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Since the beginning of the year (2023) I have been reading a book every week and writing reviews. However, one of the books I recently read has influenced me to give up... no, pivot into something more beneficial to my future. The book is called 6 months to 6 figures and aside from the name it's very interesting. Peter Voogd is a young entrepreneur, on the rise, and chapter two of his book struck a cord. He discusses overload vs. mastery. For example, I was reading a book every week but not retaining the information which he explains as overloading. Although I was learning a lot, I was probably only soaking up 10% of what I was reading and didn't have enough time to go back and re-read what I missed. So, instead of reading 52 books a year, the goal is to read 6-12 going forward. If I read the same book 1-3 times, I feel like I'll have a better chance at mastering the book. The goal is to understand each chapter so well that I could teach it to someone.
 Less is more! Well, at least when it comes to materialistic items and "junk" (items that you own that you don’t use and need). For example, less junk means more space and less materialistic items means that you have more money. It's too often that I hear people talk about how little space and money they have and in the same conversation hear them talk about their boat, guns, brand new car, or something else that is rarely used or needed. If only there was a way solve this problem... there is!
 Storytime: Growing Up HomelessThere’s an estimate of over 500,000 people struggling with homelessness in America and over 150,000,000 people worldwide. Some people may choose to be in that position but the majority are not homeless by choice. It’s our responsibility to help those around us, when we can, to prevent this number from increasing. I’ve been homeless and overcome it as well as helped others do the same. Here’s my story…
 For the year 2023, I plan to read/re-read 52 books (1/week). I did this a few years back and fell off from my regular reading pattern. If you're an avid non-fiction reader or just looking for your next good read, come back each week to see which books may be up your alley. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
 Previous transformation (2021) For the first 25 years of my life, fitness was done by instinct because I was constantly playing basketball for competition and working out for fun. I can truthfully say that there were few days that I didn't do at least one or the other. Since then, I have focused more on my career, relationships, obligations, etc. and less on fitness. I did do a 100 day workout challenge within that time but after it was complete, I went back to my new routine. However, over the past year (2022) I've worked out less than I ever have. There were weeks that I worked out every day and for the first time, there were weeks where I didn't work out at all. Although I picked up boxing, which has recently stopped for the Winter, I dropped playing basketball temporarily due to ankle injuries. So, I'm setting some new goals to ignite the fire and in turn get back to a point where working out is instinctive.
I usually write about what I'm going through after it has happened. However, like a musician making a heartfelt song while they're in love, I figured I'd write about how I currently feel... maybe it could help someone else going through the same thing. At the very least, it may help myself.
 "I Don't Need Therapy"While growing up, people would mention how important it was to see a therapist. They would say "You've been through a lot and seeing a therapist would help". But, like most men my age, I didn't see any reason to because I figured I was fine. I persevered through struggles, like most people do, and moved on. Why would I waste my time on seeing a therapist and have them tell me what I already knew?
 STORYTIME: A Letter From The DeadIn early 2013, my sister was going about her normal day until she fainted. Of course this was not normal, so she was rushed to the hospital. After days of testing, she was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, otherwise known as HLH, a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome that had a 50% survival rate.
 Encouraging People Through Poetry |