knowledge IS. Don't just learn something for the sake of learning it, find a way to apply what you know.

2. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

Do not be ignorant in your confidence or forget that we are all human, EVERYONE feels fear. Remain humble even when you do conquer.

When Oprah was reminiscing she told us about a backstage story involving Nelson. He was there for his first Iconic interview with her and he asked if he could meet the other guests of the show that day. When they told him that he was the only one, he was shocked to hear that the entire show was going to be about him. Now that's humble.

3. It always seems impossible until it's done.

Possibly my Favorite lesson! Going to tell you a story: A while back the world's strongest man was Sergei and for the longest time the most he could power lift was 600. Because he was so conditioned to believe that 600 was all he could lift. In his mind, body & soul, that is all he could lift but one day his trainers hatched a daring plan. Instead of his usual daily lift of 600, they put on 602. Now because of Sergei's belief, he lifted it! "Sergei! Sergei! Do yvou know vhat yvou've just done?!" They shouted. Ofcourse after that someone did 605, then someone else did 610 and so on and so on. 

Mount Everest must've seemed insurmountable until someone dared enough to do it and then how many have conquered it now? Hundreds. 

4. For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.

We rise by lifting others. Do you really want to reach the top, clawing, kicking and screaming against all the others? Or would you rather find like minded individuals that her positive and empowering to share in your journey? I promise you have someone to share your dreams, fears, thoughts and ideas with is a truly magical experience. 

That being said, living a life in service to mankind and the betterment of this world, the only world we have is a beautiful purpose to have.

5. There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

Where would we be if Nelson hadn't risked it all for the freedom of his people?
Can you imagine your children or you not knowing the True Wonder of Harry Potter had JK Rowling settled for the life society deemed fit for her?
What if Barack Obama settled for a quiet life in the suburbs or the doubt that "a black man could never be president of America"?
Dream Big. Take Massive Action.

#MandelaObama
Obama is in town to honor Mandela! 2018
Check out his lessons here:

Barack Obama: 5 Lessons You Taught Me

Bonus Lesson: 

In closing I'm going to leave you with an Infamous quote that Nelson is often mistaken for being the orignator of, it's by Marianne Williamson from her book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres

Life Lessons of a College Dropout

Inspire. Create. Write.TM

A father kneeled before his son. He gently stroked the boy’s hair and smiled at him with pride.

“You are such a good boy.”

The son nodded his head, hungry for his father’s praise. He looked up to him, this strong omniscient man. The child adored him. He would do everything for his father’s approval.

“Don’t be like that no good friend of yours, you hear? He only roams around doing nothing. He will never amount to anything! But you. You will go places! You will become a distinguished lawyer and earn tons of money.”

Again, the boy nodded eagerly and ran into his room. He had to study. He had to prove to his father that he is worthy of his love.

Years passed and both the boy and his no good friend went to college. The boy exceeded and made his father even prouder. But his friend struggled and eventually had to drop out of college.

“See? My father was right! He really is no good,” he snorted haughtily.

Even more, years passed and the boy, now a young man and a distinguished lawyer is sitting on a bench in a park. He is eating a stale sandwich, but he doesn’t notice it. He is glaring into the distance. An empty look in his eyes brings to light a painful truth. He is not happy. He doesn’t like what he does for his living; he doesn’t like how he lives. He doesn’t like who he is. In reality, he doesn’t even know who he is!

A pigeon flies over his head and sits on a branch above him. It coos and discretely poops on his shoulder. The last straw! The man starts to cry unstoppably.

He is always working, never taking rest. He never does anything fun. His wife doesn’t love him. And quite frankly, he doesn’t love her either. He only married her, because his father said it is time to get serious. That it is appropriate for a man of his status to have a wife. Not just any wife, oh, no! The one from a respected family.

Earlier that day he met his childhood friend. A small business owner, but he still takes life as a play. He roams around the world. From one of his previous journeys, he brought his new wife with him. What a wife! Ten years older, Philippine woman with two children from her previous relationship. Nevertheless, the friend is thriving.

The saddened lawyer never in his life met such an exuberant person. His childhood friend, that no good drop-out-of-college emanated genuine joy, happiness, and zest for life.

Naturally, the man asked his friend what is his secret. After all, he did drop out of school, so his prospects of success weren’t pleasurable.

The friend grinned in amusement. He leaned towards the man and revealed his wisdom.

***

I. Dream. Dream Big.

“Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” ~Napolean Hill

What’s the richest & wealthiest place on the planet?.....(Drum Roll please)………………….

The GraveYard.

It’s overflowing with unfulfilled ideas & dreams, all lost to the void.

To Dream is to live many lives within this Infinitesimally fleeting One. To Dream Big is to leave a Legacy for future generations to follow. Are you willing to lay your dreams & ideas to the grave? or Are you willing to soar higher than any before you?

II. Family is Power

“I would see the world Burn & my soul claimed to eternal Torment, rather than endure a single moment of their Pain.” ~Alfonzowords

When the world shrieks & groans at you, a moment with Family is a moment of strength. They will shelter you, harbor you, support you, fight you, drain you, empower you & altogether love you, Unconditionally. They only require the chance.

III. Love is a Kaleidoscope

"There are all kinds of love in this world but never the same love twice." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Love comes in all shapes, size, colors & above all else, it is delivered unto thee in Free Will. Follow your Heart as often as you can with as much bravery as you can muster. No worth is found later in that safe choice laid out for you on a platter of silvers. Heart-Throbbing, Mind-Numbing, Life-Altering, Passion-Entwining, Maddening-Inducing, Love is the stuff of legend. It will bind you, release you, conquer you, enlighten you & breathe for you. Never miss that opportunity to say “Love you.”

IV. There is no I in We

“Help others get what they want & you will automatically get what you want.” ~Zig Ziglar

For a long time, I laid waste to every sentence that began with “We”. I alone felt compelled to soar ever higher and look down from the skies. Such a daft-dingbat, wallow-bee was I. It is only through Equality that we learn true Humility. Everyone is Me & I am Everyone, yet we are All unique. Today I stand with my fellow man & woman, naked in shame over past deeds but honest & true to every future hour that I live. Adamant in my will to be considerate, empathic & most of all, humble to all that enter my life. In hope, I wish it for you as well. Everyone matters.

V. What Is within You

“The two most Important days in your life are, the day you were Born & the day you find out WHY you were born.” ~Mark Twain

Personal Development is akin to finding the True Divinity within the Real world. It is beyond our comprehension yet wholly underrated & misbegotten. The most important key is to find your WHY, which stands for: What Hurts You. What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning, what makes you push past all limits, what activates you to action above all else. Is it your child, your partner, your parents, you family, or even yourself? Make it as an emotional answer as you can. Remember it always & forever. Read more, listen more, and watch more. Never settle for a “full cup”, always be willing to learn & grow. Personal Development is the greatest “Life-Hack”, greatest wake-up call & altogether the greatest resource you could ever have.


VI. Haters, gonna Hate

“Evil Prevails when good men do nothing.” ~Edmund Burke



Human nature is to grow up wanting to belong, to be liked, respected & valued but naught for your integrity & happiness, shall you sacrifice. There is a reason that only 1 percent of the world is Wealthy in every sense of the word. It is because the other 99 percent aren’t willing to go the distance. Every excuse, reason & logic is used to define their rooted routines. And that is Ok, it is their choice & theirs alone. But when you decide, when you find your WHY and make it your absolute Dream, they all fade away like a puff of smoke. The melody that you compose will sing louder than all the 99 percent voices combined. You cannot please everyone but you can accept them for who they are. We are here to serve mankind and not oppress any one voice, regardless of the tone.


VII. Your Story is your Own

“This is ten percent Luck, twenty percent Skill

Fifteen percent concentrated Power of Will

Five percent pleasure, fifty percent Pain

And a hund’ed percent reason to remember the Name!” ~Fort Minor, Remember the Name

Everyone is Us & We are Everyone, yet we are All unique. Within each of us lies a journey, a song, a story for the ages. It is only by living it that we can truly unravel the wisdom that comes with it. You are strong, a creator, a guardian, a light in the darkness & candle to the wind. Burn bright, burn eternal, burn warmly & in awe of the beauty that exists all around you. Reach out, share your story. For there is no Greater agony than bearing a Story Untold within You. A friend will listen, a friend will care. Family will listen, family will care. But a stranger will listen, and a stranger will bare. You will touch their souls, irrevocably. Go forth now, be better than the person you were yesterday. Live a life of Dreams & Family, of Love & Community, of Wealth & Acceptance. Uncover that story you belong to, unveil the magic that is within you. And if nothing else, Believe. Believe that your One True Self, can shape this world for the better.

***

The young lawyer’s friend followed his heart. He was not filled with his parents’ expectations for him, as the man was. He paid attention to his own dreams, desires, and aspirations and he wasn’t afraid to take the necessary steps toward achieving them. Along the way he had fun and enjoyed the whole process. He took 100% responsibility for his life and turned it into something worth living.

On the other hand, the lawyer made his father’s vision of him for his own. He went after what his father said was good for him. He forgot altogether about his own wishes and succumbed to father’s visions for his life. He didn’t share them with his father. Hence, he was miserable in life.

Who do you want to be?

********************************

Authors Note

I'm beyond jazzed to introduce you to the guest blogger who helped me rock this post on Life Lessons. We pooled out experiences to give you this short story & the listed 7 Life Lessons. After the success of the post I did with the ever-talented Sumarie, I had been searching for another megastar to work with. Lo' & behold, I found her and it took me only one paragraph to fall in love with her writing style & voice. Both powerful in its own right, I marveled at the strong message she brought forth. So without ado, I give you.

Nina Obran:

After being single practically all her life Nina embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal development in order to make peace with herself and find the love of her life. She wrote a book 7 Daily Habits for Singles Not to Be Single Anymore (link: http://www.amazon.com/Daily-Habits-Singles-Single-Anymore-ebook/dp/B01DVUVY3C) to help herself with this endeavor. Living what she preaches she is not single anymore!

You can find her at www.ninaobran.com.

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~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres