Atlanta, GA. my birthplace and the beginning of a story of how I can learn from others no matter the color. I guess I write this piece as a journal of what has been transpiring the last few days in different parts of the country. It is a journaling piece that rides the coat tail of a long, long historical undertone of the fabric of humanity.
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As I write this the words that pop into my head are, “can we all just get along!” I wish it were that simple. But in order for that statement to be remotely true, it takes bravery, humility and courage to be a person to want that to be so. I learned this lesson not form birth but over time. My awesome parents wanted me and my brothers to see the country and be exposed to different types of people and to be good with being in different environments.

I grew up after leaving Atlanta as a young boy seeking to connect with others no matter where we landed. And, this friction as a young boy is one that allows me today to see the diversity in humanity and to also be open to learn form others. You see learning from others builds who you are and grows you personally , emotionally and spiritually. Being a man of color (African American, Black) and on the lighter side, I was treated differently on both sides of the fence, white or black be it racism or colorism.

If I could just for a moment give you what I know , this world could be a beter place. Placing yourself in the shoes of others same color or not, you glean so much of their story. And the powerful thing about humanity is that every person has a story. How that got to this point in time and possibly why thy think hat they think. If you work to learn from others you drop your assumptions and you seek to undrstand them. Listen, I said understand them not necessarily agree with them, there is a difference.

I would love to hear your story, and learn what patterns are working or not working in your life. Because, this is how I grow and this how we grow together. Taking our eyes off ourselves for just a moment, will bring so much hope and joy to this world.

To those that may read this and say I don’t want to learn from other colors, then I must say that same attitude is what will perpetuate the division and chaos we see today for other generations to come. Also, I am not nieve that the world will be perfect, because with humans there will always be imperfections, greed, evil and ego. But, if enough of us no matter the color stand up to learn from others we can work to build a better place period.

Blessings on this day,

Coach Milton

Someone once told me that the purpose of storms is nature’s way of getting rid all of the dead wood and unhealthy limbs from plants, bushes and trees so that they can continue to grow. So what about the storm you are in now?

We are either going into a storm, in a storm or coming out of a storm- unknown

Life is really a journey of choices, battles, victories, pain, and success that we all have the priveledge to participate in. I recall as a young man coming out of college seeking new life and career that someone once told me life is fair Milton. It took me a while to really understand that phrase, but I get it now as I see it. Life isn’t about what you deserve, it is not fair, it really doesn’t care what you do with this temporary life you and I have, it really isn’t fair at all.

Life will give you exactly what you put into it.

I was totally relieved at some level that what I give to this beautiful life everyday is exactly the measure I will receive from it period. I also relaized that I could not point the finger to anyone but myself. If I want that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson body, I will have to put the discipline and effort into it period. You can name what you want out of life, and if it hasn’t manifestd just yet, doesn’t mean life isnt fair. It simply means you haven’t put in the needed work, effort or time into yet. And think about this, what is the rush anyway? Life is a journey that we only end once they lay us in the ground.

So, have patience and be the person you really want to be in the storms of the now. You can definitely control two things in life and these two things only. Because all else is out of your control. The two things are your attitude (perception, thoughts and outlook) of life, and the next weighted just the same as you are suspended between the two, your effort (planning, action, follow through)

Let this encourage you today, you will weather this storm of now by placing your anchor in the things you can control and if you are like me you know who holds the future. :-)

Blessings on your journey,
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Coach Milton

Our lives are full of unknowns, from the day we are born into this world it all becomes a journey. And that journey becomes exciting when you are able to understand and receive a creator that wants to be with you throughout your unknowns of life. All you can do from that day on is be in the moment period. COVID-19 is presented much unknowns of what to do now, what is going to happen , how do I do life today? These questions are presented with doubt and at times frustration.

Can I share that COVID-19 is not just happening to us, but it is happening for us.

There is much that w can glean and learn during this time. This time will not return and in the midst of this pandemic we are given wonderful opportunities. There are opportunities all around us if you choose to see them and choose to take hold of them. You might ask what opportunities? Well, with every challenge the opposite is opportuntiy, look at the life of a child. The labor pains of birth present the glorious opportunity of life. Look at the business that were birth out of the recession, depression, or even civil war.

When I got married in 2000 to a beautiful woman, I was not exactly sure how these last twenty years would go. Just a series of “Unknowns!” These last 20 years have been wonderful and yes the best is yet to come, but I sit here thinking about all the things we have gone through and its been a journey of unknowns.

When I had my children and married two young girls along with my wife there was and is a series of unknowns, and I also think back and am grateful for all the unknowns. For me there is only one certainty, I will die.

Where do we get the idea that we are in control of anything? When do you feel the most anxiety? I am certain it is when you don’t have control and don’t quite know what the future state will be. Here is my remedy to be ok with the unknown, be in the moment.

Being in the moment is not saying there is no such thing as trouble or obstacles or COVID-19, it is acknowledging those things but at the same time it is having great peace in the day. Do what is right in front of you, love what is right in front of you, breathe in the air that is right around you. Tomorrow has enough trouble of it’s own, live and be in this day.

Do what you can and let the rest go!

I hope this encourages you today, especially during this unknown time in our world. When we get passed COVID- 19, there will be something else in our lives or world that will want to push us into fear and being anxious of the unknowns. Listen Maximizers, “Be In The Moment!”
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Affectionately Your Coach-Milton

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.- Albert Einstein

Social distancing doesnt mean you can connect in a manner that creates value. To share quick story on value, pulling up in a fast food drive thru- (don’t hate me those that can’t stand it, bear with me). The last time I went through a drive thru I was asked after ordering a sandwich if I wanted to make that a value meal? I quickly said no, because all I wanted was a sandwich and a water (counting calories here).

But the question stuck with me for a bit, because I have changed my outlook on food and working to become more healthy fit and extend my quality of life. So to me at this point in life this value meal is not value, because of what happens in my body after consuming a large fry and a large drink with the sandwich. I am not condemning , just pointing out my life.

So, the value add concept , what does it come down to in our personal lives and how do we bring it, give it, handle it. This word “Value” will be an ever increasing topic but allow me to share some points on how to right now increase the value we seek.

There is so much you and I can do add and increase our value, it will take more thought and effort, but the opportunity is there.

Listening is a great place to start: Listen to those in your relationships, Ask questions beyond task orientation, Make being with you, like no other experience. People are struggling and some are thriving and either way we should be listening to them and not to be an answer just allow them to breathe and get out what’s the feeling on the inside.

Consistency never get’s old: Be consistent with everyone in relation to you, or no matter how much others can give you. Even after the Pandemic begins to clear or or we have better direction stick with being consistent.

Build good relationships : People do business and build long term relationships with those they know, like or trust. Relationship will most likely trump trials and troubles, keep the relationship tight. Go deeper with your current positive relationship. Ask more insightful questions of others.

Personal Growth and Development: Learn your skills and talents and master your craft. Teach others what you know, with being quarentined this time we will never get back, find time in your day to learn by reading, listening, writing etc.

Applied Knowledge is power.

Take advantage of this time in 2020 and increase your value and adding value to others today.
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Maximize the Moment- Coach Milton