Take it Back

Sometimes we need to stop and think about how far we have come and take a look back. Take it back to the days when our grandmothers and grandfathers knew what it was to truly struggle. The days when they had to walk miles for water and carry huge jugs back through an old dusty trail. The days when they had to learn to appreciate the value of a penny or a nickel. The days when shoes were worn until the soles fell off. The days when looking out for our brothers and sisters existed. The days when unity meant something. The days when they trusted their brothers and sisters. The days when knowing that times were hard, but had no desire to go out and kill and destroy each other, but lean on the understanding of God and trusting he would provide. Those were the days when respect existed. Today we have no respect for one another. We have no idea how to rub a penny and nickel together. We don't know what it's like to walk miles and miles for a necessity. We ultimately don't know how to appreciate anything. Our generation has missed the mark greatly. It's time that we look back and see how far we have really come. Never forget where you come from and always embrace it. We have grown accustomed to the “good life” and have no idea what it took to get to this point. Compared to back then we have it made, but still don't appreciate anything. It's time to take it back, wayyyyy back!

Reaching Your Dreams

Over this past weekend I had the greatest time! The 2nd Annual Back to School Connection hosted by Rev. Doug Cuthbertson of Honoring God in Ministry and Gaston Chapel A.M.E. Church took place Saturday, August 13, 2011. "Project Tomorrow" had the honor to host a booth called, "Reaching Your Dreams." Ciara Felder and I came together and created a welcoming and encouraging booth for our youth. We surrounded our booth by Goal setting. The kids came by and we taught them about goals and what they were and how to set them, then ultimatly reach them. We were amazed at not only the quantity of kids that came and participated, but at the goals that each kid set for themselves for the upcoming school year. They made stars and decorated them until their hearts could take no more. It was such a joy to see kids young and old have the motivation and desire to set goals for themselves. They motivated me beyond words. This was such a great event and I was so proud that "Project Tomorrow" was able to be a part of it. This was the "opening" for "Project Tomorrow" and definitely not the last of it. Be on the look out because there is so much more to come! This event taught me that goals can be set and reached at any age and to never give up on yourself. If you believe in you and your dream, then anything is possible!

Xavier Silas: Teaching Others to be Happy&FREE Through Giving

It is better to give than to receive. I had the pleasure to interview the great and talented Xavier Silas. He is a graduate of NIU (Northern Illinois University), a talented basketball player who is patiently awaiting for the NBA lockout to be over to have his chance to live out his dream. As I came across Xavier I knew there was something amazing about him and his desire to give back. He has always spoken words of encouragement through his twitter and promotes nothing but positivity. I knew he was one that I had to interview. He is the Co-Founder of Happy&FREE.

Check out our one-on-one interview:

Shalee: What is Happy&FREE and how did it emerge?
Xavier: It's a clothing company that we started that sells clothes that promote optimism. Since you can and should be Happy&FREE with everything we do we decided to promote that. What is even better is that in this quarter with every purchase a kid in Haiti gets a new uniform for school. I figure if they look good they'll feel good and if they feel good they'll life will be a little better.

Shalee: What do you hope to accomplish with Happy&FREE?
Xavier: Make poverty history.

Shalee: How has the response to Happy&FREE been? Was it expected?
Xavier: Honestly the concept is very excepted. We are slowly but surely getting our word out there. We are still looking for sponsors to get our website up and running so that we can spread the message even more effectively. So if you want to donate or sponsor email me at XavierSilas@gmail.com

Shalee: What have you learned about yourself and or the world through Happy&FREE?
Xavier: I've learned that people want to do the right things and help the world they just need a perfect way to. And I think with our target changing frequently it's a good way for people to be involved with different aspects of the world that need our help.

Shalee: Are there any future plans for Happy&FREE?
Xavier: We plan to put smiles on people's faces. That's the only plan that matters.

Xavier has shown that giving is very important to him especially when it comes to the youth. He understands what it means to inspire and ecnourage others. Please support him and his eforts through purchasing a t-shirt by visiting http://t.co/zm1IqvZ

Check out his Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/XavierSilas
Purchasing t-shirts: http://www.facebook.com/shophappyandfree?sk=app_135607783795