It's about the journey.

It's not about the end result. It's about the journey. Enjoy it every step of the way. Fill your life with things you're passionate about. That makes life ever so joyful. It doesn't matter how long it takes for things to come to fruition, because I already know they will. It doesn't matter if no one but you sees it. As long as you see it, that's all that counts.

Once God gives you a vision. No man, woman, or it can stop it. Ignore your circumstances because that is not your reality. Reality is what you see when you close your eyes. Reality is what you see in your dreams. That's the truth. That's your future. That's the life you've always known you would live. Take it one day at a time. And watch the beauty unfold. :-)

Yeah, I did that.

I can honestly say, that I've gotten everything out of my system. I've lived in places I dreamed of living. I've traveled to cities that I didn't even know I wanted to go. I've literally done everything I've wanted to do. Do I still have dreams or visions to fulfill? Of course I do, but they are not my dreams or visions. They are God's. If it was up to me, I would hang out in church all day and eat fruit. lol

Paris, London, Belgium, Scotland, Ireland...I've been there. Los Angeles? I had ridiculous life changing experiences there. Some pretty amazing people have crossed my path. Lived by the beach and absolutely chilled? Yep, done that. Created whatever I wanted, businesses, film, etc...I did that. Lived in freaking Manhattan?!! Yep, did that...Ummm, I'm good. There's nothing else I desire to do. There's no other place I dream of living. I've done what I wanted to do.

I said all of this, not because I'm bragging. But there comes a point in life when you stop running. Kinda like Forest, you know Forest Gump. Remember he ran, ran, and ran to his heart's content. Then, he just stopped and went home. It's like that. In this life we live in, we should exhaust everything inside of us. Nothing should be left. We shouldn't wonder, "What if...?" We should say, "Yeah, I did that."

When you're silent and do nothing... #Trayvon

When you're silent and do nothing while injustice being done, it's the same as you giving the okay. Your silence or lack of action is saying, "I agree with you."...The faces may change, the names may be different, but it's the same story. It's not so much a black or white thing, but it's a system thing. The system continues to allow such travesties to take place within our community. Today it is Trayvon Martin, but tomorrow it could be your daughter or son. 

Marches and protests are great, but what will you do about the system which allowed this to take place? After you march, are you going to go back to your comfy car and your comfy house? We haven't been given this blessed life, just to say, "As long as my family is good, everything is alright."

We must stand in the gap for those who have no voice. We must move to action for those who come after us. Isn't that what our ancestors did? What if they were only concerned about their households and not the generations after them? We wouldn't be who we are today. God has given you a voice, talents, and skills. He has called you to greatness. What are you going to do with that call? Are you going to make a difference or are you going to say, "I'm good"?

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Is their heart after God?

When God brings someone into our lives, He isn't concerned about our lists or types. His focus is on pairing two individuals, to achieve the destiny He has set for them. To ensure they fulfill the God given purpose He has for their lives. He looks at their heart, nothing more, nothing less.

When we mature as Christians, we realize love has nothing to do with what a person has or how they're packaged. The question is, "Is their heart after God?" Because if their heart is after God and they truly love Him, then they will know how to love you. Oftentimes, that individual will not even remotely be packaged according to what we desire. God's best will far exceed what and who we limit ourselves to.

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

And yes, even He hangs out in Brooklyn.

You don't have to be inside of a church, to spend time with God. He's inside of us and all around us. Just open your eyes, you'll see. Whether it's the beach, a beautiful flower, or even snowflakes. Last night, I sat on the steps of the Brooklyn Museum. I love that place.

Those steps mixed with the cool of a Brooklyn night, made the perfect place to chat with God. There wasn't any laughter going on, but definitely a lot of heart cleansing prayer. No matter where you are, God is with you. He's always there waiting with his arms open wide. He's my confidant, my heavenly father, my everything. And yes, even He hangs out in Brooklyn. :-) 

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

What are you in need of?

A few years ago, a lady approached me in a parking lot. She told me, she was about to be evicted and needed rent money. She had a daughter that lived with her. I had just finished feasting on salad and Red Lobster's biscuits. I was just about to close my car door, when she appeared. 

I asked for her landlord's number and she gave it to me. I called and he confirmed the amount she needed. At this time, I had just left my flight attendant job, was working on a show, and completely living by faith. Heck, I wasn't even sure how my 4 figure rent was going to be paid...

Before heading to church later that day, I went to the address given to me. Yes, it was dangerous. Yes, it was on Crenshaw. Yes, it was sketchy. But, I went to the office and paid her rent. I don't remember her name, but for whatever reason we crossed paths that day. 

Whatever you are in need of, give it. When you meet people who are in need, help them. I may not have had money to pay my rent, but I had enough to pay her rent. The money, wealth, and things you have, are not for you to keep to yourself. It is our responsibility to serve and help those in need. God always makes sure those who give, will always have more to give.

People are mystified why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. No matter what your beliefs are, giving opens the door to your blessings. The tighter you hold on to things, the less you will have. Open your hands up, give, and allow God to use you. Happy Sunday! :-)

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered. ~ Proverbs 11:24-25

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Greetings from NYC :-)

Today is January 7th. I just absolutely love sevens, don't you? I believe they're an indication you're on the right path. That you're in line and where God wants you to be at that particular moment of your life. So much has transpired in my life since starting this blog. It seems as though those earlier days of writing were just as much for me, as for those of you who traveled along this journey with me. 

Where am I now? I finally moved to my beloved New York City. How awesome is that?! If you've read any of my previous posts which were dedicated to my love of NYC, then you would know just how momentous this change has been for me. I moved one day before my birthday. I wanted to be sure that I started the next year of my life, in the city of my dreams. It's been awhile since I've written. I guess that goes along with the territory for such bloggers as myself. I feel for one to blog, they have to be in a blogging space mentally. I've been living a life set out exactly as this blog title states, "Passion Filled."

How can one reside in NYC and not be stimulated creatively? I do believe it's absolutely impossible. The energy of this city makes you want to be the best person you can possibly be. It's as if the streets are whispering, "Go ahead you can do it, I know you can. You know, be every bit of who you were created to be." This is exactly where I need to be at this point in my life. I'm absolutely elated that I've moved here! Well, stay tuned for future posts. It's good to chat with you today. Ciao! 

The gorgeous view from my NYC balcony. :-)

© Copyright 2013-2014, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Did he say paleonomics or paleogenomics?

Did he say paleonomics or paleogenomics? I'm still reflecting on a conversation I had with a dashing fella earlier. Dashing is such a wonderful word, I had to use it. lol I visit my local health food store, quite a few times a week. I always see this fella, since he works there. He looks like he's either a writer or graduate student. Every time he sees me, he makes it a point to say "hi" or smile. That's about as much conversation as we've had, mostly due to the fact that I'm usually wearing my earphones. I have no idea why, even though I have absolutely no music playing. I guess I subconsciously want to be prepared when my phone rings. I don't know. But anywho, today I walked into his line. He said the usual "hi" and I responded with "hi" and probably a smile. I'm always smiling.


He began ringing up my items and then all of a sudden, he starts telling me about a seminar he attended a few years ago. He went on to discuss the speaker and how he foretold many of the things, in which African Americans are experiencing financially at this time. In the midst of this random conversation. He had my complete unadulterated attention. It was like I saw him of the first time. He mentioned the church where the seminar was held. The church he mentioned, was my church. What a coincidence?! I said, "I go to that church, do you?" He said, "no" he attends somewhere else, not sure where, for some reason I checked out a bit after he said, "no." Maybe I was still processing this random exchange. It was such an engaging conversation. Even if he was doing most of the talking. I enjoy listening to men talk. When I come across an expressive man, I'm usually quiet. Most men seem to keep things in. So, it's a special occasion when you find a talkative one. Especially since I've been seeing the guy for over a year and the furthest our conversation has gone was, "hi." All of a sudden I was intrigued.

A lady walked up and interrupted his enthusiastic recap of the seminar. I stood there for a bit and then told him, I would look into the things he mentioned. I know he said something about paleonomics. Initially I thought he meant paleolithic, I'm such a foodie. I went home and googled the speaker he referred to and paleonomics and nothing came up, only paleogenomics. I continued my day filled with errands and the such, occasionally reflecting on this spontaneous exchange. How is it that we can see someone a few times a week over a year time span, yet not see them at all? I noticed this man today.

What I take from this experience is, just how important intelligence and conversation are. The inner man speaks far louder than the outer man. Prior to this exchange, I really didn't have insight into who he was, but today, well hey he completely and enthusiastically showed his inner self. And that my friend, is attractive. Inner beauty is real beauty. The right personality will have you shining like a true star. Intelligence is everything. 

Before I go, I have to tell you. As I was about to take my grocery bag out again for another store run. I happened to notice that I had a small magazine from my church in the bottom. Well, this dashing fella bagged my groceries, and guess what? He saw that magazine with my pastor on the cover. That explains the coincidence and the all of sudden random enthusiastic rambling. I guess he saw his moment and seized it. You know what, it worked. Next time I go to the store, I'll see him. I mean see him as in, well...really see him.


© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Give it away and see what happens.

Have you ever been in a position in which you wanted to help someone, but wasn't quite sure how. In today's age we look for individuals to help. At least that's how I view things. When someone has their hand out, do you help them or continue walking as if they didn't exist? Helping someone isn't just about you giving. It also frees you up for more blessings to come into your life. In many cases, you have to let go of what's in your hand, in order for something to come to you. Are you willing to let go? Are you willing to trust that God has more in store for you? He's simply waiting for you, to let go of what you have. 

The missing ingredient for experiencing blessings, is giving. Many believe you have to get to give. When in reality, the exact opposite is true. You have to give to receive. Whatever you need in life, giving is the answer. If you don't believe me. Try it, try it for 30 days. Whatever you have a need for, give it away and see what happens. If you need love, give as much love to others as you possibly can. If you need friends, be as friendly to others as you possibly can. Whether it's money, clothes, etc...Give what you have and see what happens. 

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38 NIV

© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Sing as loud as you can.

Love the ones you love. Smile at the ones who bring you joy. Dance with those who have open arms. Sing as loud as you can. Why? Because this is it. This is your life. Today we're here, and tomorrow we're gone. In the grand scheme of things, nothing really matters except happiness. Be happy. Love hard. Laugh loud. Travel far. Dare to dream. Follow through on your dreams. Live. Love. Be happy. And love again. :-)


© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

What door have you been knocking on?

You're knocking on a door. Yet, no one answers. You continue knocking, yet no one answers. Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe there is another door that you haven't considered? Is it possible that there is a path waiting for you and only you? Your special path. It is not crowded. It is not for everyone. It's just for you. Sometimes we have to step back and ask ourselves, is there another way? A better way? A way filled with peace? Peace knowing it is a path created solely for you. 

When we look around and see everyone going in the same direction as us. Let's take a second and think, I wonder what it's like if I go my on way? Tap into my inner Indiana Jones and explore my own attributes? What do I have to contribute to the world, that only I can do? If we never tap into our rich resources within. We are holding back all of the people, who are waiting for us to enter their lives and help them. We are holding back all of the people we haven't met, who are waiting to assist us along our journey. You see, we are all connected. We all have a job to do here on earth. And each of us has our own private path set for us. A path filled with favor, peace, and tranquility. What door have you been knocking on? 

The bible says, "Seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you." What door have you been knocking on? There's a door waiting for you. It has your name on it, but you have to make sure to knock on it. Something tells me, once you knock on that door. It will open all of the other doors, which were not open for you before. Try it... Seek. Knock. Walk through it. 

© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Love. It speaks to me.

Love. It speaks to me. In the quiet still moments of the day, and in the midst of air whispers in the night. Love. It speaks to me. Do you hear it? When I hear it, sometimes it brings me joy. And sometimes it causes an unsettled feeling, because it calls me from afar. Far from where I am now.  How does one decide to answer it's call? When love beckons, should one go and answer? Or should one simply ponder the possibility of it and continue their day? In the events that fill our lives, they mean nothing if Love isn't present. True life. Rich life. Successful life. Is one filled with Love. When a woman  meets a man. A man whom has debuted in her dreams.  Once she crosses his path, that's when life begins. Anything beforehand, is simply a prelude.  A time occupier. An appetizer. But when they meet, that is when life starts. Love. It speaks to me. Do you hear it?

© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Is it that simple?

Life is interesting. Oftentimes, we make things more difficult than they should be. Is life as simple as, find your passion, discover your gift, and live your life? Is it that simple? Are all of our "mishaps" a result of us not following our passion? These are questions we should ask ourselves. When we take a look at our lives. I mean a real good look. If we are not pleased with what we see. It is only up to us to make those changes. Our life is a reflection of our choices along the way. If we want change, we must change our choices. It's in the decision making moments, in which our life is activated. Those are the moments that tell us, either yay to our dreams or nay. 

When we are at a crossroad filled with indecisiveness, we have to remember who we were, when we set out for this journey we called life. Who were we at the beginning? What dreams are interwoven deeply within our beings? What did we think of which made our eyes glisten? Ignore everything else for a moment and think of that person. That is the person who is waiting anxiously for you to revisit them. They are within you, excitedly hoping for the day that you once again acknowledge them. Is it that simple? Yes, it is.  


© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved. 

What Would You Say To Your Younger Self?

When I attended my nephew's graduation, in OKC last month. They showed pictures of each graduate from baby pics to teen years, on a huge monitor before introducing them. One of the pictures was he and I sitting on a bench, not too far from St. Louis. I had blonde natural hair, wearing a Banana Republic ensemble. I used to love Banana Republic!

Anywho, that picture completely surprised me. When I saw myself, my thoughts went back to who I was at that point in my life....What would you say to your younger self? Read what Oprah and Phylicia Rashad, had to say to their younger selves....Enjoy! 

Oprah's Letter to Her Younger Self

Letter to My Younger Self: Phylicia Rashad

© Copyright 2012-2013, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved. 

All For You

Have you ever had this feeling, that there is only one person for you? I say feeling, but I should really say knowing. No matter how much time passes or life goes on. You always go back to knowing that person is the one for you. To say that is a difficult predicament, is putting it mildly. What if who we truly believe is right for us, is not who God knows is right for you?

What if all this time, one is searching for that special someone, and the true one has been there all along. That one person, is all for you. Specifically designed with you in mind. How would that make you feel? What does it take for us to open our eyes and look around? I mean really look around. You never know, you may just see someone. Someone who is really special. So special, that even God says, "This one right here, this one is all for you."

© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Blog Daily Challenge Postponed

Hi everyone. I'm sitting here reading Steve Harvey's book, "Straight Talk, No Chaser." I've had it for quite a while. I'm finally getting around to reading it, before it's due back at the library. Yes, I love the library and visit at least once a week. Something I just read made me stop and do this blog post. I mentioned in my earlier post, that I was challenging myself to blog daily. What a great idea that was...Until film school officially kicked in.


So, I will just update you all on what's going on in my world. Film school, 10 movies to watch, 3 books to read, I'm participating in a 90 Day Bible Challenge, which means I read at least 13 chapters of the bible daily with the goal of reading the entire bible in 90 days, my first short film is due in less than 2 weeks..I'll be writing, producing, and directing, already working on my 2nd short film due next month...so...umm...yes, peeps I'm completely engaged in a passion filled journey. I will still blog, but daily blogging....lol Well, I believe that's a bit much at this point. I hope you all are just as engaged in your passion filled journey! I'll chat with you later.

A Fig Story

There once was a beautiful organic fig. I saw it at Trader Joe's and decided to take it home. So I could truly experience it. Once I took my initial bite. I was taken back to my childhood in Houston. Life is funny some times. One bite of this delectable fruit and there I was, 6 years old with my curly sandy colored hair.  Except that I wasn't in my kitchen. I was outside in the backyard, wearing my short shorts with Dr. Scholl's shoes. Picking fruit from our fig tree. Just as I did everyday. It wasn't seen as something out of the ordinary. It was the norm. The figs were plump, juicy, and always satiating. I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed them until today. So here I am in Los Angeles, with a little reminder of Houston...


© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

17 Things About Me

1. God is my everything.


2. I'm from Houston, Texas


3. I love Raw Vegan Food. It fascinates me. I watch
    videos, I read recipes, and the desserts intrigue me. I
    dream of making Green Smoothies and preparing Raw 
    Food on YouTube.


4. I love laughing. It's even better when I'm laughing at 
    myself.


5. I want the entire world to pursue their passion.


6. I love NYC. I feel like I'm NYC on the inside and 
    Houston on the outside. lol


7. I'm a huge fan of coconuts. They along with Green
    Smoothies, rock my world on a daily basis.


8. I love old school music. Any music after the early 80's,
    I have no clue about. I like old school funky music.


9. I'm a beast when it comes to challenges. I always come
    out on top. I possess tremendous inner strength.


10. I've been a Flight Attendant twice in my life. I
      absolutely love to travel.


11. My dog's name is Dublin. I named him after Dublin,
     Ireland. I love Ireland.


12. I often break out in dance and song. In my home of
     course. :-)


13. I love encouraging others and I'm a huge giver.


14. I love men. I think they're wonderful, fabulous,
      magnifique!


15. I love information. I'm always reading, researching, or
      listening to something that I can learn from.


16. I love being around people who know more than me,
      are smarter than me, and have achieved more than me.


17. Film.Food.Business.Passion.Giving...That is my circle of
     5. Everything I do, will involve one or more aspects of 
     my circle of 5.


© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.

Book Review: "A Man from Another Land"

A Man from Another Land: How Finding My Roots Changed My Life. Isaiah Washington, Lavaille Lavette. 2011. Center Street. 288 pages.
                                            

                                        
“We each have a message, a gift, and a purpose to share with the world.” Isaiah Washington

I've just finished reading, A Man from Another Land. As I sit here, reflecting upon the literary journey it has taken me on. I'm a bit emotional. It is Isaiah’s journey beginning in his birthplace of Houston, Texas to discovering his true ancestry in Sierra Leone. He takes us on a journey filled with a plethora of ups and downs. From being loved by many to ostracized by others. But through it all, he had tremendous faith. Faith in what he believed was his true purpose. A purpose, which continually showed up in his dreams, from a very early age.


I am grateful for this book coming into my life. Within one day of reading it, I wanted to hop on a plane to Africa. I love the integrity that is communicated from beginning to end. Malcolm X once said, “A man who stands for nothing, will fall for anything.” Isaiah Washington stood for something against all odds, when many from all sides encouraged him to throw in the towel.


A Man From Another Land, is a story of courage. It tells us, that no matter how the odds are stacked against us. When destiny comes into play, we will win against all odds. Destiny is destiny. No matter what the circumstances tell you. I highly recommend this book. It is a beautiful and courageous story. Africa oh Africa….This is the tune in my ears. Thank you A Man from Another Land!

“A people cannot determine their future unless they know their past.” Carter G. Woodson

© Copyright 2011-2012, Juan Hagger. All rights reserved.                               

Where Were You on Sept. 11th?

I was a Flight Attendant. We were boarding passengers on a flight in ATL departing for Newark, NJ. Just about to close the doors. Passengers w/ laptops murmuring about planes, NYC, World Trade Center. Me, not really paying attention. Then everything stopped....