Rise & Grind - If GOD woke you up this Thursday morning, BE productive. The Life Quote for today is..“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” - Maya Angelou
Now more than ever, we need to call on our inner light. For me, It’s been an amazing week. The momentum from my "ReConnected STC" exhibit has inspired me to believe more in my light, and to reflect and be grateful for it. Your inner light might be dim, or it might be bright. But it’s there, ready for you to tap into whenever you want.
Yesterday was a very special day for me as it was the anniversary date of my company LIVE IT WEAR IT (LIWI68). With the assistance and dedication of my team of brothers, my vision to reach a greater audience (not only by the creation of t-shirts) has manifested into a reality.
Eleven years later, we have been blessed to have the opportunity to enter into schools to educate students on the importance of branding and Media Literacy.
Throughout the years, we have formed various partnerships with individuals, foundations, and companies whose philosophies and principles have aligned with our own.
One specific partnership which we will forever be grateful for is the working relationship we established with Dr. John Carlos. Being able to unite with Dr. Carlos has changed my life forever. Through him, I have learned so much and continue to learn. To have Dr. Carlos endorse and validate what we have been doing for so many years, confirmed within myself the reason why I continue to do what I do.
When talking to Dr. Carlos you can sense that he is eternally young at heart and spirit, and loves life-- his face constantly radiates with joy and jubilation. He has a purpose and a passion; he is not burdened by all the material things that attract so many individuals in life. It is the people who get up and want to give back to others who truly have the greatest lives. They are not only the ones making a difference but they have more fun enjoying life while doing it.
We here at LIWI68 embrace this concept. Giving back is one of our number one priorities and we strive to make a difference while enjoying life’s little moments.
Through our company, we have been able to educate, empower and unite the masses through many different streams.
Many of you have previously asked what motivates me. Well, what motivates me is the realization that LIWI68 expands way past my clothing line. Giving back to the community that has supported and continues to support our brand and vision, drives us to continue what we have been doing.
That being said, you are cordially invited to come to my ReConnected STC AfterParty and also celebrate LIWI68s 11th anniversary on Sunday, Oct 20, 2019 at Local 44 Restaurant located at 41 Milner Avenue, at McCowan/401.
The event will take place from 6pm until closing (2am). Live music, and a raffle of a few special items will be ongoing throughout the evening.
The presentation of the ReConnected art pieces will be presented to those individuals that attend at 8pm. Admission is free. The kitchen will also be open, offering all selections from the Local 44
Since Nuit Blanche, many conversations have been ignited, brilliant new ideas have emerged, and most importantly, we have ReConnected with each other, with our community, and with our individual missions.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday to continue these important conversations and build collectively. If you’re able to make it to the celebration, please RSVP by Friday, October 18th.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reconnected-stc-after-party-tickets-76671026103
With appreciation!
Mark Stoddart
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Rise & Grind - if GOD woke you up this Thursday morning, BE productive. The Life Quote for today is…"THE HIGHEST HUMAN ACT IS TO INSPIRE.”-Nipsey Hussle
With the unfortunate, senseless passing of Nipsey Hussle, and seeing and hearing the unique stories of how Nipsey Hussle inspired hundreds of people within his community, it made me reflect on my own life and purpose.
We all know people who inspire others to act by using their God-given abilities.
I recently came across Michael Angier's "Top Ten Ways to Inspire Others to Be Their Best".
Like Nipsey, we all have the ability to inspire others by exhibiting one of the following:
1. Be a good example. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say. Be someone worth emulating.
2. Care about others. People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. Ask questions. Take a genuine interest in people.
3. Encouragement. Everyone goes through tough times. When you support people and encourage them through these times, you’ll be inspiring them to see the best in themselves and in the situation.
4. Be inspired yourself. Look for people, ideas, environments and knowledge that you find inspiring and motivating.
5. Share from your own experience. You have more to share than you realize. Mine the rich experiences of your life and share your wisdom from your unique point of view. You may be the only one who can touch someone with your inspiring message.
6. Be vulnerable. Be willing to share your failures as well as your successes. Others will relate to you. They’ll understand that they’re not the only ones with challenges.
7. Tell stories. Facts tell and stories sell. They inspire, too. We learn best from parables and we all need to develop our own inspiring stories.
8. Be a good communicator. Increasing your ability to communicate effectively is a critical element for you to inspire others. Watch how you speak and what you say. Invest in your communication skills.
9. Challenge people. Many of us have had teachers who at times seemed more like tormentors than mentors. They challenged us to do our best, and we were better for it. Practice "carefrontation"—the careful and caring confrontation of others.
10. Read. It may not follow that all readers are leaders, but certainly, all leaders are readers. Stay informed. Share what you read with others. Tell people about books that have inspired you. Share the knowledge.
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Rise & Grind - If GOD woke you up this POSITIVE Thursday morning, BE productive. The life quote for today is..."Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” ~ John Quincy Adams
I’m at a point in my life where peace of mind has become one of my highest priorities. I want to be at peace. I want to get better and better at allowing things to follow their natural course without desperately trying to force them into completion because that creates a lot of unnecessary stress, pain, and suffering. And that’s the last thing I want.
I’ve discovered that it's all about having patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.
So, I have a challenge for you to do these three things daily:
Stop and smell the roses. Take life one day at a time and celebrate all the wonderful things happening around you.
Sure, there are some bad, awful things you can't control, but I promise you there is beauty in the world if you open your eyes. Don't let the day to day struggle stop you from realizing how blessed you are to be alive.
2. Take the time to look for at least one good thing every day and I promise, good things will come your way as long you have the patience.
3. Rethink the way you live your life and start the day with gratitude. This will bring peace into your life journey.
One of the hardest tests in life is having the patience to wait for the right moment
Thank you, Coach Alison, for sharing your stories yesterday about your family and your passion for horses PLUS the amazing stories we share from our Sheridan college days. The bond we have forged as brothers will never be broken.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey.
Always bleed BLUE
True happiness is about finding comfort within yourself and in your own light. Open yourself & tap into it. Have an amazingly blessed and productive morning. There is nothing too difficult that you have not already achieved and mastered. Enjoy your day, you deserve it! BELIEVE & BECOME ...LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BRIGHT
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
by Marianne Williamson
]]>Seek Those Who Fan Your Flames
It is Better to be alone, than in the wrong company. Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate for the good and the bad. The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative people.
As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on.They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider This:
Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life.
You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
~author unknown
If you see people without a smile today, give them one of yours.
Choose to rise...Don't settle...and go for your dreams!!!
And most of all let God lead you in everything you do
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Rise & Grind - If GOD woke you up this POSITIVE Thursday morning, BE productive. The life quote for today is...”You don’t get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now.”-Joan Baez
They say death happens in 3's, and I received a message from my sister last weekend that shocked my world once again. One of the matriarchs within our family had passed away. Ms G was 99 years old, and today would have been her Century "MARK" around the earth.
I have known Ms G all of my life. I can remember all the trips we would make as a family, travelling in Uncle Frank's big brown van, to visit our cousin in NYC or our famous trip to L.A. for our cousin's wedding in 2010.
My fondest memory with Miss G came last year September as I sat and talked to her about my art and business career. She was so proud of my choice to pursue my dream of once again creating art. I smiled when she told me she kept my art brochure in her bible.
As I celebrate her life today, I think about her death within the same breath. It's crazy how we take for granted time and treat it like something that is guaranteed. We constantly defer doing things such as pursuing that passion or dream, telling that special person how we feel or simply picking up the phone and checking on that family member or friend who we haven't spoken to in awhile.
I don't want to live my life like this anymore. Today I choose to live and love without no regret because tomorrow isn't promised (a phrase we use, but don't take seriously). Live with NO REGRETS!!!!!!!
What are you waiting for?????
Thank you all for your warm condolences within these past couple of days. I will share them with my Uncle and family today.
Happy 100th Birthday Ms G
When the matriarch of a family dies,
It is a difficult feeling to describe,
The death heralds the end of an era,
The gradual disappearance of a Legacy,
Every family member becomes paralyzed
by the vacancy,
The Leader and Director of the familys'
hopes and dreams has gone to rest,
Declaring, "It is time for everyone to live
up to their personal best,"
A reliable figure of normalcy and tradition
has exited gracefully,
Leaving behind the formula to living
life decently.
Your memory will forever live on through OUR family, and friends.
RIP
STOP putting a question MARK where God has ALREADY put a period. Live Your Life. Leave Your Legacy. Wear Our Story.
#2018 #LiveItWearIt #LIWI68
#STAYWOKE #PURSUIT18
]]>Its pages are blank. The book is called Opportunity, and its first chapter is New Years Day – Ebonnie Rowe
As the New Year slowly approaches we almost routinely, begin to rejoice in leaving behind all things negative and anticipate what the New Year holds for us. Reflecting on all the events that have taken place in our lives, we often make promises to improve, to change, to be superior to our previous “self”. We celebrate and embrace the opportunity to start another year off better than the previous one. We anticipate and await all that the New Year holds for us. Ironically, it is what we bring into to the New year, that will determine what we get from the New Year. We are the authors of our own individual book and have all the required tools to write it. Like anything we write, a well thought out outline or plan is required before we begin to write. Those that take the time to think and plan out there book will always have a better chance of achieving their goals and dreams.
Let us all take this time to really start anew. By releasing negative energy or ill feelings that we might be harboring towards others, and by letting go of any self doubt and fear, only then can we truly begin to progress ourselves and move forward positively and free in the New Year. Some may consider fear as inverted faith. Let’s move forward with a new attitude. Remember that WE control our lives with the guidance of GOD.
That being said….Here is some New Year resolution suggesting:
1. Give Forgiveness to your enemy.
2. Give tolerance for your adversary.
3. Give your heart to your friends.
4. Give charity to all without thinking twice.
5. Become an example to a child.
6. If you didn’t this current year, have respect for yourself!
Happy New Year to all of my friends from the 4 corners of the Universe!
I send you Love, Peace, Happiness, Freedom, Harmony, Unity, Facts, Knowledge, Wisdom, Choice, and much Success. Stay positive and be blessed.
STOP putting a question mark where God has ALREADY put a period.
Learn how to do well by doing good.
EDUCATE, EMPOWER, UNITE.
]]>Twice a year I reflect on all of my accomplishments, life lessons and goals I wish to still pursue. During this time, I also reminisce about the many gifted individuals I have been blessed to meet and have the pleasure of connecting with to share my vision of uniting a community and giving back.
One of those gifted individuals I was blessed to meet, get to know, respect, and share my vision with, was my brother Nijah Duncan. Sadly, Nijah passed away in his sleep this week. He was 35.
Nijah was a natural entrepreneur. Blessed with a charming personality and radiant smile, Nijah never settled for anything less than what he wanted. He had a desire to achieve every goal he set and put his mind too. I personally noticed this trait earlier on in Nijah when I first met him at the YMCA in Scarborough. Whether it was a small goal, like benching a specific weight at the gym, to owning and running ones own business, Nijah was committed to seeing that goal accomplished.
His "pursuit" to better himself and provide for his family, constantly drove him to do better.
Nijah's recent passing has affected my life and many others. Everytime a talented soul is taken from this earth, before their time, I start to think about my LIFE and how blessed and fortunate I've been.
Two things in life that are guaranteed is ones birth and ones death. What we do between that window, whether short or long, will determine how we will leave our "MARK" or our legacy. Although, Nijah's life was taken at a young age, he accomplished so much during his time and influenced, so many people through his work within the community.
One of his many business endeavours "Pursuit", a training academy and wellness centre for individuals to gain the basic skills to excel at thier designated sport, allowed him to influence, encourage and motivate many young children. His son, a participant at the training centre, embodies Nijah's work ethic and passion to succeed. The life lessons that his father has enstilled within him, will carry him a long way if he stays the course and surrounds himself with like-minded individuals similar to what his dad did over the past few years.
We all play this game called life which has no specific instruction manual. We have all taken life for granted and those individuals that mean a lot to us at some point in time. Whether it's that childhood friend we haven't reached out and checked up on or that family member we keep saying we will call tomorrow. We constantly make excuses for not reaching out or speaking to an individual. We talk our way out of our dreams and aspirations simply because we don't want to fail or try something different.
Since we can't predict the future or how long we will be on this earth, we should not defer our dreams and aspirations or reaching out to a friend or family member until a later date or a more "appropriate" time. There will never be that perfect or "appropriate" time. That time may never come. We often get carried away in our own lives and don't stop to appreciate the footprints of our friends and those special, authentic moments.
Nijah lived his life with no regrets. His pursuit for what he desired in life was always a constant work in progress.
I encourage you all to do the same if you currently do not live your life this way. Reach out to that old friend to say hello and see how they are doing. Contact that family member you have been saying you were going to call a few months ago. Pursue that burning desire to try something new. Life is truly a blessing and a gift.
Whenever God is ready for us, he will call. I personally don't question his call as I know those that are called have achieved and served their purpose.
You will truly be missed brother.
Your memory will forever live on through your family, and friends.
RIP
Nijah
Photography By: Nathanael Anderson
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The world lost a great spirit this week. Strong spirits like Prince sure made the world we live in a better place. Some people obey all the rules while others create or break them with the intent of making other people's lives better. Thank you Prince for creating great music that served as the soundtrack of our lives.
]]>It is Better to be alone, than in the wrong company.
Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are.
If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.
The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate for the good and the bad. The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative people.
As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on.They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl.Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider This:
Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.
~author unknown
]]>Positivity truly breeds positivity. Whatever you manifest in your head, make sure it's positive. The secret to living a happy life is to first think it!
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In life there are always going to be barriers and hurdles in our way that will test our will, faith and strength. The key to dealing with these barriers is to practice good habits and not bad ones. Quitting is a bad habit. People quit because they don't take pride in what they do. I recall my parents uttering the same message Inky's mother said to him; 'Son, whatever you start, you make sure you finish.' Regardless of the outcome, the process or journey will be rewarding in teaching you new things you never knew about yourself. Life is truly a journey. Once you begin to train your mindset to understand that everything we go through in life is meant to make us stronger not weaker, we will truly begin to see the work of the Creator within our lives.
We all have our own driving forces for what we do. These driving forces is what propels us to keep going. To keep fighting no matter what obstacles appear in our way. At a certain point in life it cannot be just about you. Whether it's a parent, family member, teacher, friend etc., repaying the people who have invested in you should be included in your journey.
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I live my life even now as if I could die this evening. Your priorities are different when you live your life constantly aware that death is stalking you. You don't waste your time in trivia or mundane things, or get upset by people. You are much more loving and compassionate. You should actually live your life as if this is the only moment you have, for sure. Because the fact is that this is the only moment you have!" - Deepak Chopra
]]>The simple truth is – no great success was ever achieved without failure. Whether we like it or not, failure is a necessary stepping stone to achieving our dreams. It should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is a temporary detour, not a dead end and can only exist when we no longer continue to trying. #ThoughtOfTheDay #Encouraged
]]>Some people say knowing whats good for us and appreciating it requires patience for things to be set in motion and to blossom. This is sooooo true and this quote hits the nail on the head as having the patience to wait for the right things is hard. However, "To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did."
When god takes something from your grasp, he's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better....so remember "the will of god will never take you where the grace of god will not protect you."
#ThoughtOfTheDay #Encouraged
]]>There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting up my people.
As long as you are living and breathing, it's never late to start moving forward with an intentional effort towards what you really want to accomplish out of your life. Remember it's what you leave behind that becomes your LEGACY not what you didn't.
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Life is too short to wait any longer. – If you knew for certain you had a terminal illness – if you had a very limited time left to live – you wouldn’t waste a minute of it. Well wake up! You do have a terminal illness; it’s called ‘life.’ In the grand scheme of things, you don’t have much time left – no one does. So look around at this gift you’ve been given, as its miracles unfold before your eyes. And choose to be happy, without approval – or you will never be at all.
Photo taken by : Anthony Gebrehiwot
Video taken by: Garth Smith & Ohm Shanti (THE CRE8IVE FRONT)
]]>Being a visionary is no small feat. Historically, there are stars that burn so bright and so hot that they burn out much too soon. They leave behind a brilliant legacy, but usually are not around to bask in that brilliance. That is why I feel compelled to do more than just convey information. It has become my personal mission to create art that moves people to act. All of us have a stake in each other’s success and likewise all people, no matter their position or means, have a role to play in advancing the common good.
]]>When you know your "Why" your "What" has more impact because you are walking with purpose. There is a difference when someone walks in their purpose and lives intentionally!!! #ThoughtOfTheDay #Encouraged
]]>Welcome to the POSITIVE THURSDAY Quote of the day. Each Thursday we'll bring you an uplifting and motivating quote and post it within this blog section.
These motivational and inspirational quotes are designed to activate that champion inside of you.
Feel free to share your favorite quotes or leave your own inspirational message in the comments section. Remember, positivity truly breeds positivity.
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