Movin' On

 What’s going on world? I owe you all an apology, because I’ve been a dead beat with this blog thing. It’s crazy though; so much stuff has been going on that there really has not been time to jot my thoughts. One of my newest sketches for Pick 6, “What Should I Do?”, was re-posted (or re-tweeted) by NBA star LeBron James and it’s really taking off. Since then, my time has gone towards creating more sketches that the people love.  Let’s get back to the essence, though, starting with some shout-outs: Props to “Bron Bron” for the exposure; Shout-out to those 6 angelic ladies and 7 good brothers I met this week (love y’all); Shout-out John Wall, for an excellent “Dougie” display against my Philadelphia Sixers; and finally Grandma Perry, who made the best chicken, green beans, and cornbread in history.

Today I want to discuss “Moving On”. No I’m not talking about Mya, even though she was fine; but the act of leaving the past behind. Recently I started working on my next book, “Late for Work”. The book focuses on the arduous task of leaving college and starting a new life. While writing, I was overcome with some feelings and experiences that I told myself I left in the past, but I didn’t. It’s tough. Those who have graduated or left school to join the work force will tell you, “It ain’t sweet.” (Pardon the poor English.) The camaraderie of the dorm life is rivaled by few.  All-night video games, Girls wrapping they hair to come spend the night, full amenities with no monthly bills; it’s truly amazing. When graduation day comes, you are relieved to finish, but the feeling is Fantasia; it’s “Bittersweet”.

Though there are endless positives of being a college graduate, it’s quite an adjustment. The only thing free after college is Lil Wayne, and that JUST happened. You can no longer hide from your responsibilities; they’re like the Antoine Dodson song: “we gon’ find you, we gon’ find you”. If you are dating, the seriousness of the relationship immediately comes into question. Perhaps the most difficult adjustment is the change in attitude of the family who supported you through school. Those care packages and $20 and $50 break-offs they used to give are nonexistent.

So you are left with two choices: dwell on the golden era, or move on and transition into the next phase of life, which as I stated before, is fun also. I never suggest dwelling on something that you can’t bring back, so here are just a few suggestions that really helped, and are still benefiting me:

1.       Develop a list of things you want to obtain in this next stage of life.

Are you trying to move out of your parents’ place? Buy a house? Do you want to start a TV show? (lol) Whatever is on your plate, write it down. People underestimate the power of a tangible list. Think of it like this: When you go grocery shopping, and you don’t have a list, you end up getting things you don’t need, and half the time you forget what you really came for.

2.       Schedule time to spend with college friends.

It’s much different from seeing them every day going to the café with them for lunch, but every time I hang out with my frat brothers or friends from school, that certain "Je ne sais quois" returns. I feel like we’re back on the yard again. Link up with an old crush from school for lunch. It’s crazy to see their growth (or decline). You will feel like you’re in a romance movie.

3.       Appreciate all God has given you.

Though you may miss the place you were at a year, or 2 years, or 5 years ago lol, be grateful that you are alive to even look back on those times.  We all have our individual struggles, but it’s important to understand how good God is, and that he has blessed you, and he will see you through if you have faith.

It’s a special time as we continue to grow and shift into another phase of life.  I’m sure that by focusing on determining our future, not dwelling on our past, we will “move on” to great things.