Commentary

Commentary

Gabrielle Union and Taraji P. Henson Describe What They Did to ‘Bring It’ Which Helped Them Move into the Spotlight

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The Forbes list of ‘Top 400’ richest people in America is out. Guess who’s again #1? It’s not someone in real estate. Instead you might be reading this from a Microsoft-powered gizmo he made famous. Then there’re those on the list who’ve made their names in the retail, media, and financial services sectors.

Going from ‘loss to boss’ is something they may have experienced. Along the way they figured-out how to find their power, turn the tide, shift their stride and rock a new pride. That’s true for Gabrielle Union & Taraji P Henson as their careers and dreams look to celebrate with a toast; wine or champagne anyone?

They describe what they did to ‘bring it’ which helped move them into the spotlight. Union is on a book tour talking about going beyond the bumps and stumps. For Henson, it’s been a journey of believing and delivering the goods in ways that when she looks back she might say to self “I always knew I could.”

It’s kinda like now you see them and then you see them even more. They’re in a zone for sure that has something to do with more than their celebrity. They’re bringing it like an athlete who’s got things working in his or her favor. The ball just responds to their every move. The effort seems to roll in a good groove.

Their stories of ‘pomp and circumstance’ are the lessons that got turned into blessings. Union spent her early years as a modeling agency intern. That helped open the doors to her passion and ‘sista girl’ appeal. While it seems to some like they’ve taken us by storm, they’re really becoming a market force.

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At times it took meeting the right people and getting the right breaks to move them into the spotlight. But in between those times, it took powering their game the way we charge our devices. They made themselves plug-compatible to career situations that would either make that money or break that barrier.

Union has been sharing her personal take on some of the social issues of our time. But she’s also been giving us a peak into her infertility struggles. Henson spent some time sharing the loss of her long-time pet. But it’s the parts of their stories that hit dead center that can be a charging source to push us further.

I remember years ago when a co-worker shared feedback that hit me dead center. It took a while to get what they were saying with these words: ‘You’re good at speaking to and speaking through people.’ That comment was a great charging source on my journey. Since then I’ve been using it to power my dreams.

Plus, the feedback put things on a course where I’d ‘bring it’ with a new flow. I’d see how going through the motion wasn’t enough for a promotion. There’s a time for going through the motion just like there’s a time to blink. But Union and Henson saw how to turn their flow into a source, a force and showbiz course.

They might tell us what work, play and everyday are about. It’s starting off sexy, keeping things alive and doing their best to strive. When it’s all said and done we may remember a line from their movies. But the things that tend to move us most are people’s storylines of doing something brave or achieving the rave.

Tip: Making work, play & the everyday come alive is about doing something brave or achieving the rave.

Talkback: What’s the part of their story that hits you dead center?

Tracks: Chaka Khan – Keep Your Head Up – https://youtu.be/88DS-T7Ypa4

Neyo – Champagne Life – https://youtu.be/gqayCgvI_uI

Eminem and U.S. Soccer’s Christian Pulisic Bring Their Star Power and American Dream to a New Level of GB – ‘Game Bonafide’

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Wait, how’m I gonna start this blog? That’s a question that gets asked every week. With so much to write about in celebrity pop it’s a matter of bringing the right vibe. It makes sense then how Eminem would start his freestyle rap that way. For him it’s a case of lyrical content with the right touch of street cred.

When it comes to US Men’s Soccer star Christian Pulisic some say he’s got next. Not in the rap game but as the face of the game. It’s true, professional dreams in the biz world don’t all take rap skills or great foot-work. But there’s usually something that moves star power to a new level of GB – ‘Game Bonafide.’

That’s kinda what went down with Eminem’s rap cypher on the BET Awards. Some think he’s on a comeback after being off the radar for a minute. He’s not retired, he’s just re-wired. Maybe this says something about what happens when your flow gets bumped. Things either become a hit or take a hit.

In political terms it’s said that after a good debate performance a candidate is likely to get a ‘bump’ in their poll numbers. It usually means more people are feeling the message or the messenger. That happens in how they might make a strong point or deliver a wow-like performance.

Folks are raving on social media how Eminem did that. He brought strong points and a wow performance that left memorable moments. He even shows how to move your career track or biz dream forward by having a spinoff of your vision. Shady hasn’t let his mojo get stumped or his mass-appeal get dumped.

It’s interesting that his rap cypher is called ‘The Storm.’ That’s a metaphor of-course for the current political climate. But it might also be how Pulisic and his teammates are feeling after not qualifying for the soccer World Cup. If they could have even pulled-out a draw in the match they would have advanced.

Soccer federation honchos are probably looking at how they’ll ‘right the ship’ after the disappointment. It’s like when a biz dream or project team goes through some kind of setback. Who knows if it’s just a matter of taking care of the little things that has had Eminem staying low. But now he’s back for another go.

One of the biggest setbacks in my dream journey was while hosting a community radio show on a college station. It was in year five as things were coming together. Then one morning some dude shuts down the power while I’m on air. It was where I not only took a hit but decided I was no longer gonna take that..

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Pulisic might be having a similar ‘sick feeling’ right now. The sting of disappointment is sometimes felt for a while. But there’s something that happens in those down times that moves things from the brink to a place of clearer think. Plus, it’ll pave the way for Pulisic to bring more edge to his game as with Eminem.

In pro sports you hear players being sent down to the minor leagues or brought up from the practice squad. Those who’re sent back have things to work on while those brought up are ready for the big-times. But along the way you’ll either take a hit or become a hit especially when you put your dreams on the line.

Tip: As you upgrade the flow in your career or dreams you’ll either take a hit or become a hit.

Talkback: How’d you describe the edge that Eminem or Pulisic bring to make them ‘Game Bonafide?’

Tracks: Beyoncé ft Jay-Z – Upgrade U – https://youtu.be/6nr8hPnZfMU

Pitbull ft Flo Rida, LunchMoney Lewis – Greenlight – https://youtu.be/R7xbhKIiw4Y

Jennifer Hudson & Yara Shahidi, Doing a New Thing and New Show With Fresh Brand Appeal for Real

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Did you catch that photobomb moment with fans of the Voice? A few friends were hanging out and taking pictures in the spinning chairs used by the judges. Then out of nowhere Jimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus worked their way into the picture. It was one of those ‘star struck’ moments those fans weren’t expecting.

This season the newest Voice judge is Jennifer Hudson. During blind auditions she’s busy building-up her team. Meanwhile Black-ish star Yara Shahidi is building on her dream. Hudson is doing a new thing and Shahidi is doing a new show called Grown-ish. These gigs are giving them fresh brand appeal for real.

They’re also finding ways to up-tick their passion and up-level their game. Hudson is flexing her singing chops as she looks to mentor a new crop of emerging talent. Shahidi is off to college as a Harvard freshman. She wants to keep the acting thing going as she continues towards higher learning.

It didn’t take Hudson long to learn the rules of the road and it won’t take Shahidi long either in her new role. For Hudson it’s in how she’s been able to unlock the flow and handle the nitty gritty of the show. In business and the work world that also means being able to make things stick, click or do the trick.

Most of us have had to open a new tube of glue by removing the seal and unlocking the cap. Then you’ve got to press to get the glue flowing. Depending on what’s being glued you’ll also have to press the sides together. Whether it’s with doing finger nails or working career trails we’ve gotta press and then press on.

In one sense Hudson’s story is one of having to press on to the mark of a higher calling. Even though she was cut before the finale during her time on American Idol she’s gone on to win Grammys and Tonys. She went through a painful period of losing her mother to violence and has gained a greater anointing.

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For Shahidi as a Black Girls Rock recipient, her college and career moves are more like pressing on to gain a higher standing. She’s ready to spread her wings and do even bigger things. She’ll have lots of material to work with as she begins doing the Grown-ish TV shoot and building on her career routes.

Their road to a higher anointing or professional top-ranking reminds me of my own journey. There’ve been setbacks and disappointments. I sometimes liken my journey to the ‘Joseph’ story. As with Joseph I’ve learned to press on thru whatever comes my way and discover what my life’s purpose has to say.

As Hudson brings her passion she’s gonna add more soul in how she rolls. We’ve seen it on Idol, Broadway and the pop concert stage. With Shahidi’s next move to raise her game it will bring new life experiences. She’s already shown her maturity and command for social issues to be well beyond her age.

When passion and purpose come together or set it off, it makes things click. Oftentimes it happens on the dream side the way you open a safe. Life turns things one way, then another way until you find the right way for your efforts to do the trick. That’s what makes the rewards glorious so you just ‘gots make it!’

Tip: We get career awards and personal rewards in how we unlock the talent & passion flow to make things stick, click or do the trick.

Talkback: How does it feel to see sistas like JHUD and Yara shine on the big stage?

Tracks: Trey Songz ft Twista – Gotta Make it – https://youtu.be/x7I-GOcPo64

Macklemore ft Skylar Grey – Glorious – https://youtu.be/7OrLroFa0AI

Oprah took 15 minutes, Jordin Sparks Took 3 minutes to Go ‘Back in Stride’ with Career Goals and Breakout Dreams

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By now kids have settled into a new school year. There’s probably been a review period to get them up and running with topics they should know. Then things will shift into learning new stuff. Recently, Oprah took 15 minutes and Jordin Sparks took 3 minutes to show us what ‘back in stride’ in business looks like.

Oprah returned to a role she mastered in her earlier career. As a new contributing host on the CBS program 60 Minutes she said it felt like ‘coming home.’ She moderated a panel discussion on current affairs in a way that would disarm those on the ideological ‘right’ and charm those on the ‘left.’

For Sparks it was a chance to sing the anthem at Monday night’s NFL game on a national stage. She’s been working her way back into pop culture venues after a period of being off the radar. It’s been 10 years since she won American Idol and a lot longer than that since Oprah worked as a news reporter.

What does their return to primetime tell us about reaching a new breakout stage in career goals or biz dreams? There’re things they’ve done which remind us about going from career hold to career gold, from career grind to rewind, from dream seed to dream shoot. In part, it’s in what they did to channel their flow.

After doing daytime talk for 25 years, Oprah decided to launch the OWN Network. She saw it as a next-chapter step in her life’s work. To understand that journey from start to destiny is to see her professional shifts from job to career to vocation. But it’s not always that ambitious or straightforward for everyone.

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In the case of Sparks, she kinda disappeared from the scene after injury to her vocal cords. She says it was a close call of possibly not being able to sing professionally again. She took time off for rest. What happened for her in the downtime and for Oprah in the meantime was what they did in ‘service to grow.’

To understand this, think about the story of the Chinese bamboo tree. When the seed is first planted there’s a period of no visible change or growth. This goes on for three or four years. Then suddenly after a while the bamboo tree can grow to heights of 70, 80, 90 feet or more in the space of a few weeks.

While nothing visible was happening it was still doing things in service to grow. That’s what Oprah did as she became cable channel OWNer. There was a period of ifs and buts. It’s what Sparks might also have done when it seemed like her career lights were about to go dark. I’ve been there a time or two as well.

But you realize that when surprise moments come your way that it’s not really a surprise to life. We see this on NBCs The Voice every so often. A contestant starts singing while the judges are turned away in their chair. After hitting the buzzer they turn around to see a face that doesn’t match the voice.

It might surprise the judge, but it’s not a surprise to life that the contestant can ‘sang.’ It was a surprise for some to see Oprah on 60 Minutes or Sparks doing the anthem. But it wasn’t a surprise to life to have that part of their dreams get the green light. They channeled their flow and are reaping what they did sow.

Tip: When you channel your passion’s flow, you’ll reap what you sow as you ‘service your grow.’

Talkback: Who was Oprah ‘channeling’ in her 60 Minutes debut as old-school news reporter?

Tracks: Frankie Beverly – Back in Stride Again – https://youtu.be/waSM0rXDLys

John Legend – Green Light – https://youtu.be/o-AbEO6J8s0

Sterling K. Brown & Kyrie Irving Tell Their Stories of Test & Triumph in Ways That Give us More Oomph!

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Who knew Sterling K. Brown would win for Best Actor in a Drama series? It’s been 19 years since that last happened for an African-American actor. The winner then is someone who shares a similar journey as Brown. But of-course, Brown wouldn’t have had enough time to tell that story from the Emmy stage.

His acceptance speech was cut short by show producers. He and Kyrie Irving will get lots of opportunities to tell their stories of test & triumph in the coming months. Irving is set to play for a new team in the Boston Celtics after leaving the Cavaliers. Their stories make some wanna cheer Brown and jeer Irving.

For Brown it’s been a wild ride of playing parts that gave him more experience and exposure. For Irving it’s about trying to take on a new role of team leader without Lebron James in the picture. Their career moves and landing those dream spots remind us of having to “stay in fate and stay in flow.”

This made more sense to me from a recent trip. We departed on time, had a fairly calm flight and were moving right along to our destination. Then the pilot announced that we’d been circling for a while as the air traffic control wasn’t ready for our arrival. He said we’d be in a holding pattern for another 15 minutes.

That happens with airplanes as it does for dreams yet to unfold. As fate would have it, there’s a place for which our dreams will land. But sometimes the venue where we’re supposed to land isn’t quite ready for our arrival. There may even be some clouds in the area that’s causing reduced visibility.

There’s no reason for the destination to change. Similarly there’s often no reason for our destiny to change either. So we go through a holding pattern until the right circumstances to land that gig. That’s how Brown might describe his fate as a student from Stanford to NYU to Emmy winner as his acting idol.

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Irving sees his decision to move on from the Cavaliers as a fresh start. Yea he won an NBA championship but now he wants to make a ‘destiny turn’ and land his dreams somewhere else. Whether working on that career breakthrough or on landing that next dream spot, the key is staying in flow.

That’s been the latest chapter of my own story. Having done ten years as a Computer Engineer, 5 years doing community radio, two years as Community TV host and many years as an author, commentator and blogger, that next dream spot seems to be just a ‘holding pattern’ away from my career destination.

After going around in circles but staying in flow, the pilot announced that we were cleared to land. The usual reminder of returning seat-back to upright position and returning items to overhead bin was made. Within 10 to 15 minutes we landed at our destination and the passengers started clapping in unison.

That’s kinda what Brown experienced when he won for Best Actor. His peers shared their excitement. He landed his role on NBCs This is Us after having a breakout role in FXs People vs O.J. Simpson series. Let’s see if Irving can change jeers to cheers by deliver an NBA championship in Boston.

Tip: To talk and walk like a winner is to keep your passion on point by staying in fate and staying in flow towards your destiny.

Talkback: What’s it gonna take for Irving to bring a championship to Boston or for Brown to land his next dream role?

Tracks: Buju Banton – Champion – https://youtu.be/TsrKloxhfaw

Marques Houston – Circle – https://youtu.be/0sS4zJNp_10

Sloane Stephens & Drew Scott Know How Taking a Dream Idea or Career Move from Worst to First is Just a Dance Away

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The next season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is ready to rock and roll. This year’s roster has the usual mix of ball players and entertainers. Some have retired from the game while others are trying to get their groove back. Even HGTV’s Drew Scott seems ready for the challenge to “breath, swing and move his feet.”

It so happens that those were the same words said to Stephens by her coach before the US Open Tennis final. The advice seemed to work well as she won in convincing style. The slogan of ‘Just Do It’ might work for Scott as he gets ready to strut his stuff on DWTS. But something else could also be a motivating factor.

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It may be a case of ‘Just Dance’ for Scott as he prepares for Showtime, but Stephens showed that for winning it’s a case of ‘Just Flow.’ That might be the best way to describe how she went from worst to first over the past eight months. She was ranked as underdog earlier in the year but now she’s got top billing.

Stephens pulled off a stunner! She used injury time to rethink her game. This helped to make a big difference in finals play. She kept her nerves in check to ‘shake, battle and roll’ with a performance that took its toll on her opponent. When we rethink our game it helps us develop our own shake, battle & roll.

It’s a kind of ‘Just Flow’ system that she was able to reboot. Think about those times at the computer or smart phone when things get hung-up with an application. When all else fails, the best thing is to do a reboot so that the internal settings get refreshed. You’re able to reset a new ‘intel inside’ for work or play.

That played-out for Stephens as it has for me. When I left my full-time job as a computer engineer to pursue my dream it was my biggest career move yet. There were times I had to keep my nerves in check to keep moving towards the top deck. I’ve gained a new kind of ‘intel inside’ that helps me to ‘Just Flow.’

With a new ‘intel inside’ Stephens went from career crashing to career banking. She couldn’t believe the $3 million amount on the winning check. They say professional tennis is the best game to play as a woman because there’s a more level playing field to make that paper. Stephens is ready to collect!

One of the hardest things to do in a career move is to relearn your game or yourself. The good part is the professional makeover you achieve. That’s already happening for Scott. Before the first dance move on DWTS he’s been able to lose some weight. Sometimes it takes loosing ‘dead weight’ to be great.

Stephens was able to lose her ‘dead weight’ and is poised to build momentum. It’s her time to ‘Just Flow’ and to see where her goals and dreams go. Scott can show us what happens when the groove is back, or when the ‘feels’ is strong or when the rhythm hits you. You get turned-up in new and exciting ways.

A good way to describe their ‘Just Flow’ experience is being ‘in the pocket.’ Stephens was ‘in the pocket’ in how her game rose to the occasion. It’s the kind of thing that puts us in the running as a rising star. Things seem to flow so well that your game is ‘in the pocket’ and your life performance is ‘in the socket.’

Tip: A new kind of ‘Just Flow’ experience will put your game ‘in the pocket’ and your life performance ‘in the socket.’

Talkback: How was Stephens able to keep things loose and will Scott be able to get loose on the dance floor?

Tracks: Shalamar – Right in the Socket – https://youtu.be/sNGyMe3bu1E

Calvin Harris ft Katy Perry, Pharrell & Big Sean  – Feels – https://youtu.be/ozv4q2ov3Mk

Tyra Banks & Tyler Perry Spill the Beans on a New Season of Success for Any Career Path or Field of Dreams

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The pre rollout of TVs fall season line-up has some new shows and returning favorites. The promos for Empire and Star, Chicago Fire and The Voice are already in regular rotation. Most advertisers have probably been lined-up. There’re lots of fans who’re thinking ‘I can’t wait’ for things to get popping.

As announcements unfold, so too will word on the new iPhone. The buzz is building as Apple is set to unveil its new gizmo. When you think about today’s modern tech devices it boils down to whether they’re powered by Android, IOS or some other smart system. So what does it mean to be powered by ‘#Flow?’

It’s a question Tyler Perry and Tyra Banks help us answer from their showbiz journey. Perry’s mojo went from the ‘ashes to the stashes’ in becoming a major player. The nitty gritty of their career path and field of dreams is in how they’ve experienced flow as ‘fuller levels of wow’ moments in their Hollywood rise.

Perry’s story relates to everyday folks in a simple way. His was built around strong faith and inner resolve. I’ve seen that in my own life in what I like to describe as ‘4th down and 10’ wow moments. It’s where when your back’s against the wall, the big ‘G’o-d (original divine) sends a play that moves your dream along.

These days Tyra’s been hosting America’s Got Talent, a program that helps others achieve their showbiz dreams. She took over hosting duties after making a name and brand for herself on America’s Next Top Model. The factor both TV shows have in common is getting us to ask the question, ‘what makes you lit?’

Usually, the things that make us ‘lit’ are found in our gifts and talents. Plus, they also make us flow. For Tyra as a former model, beyond the physical beauty appeal, the thing that makes her lit is her presence. For Perry, the thing that makes him lit is his writing genius. These ‘lit factors’ keep serving them well.

Just think about the ‘lit factors’ in music, movies and mainstream culture and how flow plays a big part. So for example, whether it’s about sex, sports or success, we get our juices flowing from envisioning, practicing and performing our best moves. That’s where memories get made and dreams get paid.

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For Perry, he tells the story of producing his first stage play where nobody showed up. He could have decided to shut down his dream but didn’t because of his faith and resolve. He went back at it a few more times with similar results. Fast forward to things today and we see the outcome and wisdom he’s gained.

As if to remind me of my own career path and field of dreams, I’ve seen some of those moments too. I’ve held events at venues where no one showed. I’ve been using my gift for years writing blogs where no one talks back. But these experiences have helped me find flow from faith to lit to outcome to wisdom.

Among the moments of hit or miss, win or loss there’re those exciting times in ‘fuller levels of wow.’ The wisdom gained has helped me see flow similar to how Perry & Tyra might tell it. Whether on the career path or field of dreams, it’s about experiencing moments of bliss on the road to a life of happiness.

Tip: A new season of success on the career path or field of dreams means envisioning, practicing and performing your best moves with your juices flowing in the grooves.

Talkback: What does it take to improve your ‘lit factor’ in order to experience fuller levels of wow moments?

Tracks: Vanessa Williams – Happiness – https://youtu.be/1p1bpby7i-A

Akon – I Can’t Wait – https://youtu.be/LLVzrG0JpNY

What’s it Like Being Issa Rae & Jay Ellis on ‘Reclaiming Your Game’ or Your Dreams in Business and the Real World?

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The new season of HBOs Insecure is getting attention for how it flipped the script. With a relationship breakup something many can relate to, the characters played by Issa Rae and Jay Ellis are trying to ‘kick-it’ in new ways. The story being told is like a test case for ‘reclaiming your game’ in the dating world.

In relationships there’re times it takes looking at bloodline versus fault-line to see where the problems rest. Some might point to things having to do with repeating errors from the past or issues that sit under the surface. Moving things to the next level can mean turning an insecure flow into a new glow.

The same is true with the ‘ins and outs’ of the daily grind. There’s an inner flow of hope that prevents us from giving up, whether in finding a relationship or in life dreams. A fresh sense of self-awareness leads to more self-acceptance. Then after a while the heavens finds a way to give a ‘wink and nod’ of approval.

This is how it might play out months after a blind-date. It’s kinda what happened for me after a business meeting. There I was sitting among a group of journalists as they discussed a few civic projects. Their day’s work had them writing lead news stories while their life’s work was about impacting life stories.

A few days later, a call from a journalist was like a ‘wink and nod’ from the heavens. Her assignment was writing a local story on ‘reclaiming your game’ in the professional world. That became a front-page feature in the Life section of the paper the day after Christmas. That’s how a flow of hope kept me in the game.

These kinds of hope-filled moments can led to a flow of hustle in the game. In every field of dreams there’s a time for hope and a time for hustle. Sometimes the hope comes before the hustle and sometimes the hustle comes before the hope. You can’t hate the hustle just because you’ve got no game.

It’s been said do what you love and the money will follow. Another way to look at that might be ‘do what you love and the hustle will follow’ once you know your game. Whether in relationships or life dreams the hustle is like a metaphor for the things that begin to flow your way as you nurture your love in the game.

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That might be where things are with fans of Insecure as the main characters show a thing or two on ‘reclaiming your game’ in the real world. Somewhere along the lines it boils down to a flow of heart and humor. That’s what you get from stories of ‘Black Love’ where long-term romance is more than just about finance.

When I first crossed paths with the woman who’s now my wife, it was a flow of feelings that made me think there could be something here. Over time the relationship became what would amount to a flow of hope, hustle, heart and humor. She’d bring one or two from her end and me doing the same on my end.

Here we are 25 years later with two daughters ages 20 and 17 who we try to give the best life has to offer. There’re things they’ll deal with tied to bloodline and to fault-line. We want them to know going from girls to women or college major to life dreams means turning any insecure flow into their primetime glow.

Tip: Your primetime glow in relationship or life dreams is a matter of letting the flow of hope, hustle, heart and humor shine through from the good old days all the way to your glory days.

Talkback: How have you improved a relationship or stretched your dreams by going from an insecure flow to a primetime glow?

Tracks: Craig David ft Sigala – Ain’t Giving Up – https://youtu.be/FC9fc12YYC4

Logic ft Alessia Cara & Khalid – 800-273-8255 – https://youtu.be/BLe1dddgZrg

Flow Nation: The Secret Sauce for Love, Luck and Living Large That’s Got More Flava. Get Some Here!

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What do Kevin Hart and Steve Harvey have in common? They made their names in comedy. How about DJ Khaled and Charlamagne Tha God? They made early waves in radio. But there’s something else they all have in common: ‘finding flow.’ It’s the thing that gets us up in the morning even if we don’t know it.

Over the past year or so they all published books telling their story of love, luck and living large. They might have taken different roads to glory but seem to share a common theme of going from humble beginnings to becoming pop culture icons. In a sense, finding flow got turned into their awesome sauce.

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So what does this really mean in the regular world? Whether it takes an alarm clock (or not) to wake us up, the thing that gets us up and moving is the idea of powering our flow. This could be growing in areas of ambition, taking social action or experiencing life’s moments of adventure and pure satisfaction.

That’s certainly the case when you read the stories of Harvey, Hart, Khaled and Charlamagne. Plus they shared personal examples of getting a ‘heavenly assist’ from someone along their path. They got a break in a phone call that was unexpected, an opportunity that was unheralded or situation that was unscripted.

One of the lessons in their stories on powering flow starts by putting passion where your mouth is, purpose where your heart is and pain where the truth is. Things we give voice to most or face up to tell us who we are, what we love and care about. These become stronger from a place that’s close to the heart.

The way they handled setbacks as well as my own story are reminders that finding & powering flow can happen from a brush with failure or a stroke of faith. In my case it was from hosting a radio show on a college station. While I was on air someone decided to pull the plug which interrupted the broadcast.

At that moment I decided not to fight back but to go way back and apply a stroke of faith. This made me learn more about the ‘Joseph story.’ His dream helped me see my own gifting and calling. Sometimes finding/powering flow means appreciating the people, places, pitfalls or pathways that confirm your story.

In these major keys we realize how not to let mistakes or other people’s human faults be our halts. Each of the icons has a story to tell of how they changed their luck, made a buck or got a relationship unstuck. Through the ups and downs they were simply trying to turn flow into reaping the good they would sow.

We enjoy artists when they perform with flow-motion. This brings together ‘lyrics and groove’ in a way that rocks. It’s fun when athletes at work or play get to deliver flow-magic. We cheer them for how they inspire us towards greatness. That’s the feeling we can hope for each day from living large in a flow nation.

Imagine how a brook becomes a stream or a stream becomes a river that leads to the ocean by finding flow. Or as a car goes from zero to 60 on the highway it finds its flow with the rest of traffic. Powering our flow takes us from zero to 60 or from feeling less to feeling worthy in the low or high tides of life’s ocean.

Tip: “Powering your flow means putting passion where your mouth is, purpose where your heart is and making things pop where your genius is.”

Talkback: What person, place, pitfall or pathway has helped (or is helping) you go way back to walk that tightrope and power your flow?

Tracks: TLC – Way Back – https://youtu.be/ibR0rYNMJpI

Janelle Monáe – Tightrope – https://youtu.be/pwnefUaKCbc

Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall Know What It’s like Being a ‘Trip Without The Baggage’ #BigTimeUniversity

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#BigTimeUniversity – “Small Talk, Street Dreams, Next Level”

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny? (Or Just Fun!)

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

There’s ruffled feathers and choppy waters in Cavaliers land. When news broke that Kyrie Irving wanted out, some gasped like was heard in Congress. Not clear if the story will be fully told before he leaves. But on the ‘Girls Trip’ score, Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall know about being a ‘trip without the baggage.’

They’re flying high with a box office hit. Haddish landed the role in breakout fashion. They really wanted a household name actor. According to Vibe she sent word back to the producers saying “Tell them I’ve had a name since 1979. I was born with a name. You tell them I need to come in.” It was like her ‘one shot.’

Her rise to fame is a case of how people take stock of their story to achieve new glory. After some rough years as a teenager trying to play mother to younger siblings, she realized that making people laugh was important to her. She crossed paths with Kevin Hart who set her mental wheels turning on setting goals.

She talks about the upward climb in her new TV special on going from Hood to Hollywood. With the sassy mantra of She’s Ready as her tailwind, Haddish explains how developing self-love and self-acceptance moved her closer to showbiz relevance. It’s one of those ‘Yea I made it but not on my own’ stories.

Haddish has had to get past low moments to have these high moments. Hall, who’s put in her time as well, also helps others move past things that can derail your sail. No matter what, letting go of the baggage means not being bitter, but better or not being ‘so street’ where people can’t see the ‘so sweet.’

Groove-Track: Troop – Spread My Wings – https://youtu.be/Hd_krYK8NeA

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”
A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Ruffled feathers, choppy waters in the ‘Land. Yo, fire-up the sports scoop band. News broke Irving wants out. Stuff to make ‘Bron scream or shout. Like gasp heard from Congress mouth. More to be said. From what’s in teammate’s  head. Haddish & Hall on ‘Girls Trip’ score. Trip without the baggage.. there’s more.

Flying high with box office hit. Haddish landed role that’s lit. Really for actor with household name. And maybe more skin in the game. Sent word back to the audition shop. That she could make it pop. Her name’s been around for a minute. So she wanted to win it. Kinda that one shot. Make it big, hit the spot.

Rise to fame by taking stock. Of what her skills got on lock. In how to use her story. For achieving new glory. Some rough teenage years. To be mommy and sista for her peers. Making people laugh her secret thing. Not trying to dance or sing. Kevin Hart game her a reason. To set goals and expect her season.

Talks about the upward climb. Trying to make nickels and a dime. New TV special ‘bout her days in the hood. And not giving up to make good. Sassy mantra of ‘She’s Ready’ her tailwind breeze. Now doing it big and with ease. Where self-love and more acceptance. Moved things closer to showbiz relevance.

Haddish going from lows to highs. From rock-bottom to blue skies. Hall putting in grind time too. Seeing their dreams come thru. Advice on things that can derail. Or put holes in your sail. No matter what came their way. Hard to carry baggage and play. Not bitter but better. Where ‘so street’ seen as ‘so sweet.’

reginahall

Tip: The story of success and change is in knowing that ‘when you’re ready, a path appears.’

Talkback: Lebron & Irving; Shaq & Lavar; Christie & Cubs fan, Haddish & Cosby; summer too hot yet?

Groove-Tracks: Bruno Mars ft Damian Marley – Liquor Store Blues – https://youtu.be/1iBm60uJXvs

Little Mix – Wings – https://youtu.be/cOQDsmEqVt8

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST