It’s Wednesday and that means I got some words of wisdom fo yo asssss. Well this week’s words of wisdom weds is a little different.. why you ask?.. well because this week is my birfday. Yup! God blessed me with life 25 years ago and I’m overwhelmed with emotion just thinking about it.

My life obviously has not been perfect, but I would say its been a great one, without hesitation. Not to mention I am the youngest of 7. In other words, Momma G could have easily decided to stop right before me and Im glad she didn’t. So I’m grateful to be able to have had one in the first place.

If I can focus on this past year though, all I can say is… man, that shit cray. (How’s that for some words of wisdom? Kanye and Jay really did some brain washing with that one huh?) Any ways, it’s true. I think everyone has a way to describe their life, whether its a game, a race, a marry-go round etc. I would describe my last year as a roller coaster.

Its been a good’o roller coaster. I’ve had extreme highs and extreme lows. I’ve had some loops and unexpected turns. I’ve had some scary drops,fast thrills and alllllllllllll that shiet. But if you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, when its over, no matter how good or how bad the ride was, you’re just glad to be alive.

This past year was the first where I was completely out of my element. I’m talkin about COMPLETELY. I wasn’t exposed to anything I was used to. Everything around me changed before my eyes and too quick for my comfort. 24 will definitely go down as my craziest year thus far.

Subsequently it will also go down as the year that I acquired the most wisdom as well. This past year and its experiences have taught me to survive. I feel like even though I grew up street smart i was still sheltered by my loving family and friends growing up. I have proven to myself that I can get through a lot, and on my own. I’ve felt physically stronger but in a spiritual or mental way while enduring some things.

I can see that I carved out a little life for myself in this world. And sometimes when Im just walking down Hollywood Blvd by myself, or I’m hopping on a plane to Europe, or I’m chillin at a coffee shop with a really good friend, or I’m hanging up pictures in my own apartment, or Im dancing to the best Dj in the hottest club, or arriving for Thanksgiving dinner with my family… I take those moments for what they’re worth and I feel utterly blessed to be and feel alive.

Just want to take this moment to thank everyone that has been a part of my life this past year. You have all contributed to my life one way or another and I couldn’t be more grateful. To help me grow and appreciate things is the best birthday present I could ever receive. I wish others were as lucky as I am.

Everything that happened with me this past year was meant to happen for one reason or the other. I pushed through it all like the strong woman I was taught to be. And I’m doing things like I’ve never done before in order to achieve things I’ve never had before. I feel stronger, wiser, happier and healthier than ever. This is what makes life so beautiful in its own way. And I’m glad I can help others, given the things I now know. But needless to say, I’m o-so glad 24 is about to be over, because I’m more than excited for 25. I’ve payed my dues and I’m ready for the return.

The roller coaster was cool and all but I’m a libra and the extremes of a roller coaster doesn’t have the longevity of happiness for me. I need something more balanced like some kind of magic carpet ride for this next year. That Aladdin reference is the best way I can describe it, and it’s what I’m gonna get.

Whatever way you choose to describe your life, I hope it makes you happy in the long run. And I hope you realize your blessings and those simple moments and take them for what they’re worth. It’s whats helped me be as happy as I am and what has allowed me to have the wonderful experiences I’ve had.

Peace out 24!!!!

Mucho Love,

Juelzy G.

Ps.

Its only appropriate.

“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion” – George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

Passion is the journey towards a goal. No one’s to say you’ll reach it, but the main key is to just make sure to enjoy the ride. I could live on this incredible journey and never attain my goal, but that’s much more appealing than to settle for nothing and never attempt to achieve it.

As long as I remain true to my values, I don’t think there’s a lot of room to go wrong. I also have full faith in my journey…. (I know u guys read what I just wrote, but did you understand it??) Trusting your journey is accepting what happens for what it’s worth. It is to go with the flow and understand that even if you didn’t plan things a certain way that it doesn’t mean what you want isn’t going to happen.

Obstacle or other opportunities that present themselves are all meant to build character, because it shows the energy you put in to achieving something. And passion is only driven by energy.

I also feel passion is something you can’t control. For a reason almost unbeknown to you, you have a passion for something. You feel a certain energy towards that something. It’s what makes you happy.

It’s the reason you move across the country. It’s the reason u defied your parents. It’s the reason you don’t take no for an answer. It’s the reason you stay up late at night. It’s the reason you put yourself out there for all to judge.

Plain and simple: you just can’t fake the funk about it!

When someone says “I’m on my hustle” this to me means they’re passionately working towards their goals. I honestly feel this is the only way to live. Like I said before, I’d rather live passionately on my hustle than live bored and settled.

The way I see it is “why not?” What else are you doing that is so important, more than your happiness? Or why don’t you feel you deserve to be living a passion-filled life? I understand many people have reasons that are actually known as excuses, but the truth is that where there is a will there is a way. (You may have to refer back to my Faith post).There are way too many successful people that have beaten the odds to say that something is not possible.

It just depends on how bad you want it.

You definitely can’t get something for nothing. And you can consider that a rule of life. For instance, some people give up time with their family in order to pursue their passion. But if family is one of those values that you just can’t live without, then you’re going to have to give something else.

I love my family tremendously, but spending every moment with them isn’t going to help me or them in the long run. So I know that’s one thing I’m sacrificing and, therefore something that will pay off… and has. And I still have a wonderful relationship with them, which is most important anyways.

Something else I want to mention is that if you think you don’t have a passion, then you’re probably just not being real with yourself. And at the same time it’s never too late to have or develop a passion. I personally think your true passion was probably developed in elementary or middle school. This was an age where your dreams weren’t tainted with reality. So I would suggest you reflect on that time and determine whether you can evolve it now as an adult.  The point is, don’t lose your dinosaur!

Funny thing is I really did know a kid in middle school who REALLY wanted to be a dinosaur. It was as hilarious as it sounds, but who knows, that mofo is probably an archeologists or something now…. that is, if he didn’t lose his dinosaur.

So whatever it is that makes you feel alive, then that’s what you should be doing every waking day. Get on your hustle and enjoy the ride. You’ll be much happier, trust me.

Mucho Love

Juelzy G.

Ps.

So this is a mini documentary my friend Bodega Man did on me, who is also on his grand hustle and living with passion. Check him out and his documentaries of other people living with passion.

It’s kinda embarrassing seeing myself though I aint even gonna lie. Let’s just say I’m glad it wasn’t an interview for Oprah, but I’m glad I’m starting some where!

It’s another Juelzy Words Of Wisdom Wednesday and I knoooow you’re excited! I wanna speak on a word many people like to use, but I always wonder if they really believe what they’re sayin about it. I’m talkin about Faith. Now part of the reason I’m so skeptical about people when they talk about faith is that their actions don’t measure up. I’m not talkin about jumping out a window and having faith that you won’t die. That shit would be silly, because it juss may be your time to die juss as you decided to leap out that window. And I’m also not talkin about putting Jesus stickers on your car windows.

But I am talkin about other different ‘leaps’ in life. People swear they have faith, but yet they make excuses in order to stay in their comfort zones and not pursue anything they may be passionate about. This could be a career, could be traveling, could be a talent, what have you! If people really had faith, they would do what they really want to do.

I took a GIANT leap of faith when I decided to go to college. For most people this wouldn’t be considered a leap at all. Shiet it might even be an expectation. But when you’re a young, un-wealthy, B-average, Mexican, female with strict parents the odds are definitely against you and that shit is definitely a leap to say the least. But bottom line is, I knew what I wanted and I knew I had to do it or else I’d never be happy.

So while away at school I was your typical broke college student at her finest! At one point I was working 30 hours a week as one of those annoying phone sales people in the mall. You know the ones I’m talkin about: “excuse me sir! Can I see your phone please?! Sir! Does your wife need a phone?! SIIIRRR!!” By the end I was only workin 10 hours a week doing bottle service at a not-so fancy downtown Long Beach nightclub where my clientele often wore either cowboy boots or cortezes. And sometimes I was juss unemployed. Whatever the case I was always struggling. But some how I managed to pay for school and only had to take out one minor loan.

One time, I remember, I had just paid a ridiculous amount of money for Winter and Spring tuition and the only thing I could do is sit and stare at my living room wall for a very long time. My roommates felt they had to get me outta that funk so after much protest they convinced me to go to our favorite nightclub at that time. I managed to let loose after a few free drinks. I’m on the dance floor literally rubbing elbows with Christina Milian when suddenly someone from her entourage starts ‘makin it rain’… 20’s!!! I hit the ground so fast with absolutely no shame in my game. Couple of my friends came up with like $60 each…. I came up with like $280. Needless to say I could pay a couple bills that weekend.

Another time I remember strollin through Target, because I looove pimpin out my school supplies in order to pump me up for the new semester. I got a few things, but I was kinda sad that I had to put some notebooks back because I knew I had some old ones stashed some where and it would save me some money. When I got home I got my old book bag outta my closet and looked for my notebooks. And juss as I was bout to start rippin out pages that had already been written on from old classes with information I had already forgotten, I saw a crumbled piece of paper. It was actually an envelope with $500 in it! Can I tell you what finding $500 is to a broke ass college student?! Let’s juss say I was ecstatic and felt nauseous at the same time. My roommates’ first response was “holy shit… I’m coming to church with you this Sunday.”

Now I know what you’re thinking….there has to be a logical explanation for that. And I do know where the money could have come from, but there was an instance when I specifically remember saying to myself “shit, I wish I hadn’t already spent that money.” Therefore, that money damn near came outta no where.

Pshh.. And those were just some moments from the financial aspect of my ‘leap’ of faith. I look back now and I am literally overwhelmed when I think of everything it took me to get from point A to point B and I seriously wonder if I could handle doing it again. Something tells me if I did have to, the journey would be no where near the same anyways. But for the sake of pondering the question, if I had to do it all again knowing everything I’d have to go through, I’d say yes, because the return outweighs the risks (that comment was o-so corny considering I was a finance major).

I remember the day I walked into Mama G’s room and I told her what I was going to do: that I wanted to transfer to a university that was 350+ miles away…and that I knew the odds were against me, but if I kept repeating that to myself then they would ALWAYS be against me. Three years later I now have that piece of paper in my hands that supposedly justifies the fact that I ‘know’ something. Personally I don’t think it does this at all, because being in college I realized there’s actually a bunch of idiots in the world. Anyways, I’ll go into my thoughts on college later. But ultimately that piece of paper, that I call my degree, says that I can do anything I put my mind to despite all odds.

There’s only one thing that got me through, hands down, it was faith. Some how, some way I made it out alive. No matter what bullshit happened, I was always okay. No matter what obstacles were presented, things always worked out. It’s when you’re so close to the edge that you realize how blessed you are to have been pulled back some how. It never failed. Comin in sooo clutch!

The worst thing you can do is underestimate faith. And the best thing you can do is persistently embrace it.

Mucho love,

Juelzy G.

P.S.

“Faith and fear… where one is found… the other cannot exist” -Napoleon Hill

My grad hat reads “everybody got a deal I did it without one” – Drake. And I’m pretty sure I’m holding the Angel that helped me believe in faith… Mama G.

So today is Ash Wednesday and I thought I’d take a little minute and speak on it real quick. This basically means lent is starting in the Catholic religion. And even though I was raised Catholic, I mostly consider myself simply “spiritual” versus “religious.” I do. however, still go to a Catholic church almost every Sunday. I go to hear a positive message and have some one-on-one time with God. I don’t go to hear about any church politics. I could do this at any church, temple etc. since they all originally had the same message. But since I’m comfortable with a Catholic church, that’s the one I choose to go to.

So I decided on having “Juelzy’s Words of Wisdom Wednesdays” since I definitely have a spiritual side to me. Maybe I can get into that another time but Wednesday is almost over and I really wanna talk about a little sum sum called “forgiveness.”

In life we always ask ourselves… why??!??!!.. And the answer is easy: because that shit is a test! The answer is so easy that it’s actually hard to believe. The way I like to look at it, that helps me get a grip on a situation, is to consider it a “rule” of life, if you will. Rules are logical: A + B = C. Boom!

Now I’m not the one to impose my religious/spiritual views on anyone, but there is one thing I think we all should agree on, and that is that there is a higher power. Some people call it God, some people call it the universe, karma, energy, what have you. Point is that there’s something bigger and more powerful than us manipulating our shit, or life. These things, these situations, these experiences that we go through whether they’re good or bad, most often have us wondering, why did this happen?? Or why me? And I feel that its simply all a test to see how you react to a given situation.

Something I always preach is how everyone should aim to be a better person, to learn, and to grow as human being. Because lets face it, if we don’t keep it positive and we’re not growing or moving forward then we must be doing the opposite, which means we’re getting no where in life. Survival of the fittest tells us that only the strong and those capable and willing to adapt to a changing situation are those who survive. Granted that these situations are not easy, but the better you react to them the stronger it makes you. Hence, survival of the fittest. Every time you react to a situation it is accounted for by this higher power and you will be rewarded or punished given the positiveness of your reaction. And by punished I mean, given another chance to do right.

Bitches be triflin’, and I’ve had a number of people screw me over some petty things and some grander things. I be cuttin bitches off with the quickness. I hardly put energy into anything having to do with them after our falling out, but some how their current situation always makes its way to my ear and vice versa. And it’s almost humorous to know that because I kept my actions as positive as possible and pushed myself to be a good person, they are in their same miserable situation and my life continued to prosper. After all, they do say success is the best revenge.

I let a higher power handle these negative people and their situation, because after all, their actions are being accounted for as well. Sometimes you’ll be fortunate enough to see their bad karma play out and sometimes not. Sometimes they may even come to terms with their actions and be able to come back and tell you they were wrong. However, you cant control any of these scenarios, but thats okay because what you can control is your own scenario, which is much more rewarding than seeing someone ‘get theirs.’ They may have won for that moment, but you’ll be certain to win in the end.

The shit that is happening, the shit that just happened and the shit that will happen is ALL a test. Period. If there’s one thing you can rely on is the fact that in life you will never be given more than you can handle. The proof of stories goes on and on, and they are easy to find because some of the most successful people are the ones telling them. People’s success stories are absolutely filled with tests they have overcome. And the trend you will see is once they rejected the negative route of those test, their situations became much more positive.

Some people were born into poverty, born to dead beat parents. Some people had life threatening illnesses or accidents. Some people were abused. Some people had to steal and kill to survive. The list of negatives goes as long as the list of people that are telling the story, but what they all have in common is that they were able to turn their situation into a positive one by making more positive decisions. [One day take the time to Google rags to riches stories for shits and giggles]

Positive things that happen to people are also tests. For instance, if someone had inherited a great deal of money, then the question will be how they are planning to use it? Will they be greedy and misuse it all or will they help others in a less fortunate state? The situation can be grand or minor. Basically if you were blessed to be in a position, given your income, your knowledge etc., then it will be accounted for as to what you did with that position you were blessed with.

It’s a conscience daily effort to be a good person and make positive decisions. Trust me that shit don’t come easy. Like, I did not sign up to be Mother Theresa for cryin out loud! Sometimes it’s hard to be morally right in a world that’s o-so wrong. But your given situations is what is going to build your character and you have the control as to what character you want to build.

The relationship with yourself should be the most important, after all, thats who you spend the most time with. Shhiieet I aint even gonna lie, I love me! I talk to me, I forgive me, I trust me, I laugh at me, I can be with juss me alllll damn day. All jokes aside I’m proud of the character I’ve built and I know where I stand with me. I know I’m not perfect but Lord knows I try. Basically I sleep well at night knowing I tried my best to be a good person and make good decisions. I wish other people asked themselves if they can do the same. Something tells me the world would be a much better place if they did.

Mucho Love

Juelzy G.

P.S.

I’m kinda a lil ragga-muffin at heart. And this song helps me explain my perspective a bit better.

‘In the Rastafari movement “Zion” stands for a Utopian place of unity, peace and freedom, as opposed to “Babylon,” the oppressing and exploiting system of the western world and a place of evil.