Today’s message is especially dedicated to the great Glenn Toby.

As you know, yesterday I participated in The Book Bank Foundation’s “Shelter From the Streets” in New York City. Here is my full report.

I began yesterday’s event at 7:30am and didn’t get back to the apartment until 1:00am. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever been a part of. It was powerful. It was energizing. It was motivating. It was touching. It was humbling. Other words I heard all day long were, “connectivity,” “synergy,” and “thank you.”

The shelters we stopped at were Hempstead, Long Island, Family Rescue in Jamaica, Queens, Auburn Family Shelter in Brooklyn, The Concourse House (for women and children) in the Bronx, and New York Rescue Mission in Manhattan. After those locations, we went under the bridges and on the streets. We sang Christmas songs with the homeless, we handed out books, toys, clothing, blankets, phone cards to call relatives, and toiletries. We spoke to the homeless, shook their hands, gave them hugs…I even showed some children a magic trick in the Bronx. And you know what? Aside from their conditions, they are just like you and me. No, I’m wrong, THEY are stronger.

The man behind this operation is Glenn Toby. Mr. Toby was homeless as a child, spending 8 years on the streets of New York. He then became a hip-hop legend. He is now a celebrity agent, representing 50 cent, R Kelly, LL Cool J, NFL players, Asante Samuel, Josh Evans, and many more.

The thing that struck me about Glenn was that he spoke from the heart. With that, he is able to connect people from Harvard and Princeton to people sleeping on the streets in Manhattan.

Walking the streets with Mr. Toby and Free (former BET’s 106 and Park host), along with countless volunteers was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. It was a reminder that it’s not what you expect to GET, it’s all about what you intend to GIVE.

Here are some quotes from the day…

“It was really good. I got presents, clothes and met nice people…I have been here 8 months. Today, I am happy. It is wonderful…Santa Claus came.”
-Joe Joe Neal, 8 years old, Brooklyn

“This is a nice event. It is beautiful that you are giving to the community.”
-Officer Chambers, NYPD

“Wonderful. Words cannot express. Thank you, I received a lot; not just gifts, words. You people have travelled far to come here. You care, I believe this is a good thing. I pray for The Book Bank Foundation. You changed our life.”
-Abraham Barry, Queens, originally from West Africa, father of a 4 month old.

“This is one of the most inspiring events we have. It gives people hope and inspiration. There is so much positive energy here today.”
-Manuela Schaudt, Executive Director, The Concourse House (for women and children), Bronx

“This event makes me so humble and grateful for what I have. We get so caught up in our own world when there are so many others in need.”
-Kim Smith, volunteer, Brooklyn

“I got a warrior figure. This is real great. I got new clothes and toys. Today made me feel happy. I learned a new magic trick. Thank you.”
-Elijah Colon, 9 years old, Bronx

“It felt good and happy. I got a sling shot toy and drank soda. Thank you, we are grateful for you.”
-Sisters, Trinity and Alyce 7 years and 5 years old, Bronx

“I was homeless from age 15 to 20. I made it through high school; I graduated from City University. Today was very productive and positive. When I was homeless, it was like I was having an out of body experience. I knew I wouldn’t be in that situation forever.”
-Carolyn Best, formerly homeless, now volunteer and legal assistant in Minneola, NY

“This was very humbling. Much of the world lives paycheck to paycheck. It is inspiring just talking to these people. It was a great day and The Book Bank Foundation is definitely needed. Please give back. Help. Stay positive, have a dream. Create your life. Through change comes good things.”
-Free, volunteer, rapper, singer, and former host of BET’s 106 & Park

“Today’s drive proves that the mechanism works. The mechanism is connectivity, passion, service and resources combined with equal hands. Different races and talent from all over is the ingredient to solve the problem. We’ve been doing it for 10 years now. There is too much wealth in this country for people to be sleeping on the streets. If we are not unified, the bodies will just be moved and if we don’t respect them, we will soon see them in the mirror. This organization has no sponsors or government grants. We are excited to move forward with this project.”
-Glenn Toby

“I don’t care who you are, what your conditions are or what your past was like…you CAN become great, you CAN help others become great. We may be different colors on the outside, but we all look the same on the inside. I am grateful for being part of such an amazing event. I’ve never wanted to hug so many people in my life. THIS is what it’s all about.”
-Ed Tseng, volunteer

Below are some affirmations from life coach and volunteer, Patricia Omoqui that were handed out to the homeless.

“I am a being of great value.”

“My worth is not dictated by my circumstances.”

“I am full of potential.”

“I choose hope. I choose peace. I choose joy.”

“I have unique gifts and talents.”

For more information on The Book Bank Foundation, go to http://www.thebbf.org/

Thanks for reading. Photos from the event coming soon…

A special Happy 26th Birthday to the amazing Jennifer Downes!

Becoming a great singer is no different than becoming a great tennis player. Seek out a great singer and copy what they’re doing. Take some lessons from a good voice instructor. Interview people that have already accomplished what you want to do and ask them what they would do in your shoes, knowing what they know now.

1. Figure out WHAT you want.
2. Find out HOW you can achieve it.
3. BELIEVE that it is possible.
4. Do a LITTLE BIT every day to get closer to your goal.
5. Repeat.

Remember to work hard, WHILE having fun.

Below is a letter from The American Boychoir School…

Dear Mr. Ed Tseng:

On behalf of The American Boychoir School community, I would like to thank you for coming to speak to your boys. The topics discussed were right on target: positive mental attitudes, goal setting, being “into” what you’re doing. We could not have asked for a more relevant discussion.

I cannot express to you how appropriate and fun your talk was. It was not only had a lasting effect on the boys in class, but also with me. Your talk has been equally applicable to the rest of their lives with respect to being a positive member of the choir, the school, and the community.

You are more than welcome to share your positive outlook with us anytime. We would love to have you come back to see us and share more of your wisdom. As helpful and significant your time with us was, the boys and I truly enjoyed having you. Thanks again!

Sincerely,

K. Heimann
Director of Athletics
American Boychoir School

Thanks for reading.

Today’s message is especially dedicated to the great Patrick Amice.

What is Meaning?

What is Inspiration?

Like many things, if you ask 10 people the same question, you may get 10 different answers. So I can’t really tell you that there is ONE definition of meaning and inspiration, but I CAN tell you this…

YOU NEED IT!!!

Everyone wants happiness. Everyone wants fulfillment. Everyone wants to get to the next level.

But not everybody knows HOW to do it.

If you love what you do, you will have inspiration. But the key is having gratitude EVERYDAY for it, otherwise you will take it for granted.

If you you truly care about making a difference and helping others, you will have meaning. But the key is incorporating this philosophy into your everyday activities.

The best way to get inspired is to inspire somebody else. The best way to get motivated is to motivate someone else. By doing this, not only are you helping others AND yourself, but you are adding VALUE to your life.

Here are a few things you can do to put Inspiration and Meaning into your life:

-Love what you do, even if you have to fake it for a bit.
-Spend some time EVERY morning to think about what you are grateful for; this will set your “mental” tone for the day.
-Give someone a compliment, even if it’s a stranger.
-Help out a co-worker or fellow student.
-Teach someone a skill that they don’t own.
-Volunteer at a local hospital.
-Start a blog and give tips on something you are knowledgeable in.

There are so many ways to add Inspiration and Meaning to your life, but often times we are too busy that we don’t get around to it.

What works is deciding how often you want to do those things and putting it on your calendar or in your blackberry. If you are too busy to make your life better…YOU’RE TOO BUSY!

“Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

Thanks for reading.

Today’s message is dedicated to the great Brad Abouchedid.

Once there was this pole-vaulter who always cleared the bar by about a foot. His teammates and coaches noticed this. He seemed to be able to perform better. The problem was, that if they raised the bar even just an inch, he would hit it every time.

So one day, when the pole-vaulter wasn’t looking, his teammates raised the bar six inches. Guess what? He again cleared it with a foot to spare! He was in disbelief when his teammates told him what they had done. Amazing. The athlete ended up walking away and never coming back since he would be expected to repeat his performance, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.

My belief is that there is no limit what we can achieve and how well we can perform. We can ALWAYS do better. The only limit is what we are telling ourselves. We can only go as high as our self image. The problem is that we are not setting our goals high enough. We are not pushing ourselves. It’s all in your MIND.

Set your sights higher.

Push yourself harder.

Believe there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

Learn from your mistakes, and have fun…that’s what champions are made of.

I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT, but if YOU don’t think you can do it…

YOU WON’T.

Thanks for reading.