40 X 40

A few weeks ago I went to my favorite hang-out, CC's Coffee House on Esplanade Ave in New Orleans. I got out of my car, and someone called my name. I looked and didn't recognize the person or the voice. I went toward her, and it was my friend Danielle. Danielle and I had such history. She was my friend. She left and went to New York a number of years ago, but we kept in touch (kinda). We would talk every now and then. She was only in town for a night. She was leaving the next day. It was perfect. I was off and we could hang out and chill. She was telling me about things she wanted to do and about her list of things to do before she was 35. So I decided to create a list of things I wanted to do before 40. Here is my list:

1. I will to ask a woman out on a date.
2. I will skydive.
3. I will become a vegetarian.
4. I will work out consistently at least 5 times a week.
5. I will ask God what He/She has in mind for me and give me the courage, skills, wisdom and knowledge to carry the destiny out.
6. I will buy a house.
7. I will save 10 percent of my check.
8. I will run a 10k.
9. I will read 52 books in a year.
10. I will be self-employed.
11. I will take 10-30 minute walk every day.
12. I will meditate every day.
13. I will pray every day.
14. I will stop eating after 7pm.
15. I will drink green tea every day.
16. I will travel to South Africa, Brazil, Congo, Cuba and Ireland.
17. I will forgive everyone who has done wrong to me. I will let it go.
18. I will write Barack Obama and tell him what his presidency means to me.
19. I will be FINE! I will have a flat stomach. I want around 20 percent body fat.
20. My website Eyes Wide Open will launch.
21. I will be a millionaire.
22. I will be satisfied with my life as is while building for the future.
23. I will listen to music every day of my life.
24. I will write an article for VIBE and XXL magazine.
25. I will get my MBA.
26. I will give up aaaaaaalcohol.
27. I will volunteer to the poor (primarily kids).
28. I will open a community center for kids.
29. I will build a record studio for my brother, Amir.
30. I will be an architect in bring music business to New Orleans.
31. I will make three people smile every day.
32. I will be organized.
33. I will call my friends consistently even when things are going on in my life.
34. I will sing at a karaoke bar or do a show at the gay party.
35. I will travel at least 3 times a year.
36. I will learn a new recipe a month.
37. I will run on a treadmill on 5.0 for 30 minutes.
38. I will love unconditionally.
39. I will learn to skateboard.
40. I will surrender to God's will. I will let go and let God.