In the future, February 2012, should be noted as the time there was a definite shift in the momentum in my generation and my life...
Whitney Houston has passed away, the days of obtaining a "good" job and retiring with "the girl, the gold watch, and everything" is a distant memory, unmasked racism seems to be rampant DUE to the FACT that we have a Black President of the United States, and I have seriously decided to switch gears when it comes to moving forward. How so? Well, the first thing I am doing is becoming less inflammatory and more inclusionary; and when I say that, it just means that I am going back to the old way of doing things. A good example of this is THE MARCH AGAINST VIOLENCE AND HOMELESSNESS / A STAND AGAINST POVERTY ( www.5minutes2shine.blogspot.com ); it's a project that a couple of colleagues and myself are orchestrating and to the "naked eye" seems to be a positive community event that would bring awareness to two of the top ailments of the city that I inhabit. Unfortunately, many, also, feel this is a liberal and divisive action that brings negativity to the area and is just a waste of time. In fact, actual persons blogged the following: "Alfonso Todd is a waste.... he against anything that the populous supports. Hence the "activist" title. He hates rich white people as he declares himself as "a black man that is against the white power". This man is the definition of reverse racism.." and "Yet another foolish bleeding heart liberal demonstration. If it wasn't so sad it would be a great joke. Victims are only victims because they choose to be."
Well, these comments illustrate that I am guilty of doing two things: apparently, I have given the impression that I am against white people and I have, somehow, excluded many people (at least these two bloggers) from my ideas, thought processes, and events. I really have to stop doing this! Seriously.
In the larger scope of things, it's really good to see the critics are alive and well. I mean we can agree to disagree, and I LOVE that I can still get responses regarding the events I create, but I guess I am at a point in life where I could care less about being argumentative and am more about "making things happen" for the GOOD of EVERYONE in our community and beyond.
Secondly, I am breaking away from the norm completely this year! I have ALWAYS gone "against the groove", but lately (for the last 3 years), I have quietly grown my business, experienced successes and failures, and am now moving onward into something that I feel will take me to the NEXT level. (if there is such a thing).
I have to move fast, though, because according to my calculations I only have twenty good years left to DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE and then after that, well, it just gets HARDER and MORE DIFFICULT. So, the clock is ticking and FAILURE is not an option; the question is what can I do ? In reality, the only thing I can do is what MANY should do: "Keep it moving forward, network like crazy, be selective about the projects you choose to place your time/effort into, and stay true to others but most importantly, yourself..."
BE WELL and Remember, Business IS Business, so treat it as such,
- Alfonso
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
WHAT HAPPENED TO ALFONSO TODD ???
It's 6:00am in the morning and as I sit here pondering and writing this new blog (it has been a while) I am contemplating my future movements / plans in 2012. A lot of milestones have occurred since the last time I wrote: the birth of my beautiful daughter, Tallis; the growth of my company ALFONSO TODD AND ASSOCIATES / PROLIFICK MEDIA; and the influx of credibility / clientele for my internet radio station PROLIFICK / www.prolifick.com .
I have worked hard to obtain a reputation of being a professional and credible business man. It took years for me to create "something out of nothing" and to make that "nothing" valuable to the public. It often, seems surreal that my life has taken "the turn" that it has, yet, I can appreciate all that is now available to me even though, at times, I feel I am unworthy.
Unfortunately, I, also, feel like I have slacked off a bit in 2011. Yes, I have a daughter and I enjoy her moments of happiness, sadness, discovery, and growth; in fact, it is because of her, I now KNOW what I must do in the near future in order to continue on this journey we call Life.
It's hard to describe my emotional, physical, and spiritual state at the moment. I am unsure if it is because I have a birthday coming up in 2 days, the growth of my company/clientele is occurring faster than I expected, or maybe it's just me second guessing my thoughts, either way, I find myself looking in the mirror and asking, "What happened to Alfonso Todd?" Now, I am not saying this to be funny or quirky, but I am, definitely, going through some changes that I like and don't like when it comes to me, myself, and I. Let me see if I can explain:
FIRST: My "fire" seems to be waning. Years ago, when I moved to the Lehigh Valley from Miami, FL, I was a "hustler" and a "new jack" that blogged and stood up for those who were in need no matter what! I, was actually, called an "activist" and "innovator". Today, I, quietly, do my business, create projects, write CD reviews, and have meetings in the comfort of my office. (Say it ain't so, Joe!) I am unsure if I am just older or what, but this definitely has to stop! It has taken me a year to get my "bearings" back together, but this morning is proof that these "older" bones can still rise in the early morning and enjoy the peace/tranquility of silence.
SECOND: My "get up and go has got up and went". Physically, I feel okay but I have noticed certain aches and pains whenever I walk down or up stairs. (These are the old "war wounds" from a life of dance and constant walking.) Believe it or not, these ailments don't bother me, though. I am more nervous about the mindset which has me reasoning about physically moving less and less. I used to go out almost every night in Miami and dance until 5:00 am, now I am regulated to one night a week and even then, sometimes I don't "feel" like it. (Yeah, I see those FACEBOOK posts talking about clubs and maturity and family, and I, ALSO, see those FACEBOOK men and women who are but shadows of their former selves.) Weight gain, apathetic attitudes, reminiscing about the "good old days", and saying their families are why they changed; (They don't look or sound too happy to me.) I am a believer that family should enhance your life, not be the reason you stop living it. You are now a mother/father, NOT dead. If you don't take time for self (ME time), then it's your fault for looking and feeling the way you do. I am, currently, "making moves" to truly start my 5:00 am exercise regime, in addition,to my weekly club night so that I can lose this 10 or 20 pounds that has snuck up on me. I, not only, need to take this time for myself to create a better/healthier lifestyle, but, also, for my daughter. I want to be a part of her future: kindergarten - high school - college graduation, wedding, grandchildren, etc; and I can't do that if I am six feet under due to high blood pressure and hyper tension.
THIRD: My "WORK FLOW has gone to SLO MO". I have to admit that when you reach a certain amount of success, you tend to want to sit back and just look over the horizon at all that you have accomplished, but in reality, I haven't accomplished a damn thing. Yes, I have a better caliber of paying clients but, clientele comes and goes; there are no guarantees. Unfortunately, I have started keeping "bankers hours" and I can tell because my goals/projects have been a "little light". Yes, I KNOW I have a daughter now and she needs my time and she will STILL get it. I will have to just organize my work/life schedule more; because in reality, if I want to leave her with the legacy she deserves I should actually be working harder AND smarter. I am now starting to branch / reach out more, because I know I can't do it all by myself. I have still am, somewhat, hesitant about accepting assistance, but I am getting better. The reality is if I want continued growth and PROFITS, I will need to let go of some of the reins and learn to trust others.
So, I guess ALFONSO TODD is still in there somewhere, along with J. BLACK, (my alter ego, but THAT'S another story) and all he wants to do is get back to where he used to be, mentally, physically and spiritually. He is not as carefree as he once was, but maybe that's a good thing. I am unsure what the future may bring, but I know LIFE is STILL an adventure and I plan to continue exploring the possibilities....
CARPE DIEM
I have worked hard to obtain a reputation of being a professional and credible business man. It took years for me to create "something out of nothing" and to make that "nothing" valuable to the public. It often, seems surreal that my life has taken "the turn" that it has, yet, I can appreciate all that is now available to me even though, at times, I feel I am unworthy.
Unfortunately, I, also, feel like I have slacked off a bit in 2011. Yes, I have a daughter and I enjoy her moments of happiness, sadness, discovery, and growth; in fact, it is because of her, I now KNOW what I must do in the near future in order to continue on this journey we call Life.
It's hard to describe my emotional, physical, and spiritual state at the moment. I am unsure if it is because I have a birthday coming up in 2 days, the growth of my company/clientele is occurring faster than I expected, or maybe it's just me second guessing my thoughts, either way, I find myself looking in the mirror and asking, "What happened to Alfonso Todd?" Now, I am not saying this to be funny or quirky, but I am, definitely, going through some changes that I like and don't like when it comes to me, myself, and I. Let me see if I can explain:
FIRST: My "fire" seems to be waning. Years ago, when I moved to the Lehigh Valley from Miami, FL, I was a "hustler" and a "new jack" that blogged and stood up for those who were in need no matter what! I, was actually, called an "activist" and "innovator". Today, I, quietly, do my business, create projects, write CD reviews, and have meetings in the comfort of my office. (Say it ain't so, Joe!) I am unsure if I am just older or what, but this definitely has to stop! It has taken me a year to get my "bearings" back together, but this morning is proof that these "older" bones can still rise in the early morning and enjoy the peace/tranquility of silence.
SECOND: My "get up and go has got up and went". Physically, I feel okay but I have noticed certain aches and pains whenever I walk down or up stairs. (These are the old "war wounds" from a life of dance and constant walking.) Believe it or not, these ailments don't bother me, though. I am more nervous about the mindset which has me reasoning about physically moving less and less. I used to go out almost every night in Miami and dance until 5:00 am, now I am regulated to one night a week and even then, sometimes I don't "feel" like it. (Yeah, I see those FACEBOOK posts talking about clubs and maturity and family, and I, ALSO, see those FACEBOOK men and women who are but shadows of their former selves.) Weight gain, apathetic attitudes, reminiscing about the "good old days", and saying their families are why they changed; (They don't look or sound too happy to me.) I am a believer that family should enhance your life, not be the reason you stop living it. You are now a mother/father, NOT dead. If you don't take time for self (ME time), then it's your fault for looking and feeling the way you do. I am, currently, "making moves" to truly start my 5:00 am exercise regime, in addition,to my weekly club night so that I can lose this 10 or 20 pounds that has snuck up on me. I, not only, need to take this time for myself to create a better/healthier lifestyle, but, also, for my daughter. I want to be a part of her future: kindergarten - high school - college graduation, wedding, grandchildren, etc; and I can't do that if I am six feet under due to high blood pressure and hyper tension.
THIRD: My "WORK FLOW has gone to SLO MO". I have to admit that when you reach a certain amount of success, you tend to want to sit back and just look over the horizon at all that you have accomplished, but in reality, I haven't accomplished a damn thing. Yes, I have a better caliber of paying clients but, clientele comes and goes; there are no guarantees. Unfortunately, I have started keeping "bankers hours" and I can tell because my goals/projects have been a "little light". Yes, I KNOW I have a daughter now and she needs my time and she will STILL get it. I will have to just organize my work/life schedule more; because in reality, if I want to leave her with the legacy she deserves I should actually be working harder AND smarter. I am now starting to branch / reach out more, because I know I can't do it all by myself. I have still am, somewhat, hesitant about accepting assistance, but I am getting better. The reality is if I want continued growth and PROFITS, I will need to let go of some of the reins and learn to trust others.
So, I guess ALFONSO TODD is still in there somewhere, along with J. BLACK, (my alter ego, but THAT'S another story) and all he wants to do is get back to where he used to be, mentally, physically and spiritually. He is not as carefree as he once was, but maybe that's a good thing. I am unsure what the future may bring, but I know LIFE is STILL an adventure and I plan to continue exploring the possibilities....
CARPE DIEM
Saturday, July 24, 2010
CRAZY IS AS CRAZY DOES....
So, it is 10:09pm and I am in my Allentown office on a Saturday night. It has been a full day, so writing at this computer is actually relaxing me at this moment. Let's begin....
My family has always been "crazy", in MY eyes. My Dad is a Pastor, so that makes me a PK (pastor's kid, and it has been said we are ALWAYS the worst ones). He stressed discipline and education; to the point he would, actually, stop our summer vacations midway and have us do homework from HIS old elementary/high school textbooks. I guess he figured that since we were at home alot, we had time to study (and clean).
We, actually, had to learn multiplication tables up to the 15's where everyone else was taught 1-12; and like a drill instructor, it was very common, in our household, to be asked, literally, at ANY moment, to recite any of the "time tables" in sequence. For example, early in the morning at breakfast, "Fonzo, say your 6 time tables"; at dinner, "Fonzo, say your 11 time tables"; in the car heading to the grocery store, "Fonzo, what's 13 times 10?" During that time, it was torturous, because my brothers, sisters, and I NEVER knew when he would come at us with that request. My Mom had the knack for punishing us, when we misbehaved, by making us write book reports and essays. You may say, "Was that it?" but you don't know how often I got into trouble. I wrote enough to publish volumes.
My Dad was a strict taskmaster. He didn't "play" at all. Well, he did, but sometimes I think the stress of having so many children at a young age got to him. He loves to tell the story of being 21 years old and landing in Pittsburgh, PA with one child in his arms (me), another on the way, and having only $5.00 in his pocket. I always used this story as an inspiration in life. Last Christmas, when he came for a visit, he, actually, told me he wished he had done as I have and waited, traveled, and experienced more of life before starting a family.
My Pops DID believe in corporal punishment. The term that used to strike fear in the hearts of my siblings and I was, "Go get the belt." He followed, the comedian, Bill Cosby's ideal," I brought you into this world and I'll take you out. Plus, I can make another one just like you." BUT he took it one step further, and stated he would rather "whoop" us now and KNOW when we had had enough, rather than us be in someone's jail and get beat by strangers who WOULDN'T stop. (Many people see the term "whoopin'" and "beating" and think "child abuse". I can, honestly, say this: If not for many of those "whoopin's" I, more than likely, would be, currently, incarcerated, apart of the penal system, or dead.) I have NEVER been in prison, did drugs, been drunk, or had any legitimate or illegitimate babies. Yeah, men like me DO exist but they say I am a dying breed. Go figure....
Dad constantly used the mantra: "For every action there is a consequence"; and during my times of corporate punishment "sessions", I used to hate when he asked, "Why are you getting punished now?" So, I would have to explain to him what I did wrong and why I did it. The "WHY" explanation was always the hardest and he would seem to get irritated if I used the term, "I don't know." Yet, it, also, gave me a chance to plead my case and try to get out of the "beating". Believe it or not, I plead my case once, and, surprisingly, won. Pops asked me to give him a reason why I think I shouldn't be given a "whoopin'" at this time and I said because, "Today I was better than I was yesterday." A funny look came over his face and he said,"Okay" and I was allowed to go on my merry way. I used to have dreams of being an attorney after that. (Well, actually, the President of the United States, because I told my Dad, that was what I was aspiring to be. Too bad Obama beat me to it.)
It is amazing to me when I think about how much mischief I got into as a child and through my teens. My Dad always tells me I NEVER got into trouble for WHAT I did, but because I lied about it. It got to the point that I would lie about simple things: "Fonzo, did you take a bath?"; "Fonzo, did you put on deodorant?"; "Fonzo, did you take out the garbage?" My parents would, actually, "sniff" me before I went to school or went to bed at night to see if they smelled soap and many times they didn't. (Unsure why I HATED taking baths/showers. I would run a nice hot tub of H2O and just sit on the toilet and read a magazine/book. Talk about being scared of water. Well, that was until I discovered girls.) My Dad now laughs about the lies and tells everyone that it would be different if I was a GOOD liar or a DECENT liar, but I always got caught because I was not "slick" at all. He tells me my eyes would get big and I'd start twitching. He claims I would look like Denzel Washington when he was captured and brought in from the rain in the 1980's movie, A Soldier's Story. It's like the song lyric, "It's written all over your face. You don't have to say a word." So, my career as a thief, con man, or any type of lawbreaker would have probably been short lived.
Today, I think about those quirky things my family had me do and smile. Alot of those tedious essays, reports, and math problem recitals excercised my brain power which help me during my business transactions today; and those "sessions" got my attention and made me think about the consequences/repercussions I would and could face in the REAL world for my decisions. It may not have been fun "back in the day", but I am thankful for those lessons now.
My family has always been "crazy", in MY eyes. My Dad is a Pastor, so that makes me a PK (pastor's kid, and it has been said we are ALWAYS the worst ones). He stressed discipline and education; to the point he would, actually, stop our summer vacations midway and have us do homework from HIS old elementary/high school textbooks. I guess he figured that since we were at home alot, we had time to study (and clean).
We, actually, had to learn multiplication tables up to the 15's where everyone else was taught 1-12; and like a drill instructor, it was very common, in our household, to be asked, literally, at ANY moment, to recite any of the "time tables" in sequence. For example, early in the morning at breakfast, "Fonzo, say your 6 time tables"; at dinner, "Fonzo, say your 11 time tables"; in the car heading to the grocery store, "Fonzo, what's 13 times 10?" During that time, it was torturous, because my brothers, sisters, and I NEVER knew when he would come at us with that request. My Mom had the knack for punishing us, when we misbehaved, by making us write book reports and essays. You may say, "Was that it?" but you don't know how often I got into trouble. I wrote enough to publish volumes.
My Dad was a strict taskmaster. He didn't "play" at all. Well, he did, but sometimes I think the stress of having so many children at a young age got to him. He loves to tell the story of being 21 years old and landing in Pittsburgh, PA with one child in his arms (me), another on the way, and having only $5.00 in his pocket. I always used this story as an inspiration in life. Last Christmas, when he came for a visit, he, actually, told me he wished he had done as I have and waited, traveled, and experienced more of life before starting a family.
My Pops DID believe in corporal punishment. The term that used to strike fear in the hearts of my siblings and I was, "Go get the belt." He followed, the comedian, Bill Cosby's ideal," I brought you into this world and I'll take you out. Plus, I can make another one just like you." BUT he took it one step further, and stated he would rather "whoop" us now and KNOW when we had had enough, rather than us be in someone's jail and get beat by strangers who WOULDN'T stop. (Many people see the term "whoopin'" and "beating" and think "child abuse". I can, honestly, say this: If not for many of those "whoopin's" I, more than likely, would be, currently, incarcerated, apart of the penal system, or dead.) I have NEVER been in prison, did drugs, been drunk, or had any legitimate or illegitimate babies. Yeah, men like me DO exist but they say I am a dying breed. Go figure....
Dad constantly used the mantra: "For every action there is a consequence"; and during my times of corporate punishment "sessions", I used to hate when he asked, "Why are you getting punished now?" So, I would have to explain to him what I did wrong and why I did it. The "WHY" explanation was always the hardest and he would seem to get irritated if I used the term, "I don't know." Yet, it, also, gave me a chance to plead my case and try to get out of the "beating". Believe it or not, I plead my case once, and, surprisingly, won. Pops asked me to give him a reason why I think I shouldn't be given a "whoopin'" at this time and I said because, "Today I was better than I was yesterday." A funny look came over his face and he said,"Okay" and I was allowed to go on my merry way. I used to have dreams of being an attorney after that. (Well, actually, the President of the United States, because I told my Dad, that was what I was aspiring to be. Too bad Obama beat me to it.)
It is amazing to me when I think about how much mischief I got into as a child and through my teens. My Dad always tells me I NEVER got into trouble for WHAT I did, but because I lied about it. It got to the point that I would lie about simple things: "Fonzo, did you take a bath?"; "Fonzo, did you put on deodorant?"; "Fonzo, did you take out the garbage?" My parents would, actually, "sniff" me before I went to school or went to bed at night to see if they smelled soap and many times they didn't. (Unsure why I HATED taking baths/showers. I would run a nice hot tub of H2O and just sit on the toilet and read a magazine/book. Talk about being scared of water. Well, that was until I discovered girls.) My Dad now laughs about the lies and tells everyone that it would be different if I was a GOOD liar or a DECENT liar, but I always got caught because I was not "slick" at all. He tells me my eyes would get big and I'd start twitching. He claims I would look like Denzel Washington when he was captured and brought in from the rain in the 1980's movie, A Soldier's Story. It's like the song lyric, "It's written all over your face. You don't have to say a word." So, my career as a thief, con man, or any type of lawbreaker would have probably been short lived.
Today, I think about those quirky things my family had me do and smile. Alot of those tedious essays, reports, and math problem recitals excercised my brain power which help me during my business transactions today; and those "sessions" got my attention and made me think about the consequences/repercussions I would and could face in the REAL world for my decisions. It may not have been fun "back in the day", but I am thankful for those lessons now.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
IN THE BEGINNING.....
It's 10:08pm on a Wednesday and I am sitting here in my office in Allentown, PA pondering. I look around and wonder, "How did I get here?" Well, not literally, because I KNOW how I got to this point, but, I mean, figuratively speaking. I have accomplished alot in a little bit of time and, yet, have "miles and miles to go before I sleep."
I don't think of myself as a success because I am always on the edge of possible failure, yet something always occurs that keeps me going just one more day. I am the first to admit that I take alot of risks. I wouldn't say unnecessary or even calculated. I am just a believer in the term, "the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward." So, I guess you can say I live by "faith."
People tend to say I am lucky, others say I am blessed. I often use the "over-used" phrase, "I am not religious, just spiritual." I talk to God like I talk to people on the street and I KNOW I have been guided to the exact point I am at this very moment. I am, definitely, at a place where I NEED to be but I often wonder what the future holds for me.
To be honest, even after 6 years, I still have one foot in the Miami, FL and one foot in the Lehigh Valley. I have thought about "escape" numerous times. I am single, no kids, no real ties, except my business relationships, so what is holding me up? I am unsure, but this is why I decided to write this blog to, hopefully, clear up some questions I have and perhaps get some public input in regards to some of my projects, thoughts, and random ideas.
It may be a type of therapy or outlet, I believe. I seem to ALWAYS be running and planning and creating and consulting and experiencing and feeling and I guess, just LIVING. I call it multi-tasking, others may call it a disorder, either way, I use it to get things done and it seems to work. So, to put it mildly, I am constantly on the go, but in reality, as hectic as it can get, I wouldn't have it any other way...
Welcome to THE JOURNEY!
I don't think of myself as a success because I am always on the edge of possible failure, yet something always occurs that keeps me going just one more day. I am the first to admit that I take alot of risks. I wouldn't say unnecessary or even calculated. I am just a believer in the term, "the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward." So, I guess you can say I live by "faith."
People tend to say I am lucky, others say I am blessed. I often use the "over-used" phrase, "I am not religious, just spiritual." I talk to God like I talk to people on the street and I KNOW I have been guided to the exact point I am at this very moment. I am, definitely, at a place where I NEED to be but I often wonder what the future holds for me.
To be honest, even after 6 years, I still have one foot in the Miami, FL and one foot in the Lehigh Valley. I have thought about "escape" numerous times. I am single, no kids, no real ties, except my business relationships, so what is holding me up? I am unsure, but this is why I decided to write this blog to, hopefully, clear up some questions I have and perhaps get some public input in regards to some of my projects, thoughts, and random ideas.
It may be a type of therapy or outlet, I believe. I seem to ALWAYS be running and planning and creating and consulting and experiencing and feeling and I guess, just LIVING. I call it multi-tasking, others may call it a disorder, either way, I use it to get things done and it seems to work. So, to put it mildly, I am constantly on the go, but in reality, as hectic as it can get, I wouldn't have it any other way...
Welcome to THE JOURNEY!
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