Professional Quality

Part 1: Journal

This week, we are going to revisit gratitude.  I'd like you, though, to specifically focus on the workplace.  If you've never worked, think of a project that you've helped out on.  Consider school, if you must.  I'd like you to have a free write about the things that you are grateful for, regarding your jobs and your work.  Even if you hate your job, try to find the little things that get you through.  

Write 3 paragraphs (with images) about the gratitude you find in your workplace, at your job, or at school.  

I am happy that I get to work at a place that I love. I get to work with shoes and people two things I like. I get to be a part of a store that is more like a family rather than a corporation.  What makes this store unique compared to other area "urban wear" outposts is its selection of more niche models from New Balance, Puma, Adidas, and Nike SB.  I like how we are able to wear whatever we want to work, and we aren't restricted during our breaks. 

If sneakers and high fashion is your thing, this is definitely a place to check off your bucket list when you're in town. Everything from Nike SB to Visvim; from Stussy to Cole Haan. Concepts has just about all the necessities any fashion freak could want. And being one makes it an even cooler job. Concepts has became one of the most respected sneaker stores worldwide. And I am happy to be apart of it and contribute to the success. 

I love being able to help create sneaker designs and seeing it sell out. Also we are expanding to city's like New York, Miami and Dubai.  And being apart of it is cool. I work with people that like the same stuff, it doesn't feel like work at times. 

The Wider Path

Part 1: Journal  

This week, we're going to continue to predict the future.  This time, though, you're going to write about it and start to process the idea.  

Write 3 short stories, as defined below.  Be sure to give lots of details, so as to paint a clear picture of what may happen to you in the near (or further) future.  

Story 1: Describe your ideal future.  This is the one that you strive to get to.  It's plan A.  The dream job.  Where you want to live.  How many children (if any) you want to have.  Your big break.  Your ideal financial situation.  Be creative and describe the scene. Imagine yourself in this place - all your hard work paid off.  You did exactly what you set out to do. 

My ideal future is still possible, I want to be able to have a story to my success. I want to be able to in the next couple of years to make it big with music production.  When I make it I can take off. They only reason I see this as an ideal future is because its possible. I want to be able to have my sound be popular and set a trend the way every producer does. Be able to take care of my family and friends. To be able to settle down with my girlfriend and create a family. I would love to be able to be financially successful like Dr. Dre. I want to be able to create a popular wave like Drake's producer, noah "40" shebib has done. And like Future's producer, Metro Boomin. In the long run I would love to turn out like Dr.Dre besides the rapping part. I would love to be able to use my success to help me also do other things and make a profit the same way Dr. Dre has done with Beats Headphones. At that point I would be happy because I would be doing what I love and I would be able to take care of the people I love.

Story 2: Decribe (and predict) an unexpected twist in the story of your life.  Something totally unexpected that happens in the furure, and shifts your course.  This event could be a triumph or a trajedy.  (All is gold, right?).  Be creative.  Maybe you survive a plane crash.  Maybe you stumble upon an attic filled with priceless antique treasures.  Maybe you meet someone that totally spins you around.  Think of an event - and describe it, leading into...

I can see myself meeting someone famous at my job. I work at a sneaker store called Concepts. Its a famous shoe store located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I've meet many famous musicians from Future to Pusha T. Last week I met Ty Dolla Sign. I don't really ask them to listen to my music but I always ask for advice. But my ideal story would be, that a Musician like Kanye or Drake comes once and I give them a flash drive with my music. They hopefully listen to it, and contact me. And next thing I know I quiet my job and I am doing what I love for the rest of my life.   

Story 3: Your alternate universe future.  In this short story, describe a life that you could not plan for, but that is just as successful, awesome, and rewarding as the Plan A life.  But this story is totally wild.  Maybe you end up as a wealthy coconut farmer in Madagascar.  Maybe you end up being Jay-Z's personal chef.  Have fun with this one.  

I can see me in another life being a famous photographer or video maker. I don't really take many pictures or videos. But I respect good images when I see it. I would go to school for it maybe, but out of all my classmates my work stands out the most. People like it so much that they spend crazy amount of money for my pieces. Maybe a modern  day Leonardo da Vinci with a camera.

Now, the point is to have fun and be open with the future.  Many people lament their lives if they don't get what they want.  But life can throw you a major suprise... it's unpredictable.  That's what makes it fun (and nerve wracking for most people).  

Lose the control for a second, and just accept change.

Part 2: Poem

For this week's poem, I'd like you to explore the idea of grace in your life.  Write about the concept - that the universe is conspiring in your favor.  It may present you with things you'd least expected.  It may set you on an unseen path.  But in order for grace to work, you have to be open to it.  You have to look for it.  It requires awareness, mindfulness, and optimism. 

Write a 20+ line poem about the things that are coming your way - the things that the universe is hooking you up with. 

I am noticing happiness

If you think happy

You will be happy

Good things will happen

If you think good things will happen

I've been the happiest 

I've been in awhile

Thinking happy makes me happy

Everything is going my way

The higher up is answering

I use to think about the negative

I use to think negative

Negativity made me sad

I use to think about things that made me sad

I use to stay in the dark

Up all night 

Sleep all day

If you think happy 

Happiness will come 

Everything is blessed

Smile more

Images of the Future

Part 1: Journal 

For your journal, write a simple paragraph about these images, why you chose them and how they will relate to you future.  How will they fit in.

That’s right, you just have to write one paragraph this week.

 It’s all about visuals.

All these pictures above basically sum up who I am. It's things that inspire me or relate to me. And some of the pictures are goals I want to reach in my future. I think it is pretty basic many people wish to be rich or famous. But I think what I really want is just constant  happiness. Maybe that can be from wealth or fame but thats not always the case. 

Part 2: Poem

This week, we’re going to draw inspiration from your vision board (that you just designed above) and write a short, free form poem about your vision. 

 Imagine you are looking through a crystal ball.  What do you see for yourself?  What will you be surrounded with?  Who will be there with you?  What have you gained?

Riches or fame
Life is just maintaining a balance
You can never be just happy
And you can never be just sad
But they're ways to cover your feelings
Riches or fame

Passion

Write a three paragraph journal that answers the following questions about your passions:

1.  What are you most passionate about in life?  Describe several interests and activities that you greatly enjoy.  What is it that you wish you could do everyday for the rest of your life?  

2.  How can you tie your passions to a career, a job, or a volunteer experience?  What can you do to connect your passion with your career?

3.  Think about service.  What type of population, group of people, market, or field of interest would you like to serve?  What cause would you be willing to work for?  Explain how your passion and your work could benefit others.  Think of it as providing a service, and explain.

I'm really passionate about music, I like making it and I like listening to it. If it was possible I wish I could get paid for the rest of my life for producing music. If I could be able to do nothing but create beats for the rest of my life I would be extremely happy. Growing up I was always told that being a musician will never give me a steady job in the future. So it kind of is a hobby now rather than a dream I had a couple years ago. 

I could focus on my music one hundred percent. But it would be a huge risk because sometimes what you have planned doesn't always work. And if I go all out with my music there can be a chance were I wouldn't be able to make a living off it. I can become a music teacher or work at a music store. But I would rather get a job that would be able to support me and others. And then maybe I could still create music on the side. 

People that listen to music really. I think I am pretty versatile with my sound. I love hip hop more than any other genre. However I do make other beats like techno or pop. So the type of people that would be interested in my service would be people that enjoy music, but if we look it at deeper it can be the people that like the genre I produce. Like I said on the discussion board I believe music is a outlet to express yourself, you can tell a lot about a person based off what they listen to. So I believe my services would create joy to others. 

Part 2 - Poem

This week, it's all about love.  Write a 20 line love poem dedicated to you and the passion of your choice.  Have fun with it.  Get intimate (stay appropriate).  Write a poem that is a dance between you and your passion.  Who leads?  Who follows?   What type of dance is it (figuratively).  Try to include words that describe movement and connection.

What is the relationship between you and the thing you love?

Music creates joy

But does it create stability?

Music always you to express yourself

But does it allow you to have privacy?

It gives you a chance to be famous

But does it give you time to spend with your family?

It allows you to travel the world

But does it allow you to have time for yourself?

You can have many fans

But are they real friends?

Everyone will know you

But will I stay relevant forever?

You can get things easier

But will I be taken advantaged of? 

You get to do what you love

But will I be allowed to make what I want?

You get to collaborate with other talents 

But are they just using me?

You get to do what you want

But will I make it?

Haiku

Part 2: Poem

This week, I'd like to write about the simple things.  We're going to write about the things we're grateful for, the simple joys we notice around us.  Note those things. Then, you will write 5 haiku's about them. 

Remember, a haiku is a short, contemplative poem with a very particular set of rules. 

There are generally 3 lines.  The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables (very symmetrical).  

Hot long summer days

Family is there through it all  

Cold short winter nights 

No distracts, just us

We are our entertainment 

When the power is out

We travel the world 

We go on adventures 

Every summer; fun 

Cambridge is our home

My family will stay here forever 

Our heart is in Africa 

Here one day in life 

Gone the next day forever

Be thankful, before its late 

Gratitude

Part 1: Journal

This week, we are obviously thinking about gratitude.  I'd like you to write a three paragraph journal entry that answers the following questions:

1.  What do you tend to take for granted?

2.  What are you grateful for (what things, experiences, people, etc)

3.  What are some of the the good things that you you could "take in" and absorb more?  Take in the good and write about the experience

There are many things that are always taken for granted. But one that really stood out to me was my parents. I feel that I put my parents through so much and as parents there will always be there for me. But I don't really show them how much I really appreciate them. I think its normal since everyone is always moving in a fast pace. And you notice you take things for granted when its gone or when things slow down and you have time to look and around and be grateful. 

I am grateful for having a loving family to take care of me and be there to support me through everything. Both my parents are in my life, and I am lucky enough to have siblings to keep me company and to explore life with. I learned so much from them and there guidance made me the person I am today. I've had many up and downs with my family. And to be able to struggle and succeed with a group of people that have unconditional love for you is the best thing in the world. 

I need to take more of the good vibes my aunt throws at me. She is always happy and grateful for life, and she gives the best advice that is always positive. And lately I haven't talked to her so I need to reconnect with her and having her energy around would probably rub off on me. She's not that much older than me, so its easier to connect to her than my parents. So in the future I need to reconnect with her because it would be good to absorb the positive vibes. 

Facing Your Fears

Part 2: Poem

Write a hip hop (poem) about facing your fears.  This is great hip hop battle stuff right here.  Your hip hop should be at least 16 lines in length, and it should have a rhyme scheme.  Consider it a battle, but you're battling your inner fears, obstacles, and anxieties, as opposed to another rapper.  Have fun with it.  Be creative. 

One, Two, Three, Four

I pray this can be over so I can walk out this door 

Five, Six, Seven, Eight

I debate if I should even go; making me late

Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve 

God why do I have to go through this hell 

Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen

My anxiety went from a one to a ten

Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty

I would love to be anywhere but here 

Ahmed... 

My name is called 

Its time...

The wait is over

The nervousness is over 

The anxiety is over 

Fears And Obstacles

Part 1: Journal

Expand upon your list of fears, assets, and obstacles.  Write a three paragraph journal that focuses on identifying these aspects of yourself, how they are affecting you, and what you can do with them to move forward on your journey.  Elaborate on why these obstacles are there, if you can control them, and what ways can you healthily process fears and anxieties.  Be sure to include images.  

I have a huge fear of failing in school and not making anything out of myself. I grew up in a huge family that all went to big universities, and being the only one to be going to community college is tough. Growing up I was always reminded that I shouldn't go to a community college. And having siblings that have gone to universities and constantly being compared to is not fun. I always viewed community college as something bad, because I was taught that throughout my life. 

When the time came that I was applying to community college I was depressed I had a lot of anxiety because I didn't know what to expect next. I felt like I let my family down, they had so much high expectations that I was affected negatively. As the semester went by my family still loved me just as much as before. And I only view this as a step in my journey.

I can't control my obstacles but I've learned that life has its up and downs. However I am able to make my lows feel better by doing the things I love like playing a sport or working out because it distracts me from whats bothering me. And I plan try to get through this obstacle and the only thing between me and my goal it time. 

When I stop, I notice...

For this week's poem, we'll write about mindfulness experiences.  Being present is powerful.  It will help lead us towards the next steps - in the most appropriate way.  Write a 20 line poem about what you see when you stop and reflect.  If you'd like, try to do a quick breathing exercise before you write.  Sit somewhere quietly and focus only on taking deep breaths.  Try this out for a few minutes.  Some people like to count numbers or use a mantra (a word they like to repeat over and over - like a positive affirmation - see Week 1).   You could also practice one of the techniques outlined in the "Mindfulness" document posted below.

The title and first line of your poem will be:

When I stop, I notice the beauty of life

We tend to ignore the little things in life

I'm so caught up in things 

It crazy because we plan so far into the future

But we really don't know if we will see tomorrow

So when you stop for a second

It hits you 

We all are victims to it 

It doesn't hit you until you have a second to stop

Or when something tragic happens 

Sadly it hit me when my grandmother passed

It was a dark time in my life 

I was depressed because she meant so much

I felt that I didn't cherish her enough

But at that moment 

I got closer with my family

And now I cherish every second I have with them

You don't know what you have until its gone

So when I stop

I notice the beauty of life

Into The Present Moment

In a new blog post, this week we are going to do a free write exercise.  All you have to do is just write about your day, your week, or whatever is on your mind.  Please write three paragraphs about what is going on with you in YOUR PRESENT MOMENT.  You can focus on feelings, relationships, jobs, school - anything that is on your mind.  Don't forget to include pictures in your post (you should have 3 or more).  Have fun with this.

This week was very long. I had a bunch of things to get down and it made me very stressed. It also didn't help that I had work Monday through Friday. I had to study for a midterm on sunday, get two chapters of math done, and get catch up on some reading for my other class. Every day I got out of work at seven then I would go to the library to study for my math midterm that I took today (sunday). I felt confident that I was going to do well but what really was taking a toll on me was the lack of sleep. And I tend to worry a lot and then that causes stress.

Up until Saturday I was studying for this midterm. The next thing that I had to get done was two chapters off my math text book that took me the whole day since I also had to take online quizzes on the chapter. So I've had a very busy week which was very stressful. But it mad me appreciate the times that I had on vacations, it also made me look forward to my next vacation which made me think about where I want to go for next. 

And I noticed that its slowly been getting colder and colder. Which I am not looking forward to, I think winter is the worst time of the year. I think it does have some good about it but I also think that it is just to cold and I am not looking forward to the snow. Second to me I consider fall to be the "sundays" of  all seasons. Its when everyone goes back to there fast pace lifestyles. The weather gets colder, nobody looks forward to it and winter is a "monday". It also gets dark super early which I don't look forward to. Its very depressing, I think that weather has a huge effect on how people feel and what mood they are in. But the one good is that there is a vacation so you can get away or take a break from what you are doing.

Alchemy Poem

This week, please write a poem that tries to define what psychological alchemy is.  What does it mean to you?  What does it mean about reality?  Read my lecture, view the videos, then try to teach this term to your readers through expressive art.  

What can alchemy do for you?

Alchemy Poem

Alchemy is luck 

You try to make something that is ugly 

Into something that has beauty 

There are many things in life that are ugly

But if you look closely there is a propose

A durian has a terrible smell 

But it taste like heaven 

A tree doesn't seem like it has a purpose in life

But if you look closely it has a great purpose

It helps us get oxygen to breath 

And it takes in all the CO2 from us

Even though the purpose of alchemy is to make something better

One hundred percent of the time it already has potential to be great 

My mother always told me everything in life has a purpose

The random pebble on the floor had a story before 

And it will have a story after

It makes you look at things differently  

Alchemy basically helps something that is already great

It doesn't always turn something bad into something good

But it something into something better

Blessing in disguise

This week, I'd like you to write about a "blessing in disguise".  This would be a moment or occurrence in your past that, at first, seemed like a "bad" situation, an incredible challenge, or a even a defeat.  But what makes you alchemize that situation, is that you had some time to see that there was a lot of good from it.  It was a learning experience.  It's usually a moment of change.  Maybe it taught you a lesson.  Maybe it created a space or opportunity for something new to come into your life.  Maybe it changed you in a big way - for the better.  Please write at least 3 paragraphs: 

   

A blessing in disguise is always good. Its like the fruit durian, it can be the worst thing in the world but when you eat it, it taste like heaven. One experience in my life that was similar is attending a community college. I always thought that it would be a terrible experience. I always thought I was going to attend a university. Its not that i'm not smart, but I just didn't have a good work ethic. 

When I found out that I would have to attend community college.I felt depressed and ashamed that I couldn't go to a university. It was tough watching all my friends and classmates go off to universities and that I would have to stay back and go to community college. It wasn't fun seeing all my friends talk about the fun and awesome experiences they were having in university. I was going through a lonely time, all my friends were away at university and I was still at home preparing to attend community college. I spent days at class then would go back home were I would feel lonely and I got depressed. 

But with time I noticed that there is no way to speed up time so that I can enjoy the same experience that my friends were having. I just have to do what I have to do to get there. So over time my perspective of my situation changed. I am saving more money than all of my friends and I am still able to live with my family and have a job. So I noticed that it was kind of a blessing in disguise and over time I became content with my situation. I always my life as a marathon and this is just another mile of my marathon.   

Ahmed Farah