“You’re gonna be, a shinin star. In fancy clothes, and fancy car-ars. And then you’ll see, you’re gonna go far. Cause everyone knows, just who ya are-are. So live your life (AYY! Ayyy ayyy ayyy).” TI featuring “Rihanna”, “Live Your Life”, 2008

TRUTH. TI’s “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna is one of my favorite songs. Listening to Pandora this weekend, I heard it again and realized I had not heard it in over a year.  When Rihanna sings “You’re gonna be a shinin’ star…” and TI raps “Nevermind what haters say. Ignore them ’til they fade away”, I couldn’t help but remember the old saying attitude determines altitude. Proverbs 23:7 gives another spin on this same thought. Basically how a person thinks about himself or herself is what will manifest in their life.  As a man or woman thinks, so is he or she. If we think positively, positive things happen.  The same with thinking negatively.  If we think bad, bad is drawn to us. Have you ever just had negative people around you, and before you realize it YOU have a damn headache or something because of their bad vibes? That’s because the energy they give off – positive or negative – can influence how you feel – good or bad.  It’s your choice.  Similarly, the way you treat yourself is the way others will treat you.

The DDR: Today, remember there is a difference between your image and your identity.  Your “image” is what other people see. Your “identity” is who you are! Don’t mimic someone else. Create your own identity, LIVE YOUR LIFE, and keep people around you who lift you up and love you up with good thoughts, energy, and vibes. Today, choose to LIVE YOUR LIFE by getting an awesome start to your week! Stay cool. Stay positive.