Lifestyles

**——-Best Lives Include Having Fun!———**

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***Dr.*** ***Anthony Brown***
*minister, foundation president*

**It’s Never Too Late**
***And I’m Living Proof!***
Of course, you’ve heard those words before, “it’s never too late.” Perhaps it’s been a comment from a friend or family member when you suggested going after a deferred dream, or a seemingly impossible goal – the encouragement was simply that, “it’s never too late.” Forty years ago, I entered my sophomore year at college with two goals – joining the Towson University Gospel Choir and pledging Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. I joined the choir, and it became a pivotal, vibrant part of my college journey. But my confidence came up short when I went to an initial Alpha Phi Alpha interest meeting and I “shrunk backwards” with intimidation and fear. The Gospel Choir became my fraternity, my source of bonding and fellowship, but I never forgot about the desire to be a part of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. So, this month I am honored to share a real-life example of that frequently heard mantra, “it’s never too late.”
This month (November), I will celebrate my 60th birthday and as I look forward to that milestone I have been operating under the reality that I have more days behind me than I have ahead of me. It’s not a discouraging thought and has served as a runway for me to further secure and strengthen a legacy of giving, inspiration and encouragement. It was that reality – more days behind than ahead - that caused me to begin re-exploring becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. And, as I write this post I am humbled and proud to share that I am NOW a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter, Howard County) having completed the Membership Intake Process on October 15th – “it’s never too late.”
So, this reflection has two purposes – first, it’s intended to celebrate and echo the tremendous joy I feel in joining this AWESOME organization of LEGACY and IMPACT. Secondly, and even more importantly, it’s written to provide you with a practical, real-life example that echoes those familiar words, “it’s never too late.” So, what goal or dream do you need to go after? Perhaps your deferred goal or dream hasn’t been sitting on the shelf of your heart for forty years like mine, but the fact is the same, “it’s sitting there.” GO FOR IT – there are more days behind you, than ahead of you, and “it’s never too late.” **-Anthony-**

Real Talk with Tre Thomas

recording artist, singer, songwriter

Keeping it 100%!

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TRUTH: A sincere "I'm sorry" (and change of behavior) can mend a broken heart and even start the process of restoring friendships and/or relationships. Being able to accept responsibility and apologize for doing or saying something that was offensive and/or hurtful is a sure sign of growth and maturity…and respect for the other person(s).

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Real Talk: Today, I allowed myself to be impaired by my own fear.🤦🏽‍♂️😡 I eventually had to take a beat, get really quiet, and refocus on what I know is true in my life. Listen… when you feel yourself spinning out of control, stop and take a breath and recalibrate so that you can get back to the center. Don’t allow fear to stifle you. Don’t allow what’s scary to make you miss your moment. Forge forward with confidence…and grace for yourself. You’re good! #perspective

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Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” -Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

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Today, I’m grateful for God’s strength…even in my weakness. My anxiety has been on a million lately, but He continues to calm my fears and give me peace. Things are a bit uncertain right now, but I know that He’s never let me down nor has He left me ashamed... and I trust that He won’t start now. Staying in a space of gratitude really does give you peace and a strength to endure the tough times that will surely come. #grateful #perspective

-Tre-

ATTENTION TO ALL PARENTS WHO NEED TO TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT SANTA 🎅

Son: "Dad, I think I'm old enough now. Is there a Santa Claus?."

Dad: "Ok, I agree that your old enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. You see, the “truth” is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can't unknow it. Once you know the truth about Santa Claus, you will never again understand and relate to him as you do now. So my question is: Are you sure you want to know?"

Brief pause...

Son: "Yes, I want to know"

Dad: "Ok, I'll tell you: Yes there is a Santa Claus"

Son: "Really?"

Dad: Yes, really, but he's not an old man with a beard in a red suit. That's just what we tell kids. You see, kids are too young to understand the true nature of Santa Claus, so we explain it to them in a way that they can understand. The truth about Santa Claus is that he's not a person at all; he's an idea. Think of all those presents Santa gave you over the years. I actually bought those myself. I watched you open them. And did it bother me that you didn't thank me? Of course not! In fact it gave me great pleasure. You see, Santa Claus is THE IDEA OF GIVING FOR THE SAKE OF GIVING, without thought of thanks or acknowledgement.

When I saw that woman collapse on the subway last week and called for help, I knew that she'd never know that it was me that summoned the ambulance. I was being Santa Claus when I did that."

Son: "Oh."

Dad: "So now that you know, you're part of it. You have to be Santa Claus too now. That means you can never tell a young kid the secret, and you have to help us select Santa presents for them, and most important, you have to look for opportunities to help people. Got it?"

Help each other this Christmas🎄🎅 and...be kind ❤💕

-author unknown-

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