In fact, when I started Junior College I had to take a remedial writing class and meet with a tutor, once a week, just to learn how to write at the level I was expected to be at entering college. I some how made it through high school without knowing how to write an essay.

On the other side of that, after having a near death experience at seventeen, I started writing my thoughts and feeling down in a notebook. I didn’t know anything about punctuation, or sentence structure (I am still not the best at any of it). I wrote about my feelings. Anger. Frustration. Pain. Fear. Confusion. Obstacles I faced and overcome. How I saw the world. Myself. Etc.

I didn’t think much about what to write, or not to, I just wrote.

Then something happen!

One day, I was sitting in Barnes and Nobles and started what I thought was just another journal entry. One sentence turned into several pages real quick. I went back to Barnes and Nobles the next day and wrote several more pages, adding to the same general message and focus. It kept going. I went into that same Barnes and Nobles, night after night, for several months. Eventually, I thought to myself, “I think I am writing a book.” One day, I wrote a conclusion to everything I had been writing about for the previous several months, closed the notebook, sat there, and said to myself, “I just wrote a book.”

I went from thinking I was writing a book to knowing I did.

Okay – so what, I wrote a book. Now what?

Would anyone even care to read it? Who will read it? Who cares what I have to share, or say, about anything?

Despite my fears and self-doubt I knew that I had to share it with others. So I did.
I got a few copies bounded into small books and gave them to select friends to read. It was just a matter of days before they shared their feedback. They really liked it!
Despite their positive feedback I still wasn’t convinced it was worth pursuing any further.
I thought, “they are my friends – would they really tell me if it wasn’t good?” I decided to let a few total strangers read it. They reacted just as positive about it, if not more. At this point, I started to think, “I wrote a book and people actually like it!”

Now what?

Get PUBLISHED! Me? Yeah right!!!

To make a long story short, I ended up connecting with a publisher, after one completely blew me off, that offered me a contract to publish my first book with them.

I have since sold 1000’s of that book. People have read it from all over. I have also written and published four additional books since then, and am currently working on several others. My latest book, “Just for Youth”, has started off stronger, in regard to sales and support, than any of my other titles. It is getting great feedback from middle and high school, as well college, age young people around the country, even the world (I just sent one to India).

My books have taken me onto the stage in front of 1000’s and have given me a sense of passion, purpose, and happiness that money could never buy.

What if I didn’t push beyond my fears and self-doubt, to find the courage to share my thoughts and feelings with others? None of this would have happened!

The only reason I have published 5 books, started a movement that has reached around the world, sold art I have created, and spoken in front of tens of thousands at this point is because I chose to share the things that mattered to me, and pursue without abandon the passions, visions, ideas, and messages of my heart.

What ever your passions are. What ever your ideas are. What ever your way of expression is. Share them with the world! Don’t share them because of what you expect to get, but because you know you have to. Everything that you have to offer, whether it be a song, dance routine, sculpture, poem, story, message, and/or idea, it is meant to be shared. You do not have certain gifts, talents, and bursts of inspiration for no reason. You have them because you are meant to share them with others.

Is it easy? Nope. Is it scary? Yes. Is it possible? Absolutely.

YOU have so many gifts and talents within you that are anxiously waiting to be realized. Only YOU can CHOOSE TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN, or not!

THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU!

Often times we view youth as students to what we have to teach them, abiders to the rules we set and followers of the paths we direct them to travel. We demand respect from them and create expectations of who, or what, we want them to be. The question is: what about what they have to teach and show us?
We live in a time of great change. Humanity is shifting. On one end we have messages of hope, awareness, and change being shared on grand scales, with deep conviction and truth. On the opposite side, we have levels of abuse, neglect, negativity and fear of great concern. In many cases, young people are absorbing the brunt of it all. The most extreme outcome is the fact children are killing themselves, and each other, because of the pain they are carrying, inflicted by others.

Young people are more in-tune and aware of the changes our world needs than most adults may even realize. In some cases, the youth are closer to the truth in who we are and how we should be living than the truth we as adults only think is real. They are the ones who will lead us into lasting change. The reality is: they can only lead us if we both allow and empower them to do so. This is not to say we cannot guide, help, and share our insight with them. This is simply to say: we must be more receptive, as a society, to what our youth are telling us. Look deeper in to the reasons why they are “acting out.” Pay attention to the hints they are giving us. Listen when they try to explain their view or tell a story.
The more we validate the power of our young people the more they will appreciate the wisdom of their elders. When there is no more us versus them and there is unity between us, we will know what lasting peace truly is…

The youth will not only lead us to a better tomorrow, but will remind us of the peace, innocence, and beauty within us all, today. The only thing we have to do is: let them!

“Just for YOUth” is inspired by the 1000′s of youth I have the privilege to work with on a yearly basis. The content is driven by the effort to give the youth of our world more of not only what they need more of, but what they’re asking for. Young people are craving deeper conversations, more direction, and a level of respect that often times they don’t get. Although, this book can be enjoyed by all ages, I am inspired to dedicate it to the youth of our world and offer it to them as a sign of my appreciation for who they are, the challenges they face, and the belief I have in their greatness.

The official release gathering is being held December 6, 2015 in downtown St. Petersburg, Flordia.

I invite you to come by to say hello and get a personalized signed copy for you and/or a young person in your life.

This is an all ages event! I encourage you to invite as many young people as you can.

EVENT DETAILS:

The Studio @620. 620 1st Ave South. St.Petersburg,Fl. 33701. // 12/6/15 // 4-6PM.

Q & A at 5PM.

Thank you for your support!

We are all people doing the best we can (maybe some of us can work harder at doing our best). We all make mistakes. We all have done things, or handled situations, that we would prefer to change if we could. We don’t have that power. The only place we can ever be is right where we are. As much as we may want to change certain things about our life, the only way we can ever change anything is by our willingness to do the work. We have to put in the work to be better, recognize our faults, and the areas that we need to improve on. Once you become accountable, and name the things you may need to change, transformation begins. I have been working on one issue or another for the biggest part of my life, and imagine that it will be a lifetime of work. Everything from undoing child hood trauma and violence to limited beliefs about myself to dysfunctions in relationships, I have had to and/or still have to work through them and with them. Sometimes those things are at the root of my mistakes and sometimes my mistakes are just plane mistakes, no rhyme or reason. There will always be work to do, on our selves, and/or in our relationships, no matter who we are and what side of the fence we come from. The key is that we are willing to do the work, as change doesn’t happen on its own.

It’s not about the mistakes you have made, or will make. It’s about learning from them and doing your best not to repeat them over and over again (I have definitely done that). The beautiful thing is as you continue to work through your own “stuff” you will find ways to use your experiences to help others, in whichever way you see fit.
You are so much more than the mistakes you have made, or the “issues” you may have. Remember, no one is perfect. No one. Aim to be your best. Stride for excellence, but be kind to yourself when you fall short. Pick up. Stay inspired. And keep working to become your very best, in all aspects of your life.

When we give it our best to be our best, we will become our best.

Keep up the good push!

Honor the hardships, mistakes, and struggles you may have experienced in 2014 for what they have to teach you, and let them go.

Look ahead to the amazing year before you.  Think of the many things you want to accomplish.  Ask:  What choices do I need to make in order to do so?  Set your best intentions for yourself, and others.  Acknowledge the part that you play in creating a more peaceful world, or not.  Above all, know that you are here in this year of our existence, 2015, for a reason, and that the essence of your creation is a gift.

Enjoy the many wonderful things this year stands to give you, and you it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Ricky Roberts III

I remember the sadness and compassion in my heart for the families directly impacted by the tragedy.

I remember seeing the pain people carried on their faces.

I remember the horrific photos of people falling from the buildings.

I remember the general tone of heaviness and sorrow that encompassed the world.

I remember a new sense of vulnerability people felt to the reality of such acts of terror happening in “their own country.”

In the midst of the struggle and chaos, I also remember the love that came out in people’s hearts everywhere.

I remember the unwavering support that was offered to the “families of 9/11.”

I remember the courage and strength of the many people who worked countless hours to look for survivors.

I remember the community of people that came together to address the needs of NYC.

I remember the extra time people felt inspired to share with their family, and friends.

I remember the desire people seemed to have to appreciate the fragility of life.

I remember feeling a sense of HOPE in the goodness of humanity.

I remember the love, togetherness, and compassion that came out in our family: the human family.

Don’t forget 9/11.

May we always hold space for the loved ones of 9/11, the heroes within that came out in so many, and the greater good it showed us all.

The question at hand is very important, and a much needed conversation to entertain. However, the question that is most necessary to ask is: Am I compassionate as an individual? The truth is, generally speaking, when we talk about the issues we face as a collective, whether it be environmental issues, or social injustices, we tend to put the majority of our focus “out there.” We put the emphasis on what others are doing, or not doing. Highlight organizations that are making a difference in addressing areas of concern, and focusing on how vast the problems may be. All of which are great, and must continue.
However, in order for anything to change, or even begin to change, the ultimate focus needs to be on what we can do as individuals. Am I being compassionate for others? Am I recycling everything that can be, reducing where I am able, and reusing what is possible? Am I being a good example for my children, nieces, nephews, siblings, spouse, and/or people in the community in general?

Regardless of how big the problems are in our world, as individuals we get to choose what we do about it. We don’t’ have to wait to join a group, pay for a membership to a club, or sign up to volunteer for our favorite cause, we can be the change everywhere we are, every day. In truth, it doesn’t matter how other people choose to be, or not. It matters who you choose to be.

The more we acknowledge our responsibilities as individuals to make the world a better place, the more we will experience it as so. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how good or bad the world is around us, if we aren’t the best we can be in our own.

Thank you for choosing to make the world a better place.

Many Blessings – Ricky Roberts III

Whether it’s a job, dream, relationship, healthier lifestyle, material possessions, education, sports, hobbies, and/or etc., we are all pursuing something.  Ultimately, the face of the actual destination (desired outcome) itself changes, and often times does not look the way we thought it would, when we finally get there.  The true richness of life is gained through everything that happens along the way.  We can pursue the many desires, passions, and interests we have, but if we don’t enjoy the pursuit itself, then where ever it is we get to, or accomplish, doesn’t really matter much at all, regardless of how grand it may be.

I have continued to pursue my dreams and passion to inspire others through my books, speaking engagements, efforts with You Are Valued, and daily living.  I have reached different points of “achievement” along the way.  When I do, I feel joy.  The appreciation is there. But, those points come and go.  The greatest joy in what I aim to accomplish, at any one time, comes in the steps I take along the way, not the actual destination itself.  The people I meet.  The struggles (internally and externally) I face.  The many feelings, happy and not so happy ones, I experience.  The things I learn about myself, and others.  The mistakes I make.  The bursts of inspiration, and even doubt I face.  All of it is what brings meaning to any one pursuit, or pursuits, I could ever have.

It is easy for us to get so caught up on what we are pursuing that we don’t truly experience every step we take to get there.  The destination we reach, itself, is short lived.  It’s a moment in time that you can appreciate, “okay, here I am.  I did it” – then it passes, and we then set our sights on the next pursuit.

Stay focused on your dreams, visions, and aspiration.  Pursue them with all that you have to give.  However, in that focus and pursuit remember to be present with the many different experiences you will have along the way.  Cherish your daily pursuits.  Take time to appreciate the daily accomplishments you make.  Appreciate the people that are in your life, as well as the ones that come and go.  Remind yourself, daily, of the greatness in who you are.  Above all, seek the richness that every moment stands to offer you, in the good times and what we may consider not so good times.

Enjoy the pursuit of your life! – Ricky Roberts III

Let’s just say there are 5 days (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines Day, Birthday, and Anniversary) out of the entire year that society deems necessary to do something special for the LOVE in your life.  It is a beautiful thing to honor these dates, make something special out of them.  The question is:  what happens the other 360 days out of the year?  Does the good we do on the designated days to show and express our love give us a free pass from showing it the rest of the year?  Should this not be something we do everyday, not because we have to, but because we want to? In fact, should we not do it because it makes us happy to have the opportunity to share it with someone at all?  Do you take your love for granted or do you look for ways you can express your LOVE everyday?

Love is not something that can fit into one day, or a couple of days per year for that matter.  Love is bountiful.  It’s a part of what makes us thrive.  It brightens the skies and enhances the sounds of nature that reaches our ears.  It puts a skip in our step.  It motivates us to be our best.  Love inspires us. Love is also something that we need to cherish and nurture for it to survive.  Expressing your love by doing something special 5 days out of the year is not enough.  Love takes daily devotion.  It takes a constant willingness to give, to understand, to forgive, to compromise, and to honor.

Enjoy this season of LOVE.  Do something great for the LOVE in your life.  Enjoy Valentines Day if you choose to celebrate it.  However, take this acknowledgement of LOVE and share it, express it, and be it, always.

It’s an honor and privilege to be able to love someone, and have them love you just the same. To have them in your life as a partner, lover, and friend, is a gift.  Find the joy in it.  Be grateful for what you have, and the many moments you are blessed to share.  Go over and beyond your daily ways of showing LOVE, randomly, and not just on the days it’s expected.  Show your appreciation for the love of your life, everyday.

In Love and Gratitude – Ricky Roberts III

The dates on the bench read 1969-2013 next to his name.  He was forty-four years old when he passed away.  At one time forty-four seemed so far away for me, but now, its not far at all.  It is only 7yrs away.  As I continued to reflect on this, I had a question, an idea if you will:  what if I knew I only had 7 years left to live.  7 weeks?  7 days? 7hrs? 7mins? 7 secs?  What would I do different with my life?  Would I do anything different at all?  Would the man who passed away have done anything different?  Would you do anything different?

The reality in life is we don’t get a warning, or a time frame as to when we will pass.  Although there are situations where doctors can give an estimated time remaining of ones survival, or when they may perish, most of the deaths that occur do not get that.  They happen suddenly and unexpected.  Even in the times when people are given insight as to how much time they have left to live – it is likely the learning of the reason itself happens without warning just the same.

We walk on a fragile plane.  We make so many plans, and spend so much energy and attention on a future that may never come.  Yes, it is important to plan for it, but not to the point of missing out on living your life now.  I sat on that bench, at first, simply to journal.  Seizing the moment.  I sat down with worries, fears, and even heartache.  I was quickly brought back to why I went to the park in the first place, to take some time to reflect and embrace the gift to be here.  I don’t know what my life holds for me beyond this day.  Will I live to be forty-four?  I don’t know.  Will I always do my best to remember that every moment we are here is a gift, even if it’s hard; absolutely.  The truth is, whenever I see this, or you read it, we only know this moment, now.  You don’t know for certain what awaits you 7secs, 7mins, 7days, 7weeks, 7months, or 7years beyond where you are now, nor do I.  Set your best intentions for life.  Center yourself in gaining and experiencing all this life has to offer.  Live your life with purpose, gratitude, and the willingness to be of service to others.  Live in such a way that you don’t take one moment of one day for granted; in the same way you don’t take anyone who is now in your life for granted either.

Maybe you’re hurting right now.  Maybe you just lost your job, a loved one, or are confused about life itself.  What ever it may be, ask yourself:  will it matter 7yrs from now? 7months? 7weeks? 7days? 7mins? 7seconds? Maybe it will and that’s okay.  Whatever the case, I invite you to find the joy in what you have right now.  Honor the experience, or experiences, you now face but don’t allow it to distract you from enjoying what could be one of your last years, months, days, weeks, hours, minutes, or seconds of your life.

Enjoy the gift of your life and everyone your blessed to have in it, in the times they are.