The Pursuit of Positivity

When you are with friends, mind your tongue.  An easy guideline to say, but how do we live it?  This episode delves behind the process to be able to mind out tongues when we're around friends.  Why is it even important?  How does it affect them, and how does it effect us?  Listen to this episode of The Pursuit of Positivity on how to mind your tongue and how powerful it can be for all of us!*Outro Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up”Support the show

MIND YOUR THOUGHTS: Day 1 of our 6 day journey into a positivity guide:What does it mean to mind your thoughts?  How effective can this be?  In this episode explore the bedrock of your mood, attitude and perspective by exploring this simple task.  Want to change your life today?  Change your thinking. How do you change your thinking? Listen to this episode of minding your thoughts.*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show

How do you live in the light when everything seems dark?  How do you remain positive in the moments of challenge and adversity?  This episode explores transforming academic into practice and idea into reality.  Through this practice you can transform your challenges into victories and "live in the light"This episode is dedicated to Michael Williams AKA The Memphis Mauler*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

"A  jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”  is the full phrase many of have misunderstood for years.  See what having a few more lines and a full quote can do to perspective?  For all of those listeners who have wondered whether they "spread themselves too thin" or find themselves excelling in a variety of areas, explore this full phrase.  Are we "pigeonholing" ourselves?  Are we living up to someone else's expectations and stifling our own?  In this episode explore the benefits of being a Jack of All Trades.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

 The power of words are the next logical step from the power of the mind.    Since we live in a world of vast personalities and perspectives, we encounter negativity, apathy and some individuals who mean well but sometimes wind up stifling our dreams by accident.   This Will Smith quote impacted me so much I have told this to my son as a guard against myself. YouTubeClip-Will Smith, Jayden Smith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPEdwaLQLag*Intro and Outro by Wataboi-Song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Can we present both of our sides evenly and still remain the people we want to project?  We all have 2 sides, can we calm the aggressive side in the moments of conflict?  This podcast subject was planned over the weekend as a result of a conversation I had.  It just so happened that the "slap heard around the world" fits right into this subject.  Can you condition yourself to process emotions instantly?  Is it a reality that can be achieved?  Can we use the Will Smith Chris Rock slap to create positivity in our lives?*Outro by Wataboi-Song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Remember while we choose to pursue positivity for ourselves, spreading it to others is the true joy.  We can't imagine what someone who is suicidal may be feeling.  Having what seems like too frequent an encounter with the sudden death of others, this podcast attempts to address how we may be able to contribute in helping someone's outlook.YouTube clip sample from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdRNQLi5Mqwstarting at 2:24, Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Good Will HuntinSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Explore this quote and the relationship to it's author to understand how we can live a full positive life. Some of the easiest shifts in our outlook can be monumental for our perspective. Listen to how this simple line can conquer all the tragedy obstacles and roadblocks in your life!*Outro by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode is for people like me who found they were STILL  getting stuck after getting "unstuck" :).  What causes the relapse?  How do we fight it?  How do we prevent it from happening again?  Explore these concepts and more in this episodeSupport the show

Unlocking the secrets to pushing past the emotion that stunts our growth-fear!  How do we push past it, how do we stop finding ourselves in the same "rut" that we can't get out of?  Listen to this episode to join me in defeating one of the most debilitating obstacles to our own successes....the paralysis of fear. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode explores the PURPOSE of love.  Why do we love, how is the connecting to that purpose an enhancement to our relationship?  What does the understanding of purpose do for us?  Tune in for my beliefs about loves purpose and what it can mean for you!*clip from Forest Gump, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-47cwN0w_c *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*' Support the show

Exploring the part of love that is Enduring Love-this episode delves into what makes love last.  How do we define love?  What do you think it is?  How do we make it last?  For this and more, tune into this episode, I hope you like!Quoted from Keith White: Love is a choice. Love is not conditional, it is not earned or rewarded. Companionship and showing affection are earned and rewarded, but love is unconditional. When I did not deserve companionship or affection, she loved herself enough to put me out. Love is seeing me as an undeveloped man and working with me towards a better path. Love is also being my ride or die without asking any questions and needing no explanations. Love is not something the English language really understands or adequately explains  Clip from youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKZG4FcAa5w&t=825s 15:26  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*' Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Sex, why is it such a taboo subject when it's integrated within love?  This episode examines how we view sex, why does it seem so hard to talk about, where our ideas about if comes from.  Listen to how we can make it a constructive part of our love conversations, how can we push past our hesitancy to talk about it?*This episode contains some explicit language in the initial clip*Clip taken from Love Jones-Lorenz Tate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byicVL_dZK0  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*' Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode explores the question, can we handle the COMPLETE truth in our relationships?  Do we want complete truth from our partners? Where is the line between what we want and what we need?  These questions and more are answered in this episode..you can't handle the truth!*Please forgive the audio quality in this episode**Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*'  -You can't handle the truth-Clip from “A Few Good Men”  Jack Nicholson, Tom CruiseSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode explores the emotion and concept of love. How does it start?  How does it endure.  Episode 1 of the Love Series starts at the beginning, how do we experience the inception of our most powerful emotion?  Why does it exist?  A kick off to one of the most exciting series yet, tune in and enjoy!*Clip from Love and Basketball, Sanaa Lathan/Omar Epps* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw6JwF6kvOM  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*' Support the show

Explore one of the fascinating elements of love.  From lovers to spouses, we all share one thing in common, balance.  Where does that balance begin and end?  Where do we find the line between pushing too hard and inspiring our partners?  This episode of The Deep Dive explores these elements and takes on the challenge of balance in relationships.-Clip from The Lord of The Rings, (author J.R.R. Tolkien), Liv Tylerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_0YWi7z_g *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up* Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Explore the beast that lives inside of us.  How do we tame the emotions that seem so strong and so real to live the life we want?  How do we balance the control of ourselves and yet release control to BE ourselves?  In this episode,  can we unleash the kraken and put him on a diet?-Clip from Clash of The Titans (2010)-Zeus played by Liam Neeson *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up* Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

In this episode we explore happiness at it's core.  The fitting episode for The Pursuit of Happiness, let's examine what makes us happy and why?  What would happen if we were eternally "happy".  How can we find happiness in our darkest moments? Exactly what IS advice?  Continuing our journey on the pursuit of happiness, let this episode fit into one of the core sessions.  -Clip from "The Blacklist" on Netflix, Season 6*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode shares the challenges most of us face as parents, the concern of inter generational communication and how we remain circumspect in our attempts to raise our children. For parents and children alike this episode explores what parenthood actually means for us.  -Clip from TheGilbertParrisPodcast-MarcMinor's Life Philosophy*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Your day goes by, you completed a good 20 thing, but not one of them makes you feel accomplished.  Do you know how to cure that?  How can you line up your day strategically to live that level 10 life?  This episode explores our mind control and how we choose the order of our thoughts and how to filter out unnecessary tasks.Clip taken from:The Best Ever Put-Downs From House Speaker John Bercowhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAM-YW-6vdU*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*-Book Reference,TheOneThing,Gary Keller and Jay Papasan-The War of Art-Steve PressfieldSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

The idea of having to fail is nothing novel, however let's look at it a little closer in this episode. How "failing" contributes to our success, how moving forward despite past obstacles creates a desire within us, forges a level of fortitude to achieve hard goals.  Utilize this episode during those times when you're scared to start a project thinking about past challenges and lost opportunities.  Beginning Clip-The Gilbert Parris Podcast-The road to success with Bernard Parris, Temple University Tyler School of the Arts Alumni, yes, you can still earn a good living*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show

As a podcaster who is turning 52, the method we can try to communicate with our younger generation is puzzling and many times downright frustrating.  Tune into this episode to see how the example of Simon Biles can teach us how to be effective in our communication with our younger generation, how to be effective in unification and temper our views about the strength or weakness of the generation we have or are still raising.  2 news clips are taken from: CBS  evening news with Norah O'Donnell,  NBC Sports -Olympic Coverage*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

The First Agreement in the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is to be impeccable with your word.  Why do we find it so incredibly challenging to...tell the truth at all times?  To live up to our promises, to be impeccable with our word? This episode of The Deep Dive explores this topic and what is required to live a life where we are truly...impeccable with our word and what that would feel like.  *warning* the initial clip, although not explicit may be offensive to certain listeners.-Clip-Al Pacino-Scarface*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

I think too many of us have departed from the value of building up "our good name".  This episode begins with the words of  Erikan Obotetukudo, let's examine what is in the power of our name, what do we value, and how do we use connecting to our name to enhance our lives and become the person we want to create?Utilize this episode to become a reflection the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night as you work on your level 10 life!-Clip from Ted X Talk,  Erikan Obotetukudo.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ0kF8ot2E8 Music by *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Have you ever wondered why God is so commonly referred to as "He" or in male form?  Have you ever challenged this assertion and received an incredible amount of push back?  This episode, an epilogue to the "Series of Faith" Series questions why and how this understanding came to be about, and why it even matters.  Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Explore how to create your own reality through this series.  Do we know who we REALLY are?  What defines our personality?  What defines US when we say "I am this type of person".  How do we eliminate the parts we don't like and enhance the parts we do?  How do we shed what was once a part of us?  Explore this and more in Episode 1 of The Deep Dive*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Explore an event that occurred yesterday morning that created a true force of action and how we can replicate it on a regular basis.  We continue to explore the remedies of feeling stuck, how we battle tasks unfinished and end procrastination.  Together let's continue the work of creating our most productive selves.  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show

Explore the power of influence through your words which translates into action.  This episode explores how we command our own moods, create our own realities and in turn the realities of others.  Take the very simple concept of what words we choose to use and see how it transforms careers and the workplace.  Words have more power than we give credit for, in this episode examine how you can use them to be a transformational force.  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Become wealthy by exploring your perception of money, how you look at your finances, where did your concept of money originate?  What is the relationship between your mental outlook on money and your ability to generate it and control how you spend it?  This episode explores these topics and more, in the Pursuit of Positivity we can set into motion the routing that enables us to reach our full financial potential*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

In this Faith Series finale, explore an Oprah Winfrey quote on failure:Failure is there to point you in a different direction.  Our emotional reaction to failure or disappointment governs our ability to succeed or push forward in the face of adversity.   imagine how much easier it is to access success is we don't feel that failure is a crushing defeat!  Enjoy this Faith Series Finale, I love each and every one of you!!!!!!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

During a discussion, the concept that we live in a society devoid of  leadership, culture, consistency and discipline was tossed around.  Whether you agree or not, how do we cure this?  Listen to this episode about the power we possess to become the guiding posts of leadership, establishing our cultural norms and becoming a beacon of discipline.  How could this affect the world?  What changes could reverberate through the simple actions of one individual?*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode will guide you to the place of a different holy trinity, Meditation, Prayer and Sitting Still.  When you're faced with the challenges of every day life, what do you access to clear your mind, to gain a level of focus?  Have you noticed the calming effect of meditating, praying or just...taking a moment out to be still and tune out the distractions?  Access the ability to quiet the mind, to achieve a sense of...peace, tranquility and the ability to focus and move forward to achieve your goals!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

 Faith, Religion, and the relation to Entrepreneurs as well as those who are Self Employed.  This episode is a prequel to next weeks series on faith, motivation, myths, perceptions and realities.  If you wonder how to create "something out of nothing" and make visualizations concrete, you must start with a version of faith. *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

In this episode, you can learn what defense attorneys and prosecutors call trial pathology.  How does this concept enable you to reach your goals?  You can make this one of your building blocks to navigate through some of the daily challenges you may face!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

What is Dogma?  Are there incontrovertible truths?  How do we create out own vision and make the "impossible" possible?  Tune into this episode to unlock the keys inside of you that enhance your ability to live the life you have always wanted to live.  Examine the difference between religion and spirituality, the concept of dogma and enhance your ability to achieve your vision.*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Why did I choose to start this podcast?  What is it really about?  What is my background and what do I hope to accomplish? This episode may be considered indulgent (in the words of Simon Cowell), but for all listeners this is the story of WHY?The Pursuit of positivity is meant to inspireIt's meant to enlightenAll of us have those days that aren't really the best, The Pursuit of Positivity is meant to brighten those days even if it's just a little bit.  Enjoy this episode and allow it to bring clarity to the "why" as well as the "what"*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Commentary on Dave Chappell comment, freedom is not a privilege, it's a right.  Are we utilizing the most with our freedom?  Do we understand why our choices are crucial and how to live a level 10 life.  The full quote-Freedom is not a privilege, it's a right.  With this right comes an enormous amount of responsibility, most people just see the amenities of freedom.  A free man has to consider his actions more*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

#Changethenarrative starts with US!  In this episode, explore what changing the narrative actually means.  By challenging our own thinking, holding ourselves to a higher standard, we in fact accomplish our goals easier, become more effective and unify people and ideas we thought would never be unified.  Upon finishing this episode, you should feel inspired, accomplished and ready to meet the world with a new perspective!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

The quote by Dr. Joe Dispenza shows us how each day can be attacked with enthusiasm and vigor.  "If you're not being defined by a vision of the future, then you're left with the old memories of the past, and you will be predictable in your life."  Today's commentary is definitely for those who tend to think at a certain age, there's no more to be learned, nothing new to adapt to.  Adding in a little practice of visualization shows us how to create whatever the life is that we want at this point.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Bill Cosby Verdict overturned and The Guest House by RumiWelcome back to Season 2!!!!  We kick off with the combination of another Rumi poem "The Guesthouse", and brief commentary on the Bill Cosby verdict overturned, looking behind the curtain and what is really at stake is so much bigger than Bill Cosby and the #MeToo movement*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Have you ever shut someone down immediately for saying something you oppose?  Has it ever been someone you may have loved, admired, almost idolized in some cases?  This is a quote from an academic I have such admiration for, and yet I found myself doing the same thing, in terms I used to use "non ciphering" Cornel West, who has been a huge influence in my own philosophy.  His quote “We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence"  actually addresses what relationships are made of and made me self examine my own outlook.  I hope it does the same for you!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

This episode is dedicated to my mentors as well as to the benefits of both being a mentor and having one, no matter what stage in your life you are in.  Take a glimpse into my life path of mentors who have influenced my world and the base of my thinking.  Take interest in becoming a mentor and the clear benefits you derive from pursuing that path.  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

"Part of being a revolutionary is creating a vision that is more humane.  That is more fun too.  That is more loving.  It's really working to create beautiful"-Assata ShakurIn exploring this quote, we can connect positivity and being "revolutionary".  As stated in the podcast, Assata Shakur's autobiography is one of the most gripping autobiographies I have read, end it's interesting to take a look back and compare her life in the context of the world we see today.*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show

How do you deal with "losing it", when you feel your discipline is lost?  How do you overcome that space when you just put everything off and feel like you're not accomplishing anything you set out to do?  This podcast explores those challenges and looks into methods to get back on top of our game!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

Andra Day gives a stellar performance as an incredibly challenging iconic legend, Billie Holiday in a movie that tells us a different story about Billie Holiday most of us have not been exposed to.  We can use the vision we have seen as an inspiration to move forward in our lives, and pursue our goals and stay focused, enjoy this episode!!!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

It's freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody.Our first Pursuit of Positivity Black History Month Installment comes from one of my favorite Malcom X speeches, "The Ballot or the Bullet".   The full portion of the speech, This is why I say it's the ballot or the bullet. It's liberty or it's death. It's freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody, is gripping.    It's the last sentence that applies to our personal lives, our community lives, our national lives.  In this episode, listen to my take on "the ballot or the bullet".....let me know what you think! *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

During this Episode, see why I celebrate Black History Month in March, hear me recite my first poem on The Pursuit of Positivity, The Ballad of the Landlord by Langston Hughes, shout out to just some of the contributors to Black History to be covered or mentioned this month including:Cornell West,  Julani Cobb, Kamala Harris, Stacy Abrams, Ayanna Presley, Val Demmings, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Malcolm X AKA El Haj Malik Shabazz, Carter G Woodson, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Charles Hamilton Houston, Bernard Parris (senior), Judge Ted Jones, Judge Willie Thompson, Arthur Lewis, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Arsenio Hall, Dave Chappell, Jay-z, Shirley Chisolm, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show

Finally, we are at the finale of the master plan-measurable progress.  You need to be able to gain momentum through your steps and the easiest thing is to look at measurable progress.  Look at where you are compared to yesterday, compared to last month and last year.  How do you move forward? How do you accomplish your master plan?  Find out in this episode, Measurable progress, the finale of the Master Plan*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

The next to last step of any master plan has to be clarity of vision (and for some this could be the first step).  Listen to this episode about examples we have seen in using and achieving clarity of vision.  The things that tend to block our clarity of vision and pushing past the fear factor that exists in all of us*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

The fourth part of the Master Plan is making your priorities clear.  The most important part of maintaining discipline is knowing WHY you are doing something. There can only be one most important thing at any given moment.  When you make your priorities clear, you recognize your way because you have CHOSEN which action is the most important action to take in that moment.  It could even be rest or sleep, but in this episode learn how to make your priorities clear.  *Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)

As simple as this sounds, this is the key to unlocking ALL of your locked doors.  Have you found yourself stuck in mediocrity?  Have you found yourself wondering why you don't see yourself moving into the #1 slot, whether it's your job, your relationship, your business?  This podcast lays out a clear cut simple (which has nothing to do with easy) method of how to push into the best space you can me in!*Music by Wataboi-song-Wake Up*Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GilbertParris)