Independence Issue: Trey Songz

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FEATURES

“My music is growing with my fans; I think they will love this new album!” ­—Trey Songz

13

COVER STORY TREY SONGZ talks his new album, “Trigga.”

18 How To Be More

23 High Stress Careers and

Independent

Alcohol Dependency

20 History: Evaluating

27 Change Your Mental Attitude:

Frederick Douglass’ “What Is The 4th of July To The Negro?”

Philosophers of Self-Help

COVER AND THIS PHOTO SHOT BY James Dimmock

FROM THE EDITOR The idea to be independent is a thought that may sprout about while alone, and as one develops, it’s a desire many hope to have conquered by adulthood. Some may find the responsibilities of independence to be heavy and lack the “know-how” to achieve it. In this issue, we will observe and analyze ways of how you can become more self-sufficient and realize your true potential.

After researching the philosophies of authors and self-help enthusiasts such as James Allen, Dale Carnegie, Earl Nightingdale, Michael Bernard Beckwith and Jeff Johnson, we have concluded that “your” attitude on “your” circumstances can either aide in “your” uprising or create a mental garden that only produces choking weeds in “your” life. The choice is an independent decision of your own. In stating this, welcome to the Independence Issue of Top Flight Magazine. Our staff penned pieces designed to motivate you to depend on yourself for your better resolve.

As you turn, you can get exclusive details on Trey Songz newest album ‘Trigga’ as he embarks on a journey of artistic independence and created an album that echoes his ideas in “black and white”. The R&B heart-throb does not hold back in his lyrics, as he serenades his fans with strong lyrical content over smooth, melodic beats. It’s surely music you can enjoy alone or celebrate to while partying.

In reference to parties, as you set off fireworks and toast to good times this Fourth of July, make an independent decision to watch how much you consume. In this issue, you can get informed on how to avoid creating an alcohol dependency habit. As motivated individuals, it is easy to find relaxation in a cocktail or two after a stressful day at work; but don’t allow substances to distract you from your goals. You are here to live on purpose. Don’t forget to keep a strong mind so you can write your plans, make them clear and get motivated!

Journalistically yours,

Cryss Walker Chief Editor @iamtopflight topflightmag@gmail.com

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 7

Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Photography Michael Vandiver Cover Photo James Dimmock Contributing Writers Antoine Moore Bria Brown Ryan Whaley Eric Thompson Leslie Fields DeMario Browning Mohammed Luwemba Art Director Tyrone Owens, Jr. Sales Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com 248-783-6037

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in路de路pend路ence (noun) 1. the fact or state of being independent.

2. freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 9

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All Photos in this spread shot by James Dimmock

A Night with ‘Trigga’ Words by: Bria Brown & Ryan Whaley

“M

r. Steal Your Girl” is pulling the ‘Trigga’ on his sixth studio. With the standard album having 13 songs and the deluxe encompassing 17, Trey Songz is “excited about this music.” In the evolution of his artistry, the R&B sensation believes ‘Trigga’ has allowed him to merge into a new liberty of making music in his own “free mind and spirit.” As the crowd waited for the man of the hour to arrive, Collective Studios staff offered an open bar and buffet to the private event. The lucky few who had the pleasure of attending mixed, mingled, and networked until the talented Trey Songz and his crew strolled in.

concerned… the ideas, the visuals, the videos, I’ve been given a lot of liberty and I work very hard for it. It was great to make this album… there wasn’t a time limit on how long I had to do it.”

Before Trey allowed his new music to surface in the studio, he had to thank the fans and Detroit for always supporting him throughout his career. Fans were receptive and dying to hear the new buzz of his album ‘Trigga.’

Every song on the album has a visual. “The visuals are more important than they have ever been,” professed Trey. At the beginning of each song, there is a black and white theme. The

personally begin to blur the lines between R&B, Hip Hop and Pop. His work is a growing reflection of his musical maturity. When asked if his original fans would rock to the new album Trey responded deeply and enthusiastically; “My music is growing with my fans; I think they will love this new album!”

The first song of the night was titled ‘Cake.’ As soon as the background vocals dropped the crowd began to vibe along with Trey who was sitting in the middle of the studio nodding his head back and forth with the beat. “They say you can’t have cake and eat it too, but

“My music is growing with my fans; I think they will love this new album!”

Trey gleamed at the countless fans (mostly women) making each one feel like he was happy to see them. Trey was humble, charismatic, a little silly, and real (oh! and just as good looking in person as he is on the TV screen). The R&B enthusiast said this album is one of his best yet.

Trey had no deadline for this project, which gave him the opportunity to craft each song and video image based on his black and white theme.

“I’m excited about this music because I’m at a time where I feel like I can do what I want musically. As far as creativity is

reason behind this was because, “There are two sides to every story.” After explaining the tone of the album and visuals it was time to play the music.

“Every story has two sides, sometimes even three. The point of the black and white theme is to expose my one side of the story,” said Trey. Each song and video coincides with the next, making Trigga a musical representation of how Trey Songz thinks and feels about his love interests, fans, the fast life and women in general. Trey harnessed his creative power. He said this project allowed him to

ain’t that what you supposed to do?” When certain verses in the ballad played, Trey would close his eyes and sing along with the chorus. When ‘Cake’ was finished playing, a round of applause was given.

Trey introduced a feature with Nicki Minaj. This track has an upbeat tempo, while paying homage to Notorious B.I.G. and R. Kelly ‘s 1997 collaboration ‘Lovin’ You Tonight’. ‘Touchin, Lovin’ has the same melody chorus but adds a 2014 spin to it. Of course Nicki had to display her own R&B stroke toward the end of her verse accompanied by Trey 14 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

in the background. The crowd was engaged with this song and DJs asked Trey ‘when could they play it on the radio’. A fan responded to the track by saying, “Love it!” Trey replied, “Thank you baby.”

Back to the ballads, Trey took to the mic to introduce the next feature entitled ‘Disrespectful.’ Mila J, a singer, songwriter,

“A lot of what I wanted to do with this album kind of blur those lines for artists that’s coming up and for myself and for my peers because we’re at a point where a record has to sound a certain way for it to play at a certain place.” rapper and dancer graced the track with her medium alto tones.

“Girl you so special, I don’t mind being disrespectful.” During the un-apologetic tune, Trey and Mila don’t care about their girlfriend or boyfriend but they want each other. Steamy lyrics lead toward a duet between the two at the end of the song.

From here, Trey decided to just let the music play. He no longer introduced songs. ‘All We Do’

had the crowd in a different vibe.

Ladies were dancing, holding their cups in the air as guys were nodding their heads back and forth to the four core melody, infused with the smooth beat. “I can see it in her eyes, she been down from the beginning.” The sensual lyrics throughout the song had Trey singing passionately to ladies in the crowd. “Mr. Steal Your Girl” had them in the palm of his hand begging for more, ending the song with his hypnotizing smile.

Y.A.S.’ (better known as You Ain’t Sh*t) is somewhat coming from a woman’s perspective. This song stood out the most to the crowd not only because of the name, but during the bridge, the song turns from a slow ballad to a hip hop spin off. Once the song was over, Trey revealed, “This is my favorite song on the album.”

‘What’s Best For You’ and ‘Change Your Mind’ were the last songs of the night and would remind Trey’s fans of his past songs. “ ‘What’s Best For You’ is a forward Trey Songz record.

It has the same tone as ‘Can’t Help But Wait’ and ‘Can’t Be Friends’,” explained Trey. Playing with ‘Change Your Mind’ was the official black and white visual audio or what some like to call a lyrical video. Whispers scattering through the audience echoed “this is a summer hit,” while the track played.

R&B records and they become pop smashes, it kind of blurs the lines of what should be a mixtape record and what should be a radio record,” he continued; “A lot of what I wanted to do with this album kind of blur those lines for artists that’s coming up and for myself and for my peers because we’re at a point where a record has to sound a certain way for it to play at a certain place.”

Trey made it known that he just wanted to make good music and that’s what ‘Trigga’ is all about.

Fans across the world should be in for an artsy awakening when they purchase his sixth studio album because it will fuel their fire with a bit of old tones of Trey and a new sound. All he wants to know is upon release, will you pull the ‘Trigga?’

•Trey’s Favorite Track off of ‘Trigga’: You Ain’t Sh#t •Trey want’s the Dj’s to Play: Touching and Lovin Ft. Nicki Minaj •First Single: Foreign •Top Flight’s Favorite: Change Your Mind

Trigga’ allowed Trey to merge the worlds and give his fans music they want to hear, not having to look to a mix-tape. “When you have a guy like Justin Bieber who goes and makes 10 single 16 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

“True freedom is impossible without economical security and independence.”

—Franklin Roosevelt

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How To Be More Independent Editorial By: Ryan Whaley of Ambitious Girls Club This Fourth of July holiday, let us not only celebrate America’s independence, let’s celebrate our own.

We each have the opportunity to be free from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others; however independence is easier to obtain for some than others. Have you ever wondered how some people always seem to be so happy?

According sources of research, independence is linked to happiness---and may even be its very foundation. You want to be happy, right? What changes in your life do you need to make to become more independent? Independence can relate to time, finances, and/ or relationship status; in every area one must have an amount of autonomy in order to feel independent.

According to Dr. Diana Boer, PHD, “Everyone has a unique definition of themselves, so it makes sense that every person needs to follow his or her own path to a full life.”

Every individual needs the opportunity to be alone and discover his or her own self. As a social generation, codependency is much more common than independence. It has become more difficult to extract ourselves from others and gain complete independence over ourselves.

Here are four suggestions experts say will help anyone become more independent: 1. Spend time alone. “Often times people form feelings and behaviors around something external”, says Darlene Lancer, MFT, a psychotherapist and author of Codependency for Dummies. Spending time alone gives you the opportunity to really get to know, trust and love yourself.

Having the confidence to be yourself and to be alone can increase

self-love, making you happier and more trust worthy to rely on yourself to make important decisions. You are the author of your life; don’t give your pen to anyone else.

2. Resist the urge to explain yourself. As you begin your journey for a more independent life, people may begin to question friendships, relationships and your loyalty; especially if you are someone who has been codependent in relationships the majority of your life. As you make this positive change in your life you have to learn that you do not need to explain why you are choosing to spend more time alone or doing anything to better yourself. Decide on a simple phrase that you can deliver without elaborating. For example, “This is what makes me happy, so this is what I’m choosing to do.”

3. Make your own decisions. Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, recorded the top five regrets people make on their deathbed with the number one regret being “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me”. That’s a significant statement for those of us who have years of life ahead of us. Making your own decisions is an important step in becoming independent. According to Lancer, more individuals need to start considering their personal passions and hobbies and start making their own decisions by starting with planning out how they will spend their day. Don’t let parents; teachers, friends, or spouses dictate the decisions you make. This is your life and only you have to live it.

become independent you must be able to meet your own needs.

Meeting your own needs doesn’t necessarily mean being 100% financially independent, however, it does mean that you are capable of providing for yourself, and are also capable of meeting your emotional, physical, spiritual, and social needs.

Get a job, get a journal, and get connected to your spiritual being.

Stop running to others for help on decisions you need to make and then hating the life you live. In order to consider yourself independent you must be able to rely on yourself and not need the support of others.

This isn’t saying cut everyone off, this is saying, get to know yourself so much that you can trust your own feelings and merely listen to others opinions to support your own ideas.

“Independence means cultivating faith in ‘you’ at a fundamental level”, says Boer. This Independence Day, start to consider becoming more independent yourself. Independence is the foundation of happiness. Use these four suggestions to help yourself in your journey of becoming more independent and happy.

4. Meet your needs. In order to 18 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence” —Denis Waitley

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 19

Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

History: Evaluating Frederick Douglass’ “What Is The 4th of July To The Negro?”

By: Leslie Fields

P

owerful words will always have an effect on the masses, especially when encouragement is well needed.

On the fifth of July in 1852, Abolitionist, Author, and Suffragist Frederick Douglass, was chosen to speak publicly about the Declaration of Independence. Douglass gave his speech known as ‘What Is The 4th of July to the Negro?’ Douglass was fearless as he eloquently elaborated on his perspective about what freedom meant at the time to the African Americans.

Douglass outlined the difficulty that slaves were met with as it related to celebrating a holiday that embodied freedom yet, didn’t apply to the chained, starved, beaten and inhuman treatment blacks experienced in America.

In a part of Douglass’ ‘What is The 4th of July To The Negro?’ he stated: “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 21

other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciation of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are, to Him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy -- a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of the United States, at this very hour.”

No matter what color you are, when reading those words, it can make one wonder about the foundation America was built on.

It was built with the idea that every man has the unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. Although America’s crimes against

blacks in the past does not reflect that right, annually the 4th of July is celebrated as a time to reflect on the freedom Americans are honored with today.

Although slavery was abolished in 1865, in present day, many are still in bondage. Some are slaves to money, work, or life in general.

The good news is that now, more than ever, you have the choice to not be a slave to anything and to pursue whatever it is that moves you. No longer do you have to be a product of your environment or circumstance. You can learn to look back at great people, such as Frederick Douglass, and learn to appreciate what so many people have fought for, the right to be free.

“I was born with a fierce need for independence” —Michelle Williams, Actress

22 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

High Stress Careers and Alcohol Dependency By: Leslie Fields

T

he night is young and so are you. You’re feeling full of life and the work week is over. You decide to kick the weekend off with a few drinks after work. Then it turned into several. For some young professionals today, dealing with the daily stressors of life can be difficult. While some can handle stress better than others, there are those who become more dependent on alcohol.

The pressure to drink is far too familiar for some young professionals.

Based on research by alcoholtreatmenthelp.org young professionals may think that stimulants are harmless and have no consequences. In other situations, new income and new freedom may result in many social events and outings that encourage drinking or substance use.

The constant daily pressures of everyday life (for some) can be far too stressful. With the added stress of finding a new job, saving money, or paying off student loans, some new professionals find themselves becoming heavy drinkers or binge drinkers.

“I originally started drinking just to have fun. As I got older, and got in to stressful situations (relationship issues, financial issues, etc) I used alcohol as an escape. It was a way for me to escape from reality for a while and relax,” said Jay, who is a father and factory worker. Many are like Jay, searching for an outlet to relieve stress but actually end up doing more harm than good.

Sometimes people don’t recognize

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 23

Photo by: @EccentricDanny

the effects of alcohol abuse until a negative situation occurs. Jay stated, “I realized it was an issue when I found myself in a cell at the Southfield Police Station. I’d gotten arrested for a DUI. I’d fallen asleep at a red light- foot on the break pedaland the car was still running.”

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, young people are drinking in volumes that can place them at a high risk for alcohol related problems.

Research consistently shows that people tend to drink the heaviest in their late teens and early to mid20s.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08% or more. This pattern of drinking usually corresponds to 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men; or 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within two-three hours. Heavy drinking for men is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.

Sometimes people don’t notice that

they may have an issue despite the large amounts of alcohol they consume on a regular basis, until they are face to face with the issue.

A Wayne State University Social Service student and current Alcohol Anonymous member (who remain nameless due to her current AA status) said her first DUI charge came on January 5, 2014. “February 1st I got my second DUI. The second one was enough for me to seek help. I knew I had a problem before hand because I couldn’t control it, then when those things happened I knew I needed help.” For many heavy drinkers they don’t realize they have an issue until they are behind bars or injured.

“When they first start drinking, they believe they are having fun, it’s enjoyable but after awhile when the problem becomes acute is when the world starts crashing down upon them. Well that’s when they seek help, and some become homeless,” stated Dr. Taylor, who is a counselor at Mariners Inn in Detroit and owner of a private practice in Westland, MI. “The youth is very difficult to persuade that it’s best not to drink.

When you are young you feel like you can live forever, I call it the superman syndrome,” Dr. Taylor stated. He says its typical for many young professionals to think that nothing can happen to them and that they can have one drink, two drinks, or more; but many times that mentality is what tricks them into thinking drinking is okay. It can distract them from the harm it’s doing to their bodies.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the brain continues to develop throughout adolescent and well into adult hood. Many scientists are concerned that drinking during this

critical development period may lead to life-long impairments in brain function, particularly as it relates to memory, motor skills and coordination. Young adults are more susceptible to binge drink and to suffer repeated bouts of withdrawal from alcohol. This repeated withdrawal may be a key for alcohol’s harmful affect on the brain.

It’s clear that long term drinking has a damaging effect on the body but along the way, bridges can be burned and personal lives are at risk to be changed forever. “Because they no longer have a place to go, such as family, they have burned those bridges and even if they have a job they won’t be able to maintain it or enjoy it because of their dependency,” Dr. Taylor explained.

Unfortunately, many people have hit rock bottom before they have decided to face their demons or take any type of advice. When you have a problem you must face it head on and admit that you have an issue because friends, family and loved ones can only do so much.

That is what a current AA member did when she was faced with her alcohol problems. “AA gave me a life worth living and so many others.

Getting sober is the hardest thing I ever had to do. I never want to do it again. For the newcomer or someone that is thinking about recovery, its life and death and there is a life worth living. AA helped me find that when I thought there was no way out. They just have to be willing… when they’re ready there is a fellowship of men and women willing to share their experience, strength and hope,” said the anonymous member.

control with drinking, “The advice I would give someone is to just go sit in on an AA session and listen to some of the stories from other people, and to also think about what’s more important...because you don’t want to ruin your life over a drink.”

Dr. Taylor says “one way is to admit that they do have an issue with that substance; that their life has become unmanageable and until they do that, it may become difficult to seek help.” There are many different ways to get help. One can start by admitting their problem with drinking, seeking a counselor, or by attending Alcohol Anonymous meetings. Dr. Taylor reminds people that “the future isn’t bright if you continue to make bad choices. The choices you make today will determine your future, but never lose hope, as long as you have hope, you have a chance.”

Although different people have different stories, in many ways, the goal is the same; to stay sober and to have a clear mind. Seek help and learn to notice the signs, admit you have a problem and again, seek help.

For counseling contact: Dr. Taylor Poem Human 33250 Warren Ave. Suite 202 Westland, MI For AA (Alcohol Anonymous) locations: http://www.localaa.com/meetings/

Jay gave a suggestion as well for anyone that may be spiraling out of 24 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

“You cannot build character and courage by destroying men’s initiative and independence.”

—William j.h. Boetcker

THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 25

Change Your Mental Attitude: Philosophers of Self-Help By: DeMario Browning James Allen

Photo credit: homeschoolmanager.com

James Allen was a best-selling author, who penned the popular book, As a Man Thinketh in 1902 to promote classic wisdom for proper thoughts, strong character and right action.

At the time, Allen was apprehensive about releasing As a Man Thinketh, until his wife Lily encouraged him to publish it. Allen released over one-dozen publications, but the one he doubted most, remains his most influential of all.

Allen focused on the application of thought to circumstance and how a person’s mentality can make or break them. “By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the divine perfection”, said Allen.

One of his most important ideas was that our mental attitude is directly linked to our physical health. “At the bidding of unlawful thoughts the body sinks rapidly into disease and decay; at the command of glad and beautiful thoughts it becomes clothed with youthfulness and beauty”, THE iNDEPENDENCE ISSUE 27

said Allen.

According to his philosophies, weakness and strength belongs solely to an individual and that individual must personally evolve from within. “As he thinks, so he is; as he continues to think, so he remains”, said Allen. He teaches that man’s desires have to be aligned with his thoughts and actions.

Achieving victory is possible, but many people give up just as they’re on the brink of success.

Allen’s writings remind us that we are the masters of our own thoughts; and that the application of thoughts will determine our condition and position in life.

“Man is made or unmade by him-self; in the armory of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself; he also fashions the tools with which he builds for himself heavenly mansions of joy and strength and peace.” - James Allen.

Dale Carnegie Photo credit http://www.herwitzassociates.com/tag/content-marketing-2

Dale Carnegie was a well-known public speaker and author known for his self-help books such as, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.

Carnegie’s publications are aimed at individuals seeking self-development skills and tips.

After his collegiate studies, Carnegie worked a number of oddjobs and did not find fulfillment in any of them. He took a step of faith and withdrew his $500 savings, grabbed his belongings and headed for New York to pursue a career in acting. He didn’t do well as an actor and became a public speaker.

Public speaking was not new to Carnegie, in high school he was a member of the debate team.

Carnegie’s self-development sessions were soon in high demands. With the growing popularity Dale Carnegie founded his own school, the Dale Carnegie Institute. Before his success in public speaking, Carnegie experienced hardship and lived a bitter life because he wasn’t following his passion.

Carnegie’s driving force in his career was his love for the books he developed as a child. He was able to return to his passion because he confronted his doubts.

Many of his teachings are based on worrying and how it destroys one’s ability to concentrate on tasks. He suggests that people

develop solutions instead of resulting to worrying.

After developing his talents, Carnegie was able to pass on knowledge to others who would learn how to empower themselves and pursue their desires.

“No more worry, no more regrets.” – Dale Carnegie

Earl Nightingale Photo credit http://www.earlnightingale.com/

self-esteem.

Nightingale says we set unnecessary limits for ourselves, but explains that this is not entirely the fault of an individual. “School forces us into groups and teams… but you are milled down so much”, said Nightingale. People are less likely to appreciate their unique characteristics when they’re socialized to be like everyone else.

“Thinking is based on a false premise and people are comparing themselves to others. Some people are better at other things than others. People who know this are better off because they accept this. No one is inferior or superior.”

He asks man to question his position in society, “how can I let someone else decide how I’m going to act?” How we think promotes the growth of our courage and self-esteem. “Think about past successes and put more positivity into your thoughts”, said Nightingale.

Earl Nightingale was as a radio personality and author of the popular pamphlet, Courage and Self-esteem. He dedicated his writings to helping others eliminate self-doubt. “We can’t surpass the limits of our current self-image”, said Nightingale.

He writes about self-image and how it relates to our position in life. Nightingale teaches us to accept that we have talents, strengths and weaknesses. “Recognize and accept that there are things you can’t do as well as others, but appreciate what you can do”, said Nightingale.

This was the basis of the formula he used to teach others about

Earl Nightingale’s Four Steps to a Healthy Image 1. Forgive others with no strings attached. Clean the slate absolutely and clean grudges and (generate a) peace of mind. We hurt ourselves by hating others.

2. Forgive yourself and see yourself with kind eyes and forget the idiotic things you’ve done. Look in the mirror and forgive yourself.

We are tougher on ourselves, but blame doesn’t help.

3. See yourself at your best. We can start the day in frustration or confidence. The intelligent thing to do is to start with confidence.

4. Keep up with yourself and

keep your pace. Don’t worry about what others have or have done. The person who slows themselves down to be “one of the gang” is a fool.

Michael B. Beckwith Photo credit Michael Bernard Beckwith Official FB page

Michael Bernard Beckwith is an author, teacher, philosopher and founder of Agape International Spiritual Church. He says you no longer have to be a victim of circumstance.

Beckwith’s teachings are based on the mastery of self-influence and the mastery of thoughts, “something within you knows that within you is the answer”, says Beckwith. The philosopher of thought says the ability to make a choice is rooted in our ability to understand the world around us.

Beckwith teaches that no matter where we come from, ultimately we will discover who we are. Being a victim of circumstance hinders this discovery. He explains how our mind and our bodies are not who we are, “the mind is a set of programs that have been inherited by the world”, says Beckwith.

He encourages others to become more aware of their surroundings, but to rise above those circumstances. “Through the expanded awareness you 28 IAMTOPFLIGHT.COM

get to make a choice to become more (of) yourself, an anchor on earth”, says Beckwith. The Agape International Spiritual Church leader says you can create an environment within yourself (which is an endogenous characteristic) and where you are now is not a deciding factor, only a step in your journey.

“When the proper conditions are met, the potential of anything can rise and express itself”, says Beckwith, as he expounds that these are reminders that we determine the conditions for our expression. He says there is a movement of energy within us that needs to be shared and by letting the opinions of others influence us can result into one falling at the knees of apathy.

“Stop listening to the opinions of others and stop listening to the negative opinion of others”, says Beckwith. The author explains that each time we have a delay (from a desire or goal) that doesn’t mean we will not get to our destination, but there’s something to be learned when a delay emerges. Life is inviting us to live.

“You are an avenue of awareness that is conscious of the body and you are an avenue of awareness that is conscious of the mind.” – Michael Bernard Beckwith

Jeff Johnson Jeff Johnson (also known as “Cousin Jeff” to the BET audience) is a journalist, activist and political commentator.

Johnson has made the future of the youth his top priority.

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Photo credit Jeff Johnson Official FB page

He wants the current generation to discontinue the use of language like, “I’m going to…” because Johnson says leadersaltogether- use a different form of absolute dialect. “Leaders will tell you I’m doing, I’m going, I went, and I did. We’ve got to be in a place with our language that’s reflective of our action”, says Johnson.

“What are you all going to lead and how are you going to lead it?” – Jeff Johnson Self- Help Tips

Through public speaking he has pushed his agenda to develop a community of leaders that will think strategically. In 2013, during his empowerment speech, he explains the need for reform in the community.

Today’s society is filled with social media platforms and Jeff Johnson is urging people to use it in a way that’s beneficial to mankind. He doesn’t hold back in his empowerment speech and calls some “lazy,” for their misuse of social media. Johnson has a desire to see others recognize and transform opportunities that are readily available.

Johnson says procrastination and the failure to plan keeps this generation from making progress. He says everyday people come up with ideas they want to use to inspire, but are ill prepared to carry out those dreams because there’s a lack of preparation. “I want you to be the kind of leaders that think pragmatically before you think inspirationally”, says Johnson.

1. If you think something is possible then it can be achieved.

2. Be thankful for what you already have in life.

3. Use your current circumstances as motivation for your future.

4. Surround yourself with people with similar goals.

5. Turn away from negative situations and negative people.

6. Seize the day and complete as much as you possibly can.

7. Organize tasks so that you can work at a pace that makes your work easily accessible and less frustrating.

8. Help yourself by helping others, show the world who you are.

9. Stop worrying, it’s bad for your mental and physical health.

10. Remember, if you think it’s possible then it can be achieved.

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