P.S. Don't Forget to Be You: Short Writings for You & Me

P.S. Don’t Forget to Be YOU:

short writings for you & me

BRANDON B. KEITH

we.are.publishing

BRANDON B. KEITH

Copyright © 2015 Brandon B. Keith

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 0692377573ISBN-13: 978-0692377574 (we.are.publishing)

cover design by Brandon B. Keith

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DEDICATION

For Paw Paw. The strength and resiliency that you instilled in me, helped push me to keep going; to keep writing; to refuse to give anything but my best. Many a night, your spirit is here with me, holding me accountable for the man I’m becoming. I couldn’t ask for a better angel. I love you. Thank you.

For Dietrich. Thank you for reminding me of my aspirations. Thank you for helping me to not take myself too seriously. Thank you for keeping me laughing. Because of you, I’ll be forever young in spirit. I love you, brother.

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CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS i

FOREWORD BY GORDON KEITH v

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 WHO ARE YOU? 5

3 WHAT DAY IS IT? 9

4 FROM US TO THE WORLD 15

5 ROUND PEG, SQUARE CITY 23

6 WHAT TIME IS IT? 27

7 STOPPING THE SPIN CYCLE 29

8 WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK? 37

9 THINK THAT (POSITIVE) THOUGHT 39

10 INVALUABLE CURRENCY 47

11 DO THAT (NECESSARY) THING 51

12 MAKE THE MISTAKES NOW 57

13 WE ARE THE ROADMAPS 61

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 65

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Supporters of my dreams and crazy ideas:Thank you, Mama. For your love and support, I’m

truly grateful. Even though I am a writer, I struggle to find words to express my full gratitude and all that you mean to me. There’s no way I accomplish this, the way I did, without your consistent belief and encouragement – without you being who you are. Thank you. I love you.

Dad, thank you. I hope you know and feel how much I appreciate you. I’m very fortunate to have a dad like you; supportive but also motivating. The vision isn’t as clear as it is without your guidance. Thank you for instilling the discipline in me to follow-through and remain consistent. I love you.

Thank you, Memaw. You were a big motivator in me accomplishing this. Those conversations we had concerning my discontent with work were a driving force in my completion of this book. Also, I wanted you to be able to hold my book and brag about me to your friends. I love you.

Thank you, Cheryl. I’m thankful to have you in my life. You showed me that there is no off-switch for determination. That it could become part of your character if you’re willing to do the work. Thank you

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for showing me that through a shining example. Thank you for your continued encouragement. I love you.

Brittany, Bradford, Peyton, and Kameron: We can do anything – ANYTHING – as long as we keep God first. Thank you for being my catalysts, whether you know it or not. I love you, all.

My editor:Thank you, Lisa Ladendorf, for helping shape the

vision for this book, and pushing me creatively. Your support and encouragement from my freelance days at Patch had a hand in getting me here. I appreciate your continued support. You’re also a Superwoman.

My closest relatives and friends: Thank you. You were all influencers and

inspirations and motivators, directly and indirectly. I hope to do you proud by returning the gift of inspiration.

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“Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

FOREWORD

LIFE IS AN INTENTIONAL UNDERTAKING and unless it is intentionally pursued the results will leave us unfulfilled and disappointed. Conversely, the intentional pursuit of our life’s goals (which, by the way, is strictly a personal choice) can be surprisingly fulfilling regardless of where we finish the race. We – those of us participating in this age of around-the-clock news and technology – are among the most distracted and perhaps unfulfilled people (even though we are masterful pretenders). We fill our lives with things we think will interest us – to please ourselves for any extended amount of time. But oddly we don’t understand enough about the simplicity of our own makeup. If we would but stop, turn off the outside rumblings, and allow ourselves the time to understand what we were placed here to do, there would be no barriers to our peace. If we would clear the presuppositions, the “how we always did it(s)”, the “you can’t do that(s)”, and go back to a clean slate where we could truly believe we have the ability to “make things happen” we would simply be happier. Isn’t that what it’s about? Peace? Happiness? A sense of purpose? In P.S. Don’t Forget To Be You, Brandon Keith gives a unique opportunity to ride along on a journey of continuous improvement and discovery and exposes each reader to his or her own

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personal opportunity to look at your reality, compare it to your ideal and identify the discrepancy. The only thing left to do after that is to decide what you will do about it!

– GORDON B. KEITH

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Proverbs 23:7 KJV

P.S. DON’T FORGET TO BE YOU: SHORT WRITINGS FOR YOU & ME

INTRODUCTION

DEAR REVOLUTIONARY THINKER, I trust you care about your future, who you are, and

who you are to become.First off, thank you for taking the time to read this.

I truly appreciate the eyes and souls that read my words.

A good bit of these short to not-as-short writings were done over a five month period. From a time when I was on the verge of quitting my job in corporate America to the actual time of quitting my job and implementing the lessons in this book.

In a way, this documents that transition, indirectly.So pardon me if the chronology of my work status

in these writings is confusing. I kept these reflections intact for effect and relevance to the chapters.

These short writings started as me navigating my own thoughts, only to later form into something much more than I imagined. There are a couple of

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older writings from my website that have been updated and spruced with some editing. They still ring as true as the day I typed them.

At first, the original title of this book was P.S. Don’t Forget to Change the World. At the time, the meaning was largely metaphorical, in the sense that those who chose to uniquely be themselves were adding to the world, therein, in theory changing it – making their mark, if you will. But understanding that context is key, and also understanding that some who read “Change the World” in the title, may feel the phrase intimidating, daunting, and discouraging, I reeled back a bit. I honed in on what my true intention was, and realized, there is no crime in being straightforward. These days, just being one’s self is revolutionary. Being brave enough to follow your vision, even if it means standing alone, is a massive undertaking.

This project is designed to assist both you and I in bridging the gap between who we are now and the (great) person we are meant to be. Notice I say you and I because I haven’t arrived there either. I’m not sure if there is a true arrival point.

I’m inclined to believe, being one’s true self is a continual conscious effort.

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So, in reading this, it is my hope that you’ll get just a little closer to where you want to be and who you aspire to be. Even if that just begins with the small thought that you shouldn’t settle for less.

Though we may go separate paths to get to who we truly are, you and I are both on this journey together.

In becoming our better, truer selves, there is much work to do.

With Love,Brandon

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WHO ARE YOU?

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. But do you know the answer? If you don’t know, or at least don’t have a solid idea, the world will figure it out for you.

Here’s what Webster’s has to say about “you”:You, pronoun

1. used to refer to the person or group of people that is being addressed as the subject of a verb or as the object of a verb or preposition

2. used to refer to any person or to people in general

Eh. Let’s back up for a sec. Yes, I am speaking to you, urging you, Don’t Forget. But I’m not speaking to “any person” or “people in general”. Because you’re certainly not just “any person”. I’m not just “any person”. Let’s try this definition:

You, noun1. a (needed) person.

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2. your own uniqueness. The things that set you apart are not the totality of

you but they are unquestionably you. Keep that idea in mind as you read along.

Many of us live in Clonesville and work at Clones-R-Us. Difference of opinion or refusal to go along (to get along) could be considered fighting words in some circles. But that’s another conversation, I suppose. Point is, there are more than enough people in denial about who they truly are and who they truly should be. And also, there are more than enough people fed up with the world cramming them into boxes, telling them to fit in. I know this because I was one of those people fed up. And if you’re anything like me, — which you probably are — you loathe the idea of settling for the options given. The “normal”, “ordinary”, “standard” life just doesn’t appeal because that’s not your true identity. General doesn’t standout, regular doesn’t go far, and normal is just enough to go unnoticed.

Like me, deep down, in your soul, you likely have a strong feeling that there’s more for you. Also like me, you probably have a strong feeling that you possess the power to do something great. But your doubt gets the best of you. Or maybe your environment gets the best of you. Maybe you don’t know how to channel that power. Maybe you don’t know which way to turn. Understand, we’re already

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ahead of the game because we’re conscious of these things. Understand, there are people who die never knowing they had the choice to be themselves. Because the non-choice, the ignorance of choice (willful or not) is a choice. Truly think about who you are; and what you value. Remember, society isn’t built to nurture those who go against the grain. Think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., before the days of reverence. Think about the incomparable Andre 3000 before everyone and their step-aunt-in-law was “shake[ing] it like a polaroid picture.”

I was going to save this thought until the last chapter, but I think it’s too important not to say now:

There are no wrong turns in becoming your best-self. You will embark on lessons from the mistakes. And you will eventually learn to discern your voice and your vision from what the world imposes upon you. The only true misstep is settling for less than what you believe yourself to be capable of.

Know that trying to be someone else is a form of settling as well. Because subconsciously, when we wish to be others, do what others do, have what others have, and neglect our own path, we’ve decided

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that the hard work of being ourselves is not worth the effort. Know that you (yes, you reading this) don’t have to be anyone but your best-self, for you have something to contribute, and you’re here because the world needs your contribution.

***

This [little] life of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

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WHAT DAY IS IT?

DEAR REVOLUTIONARY THINKER; UNIQUE SOUL,Imagine:

It is Monday morning. You have just pulled into the company parking lot after a blur of a weekend.

You’re late, again. But who cares? You’re fed up. A firing might be favorable at this point. You kill the engine and sit in the car for a moment, attempting to prepare for the reality of eight or nine hours of your life being bartered for a paycheck and another free weekend (if you’re lucky). You give yourself the pep talk, repeating “it’s only temporary.” But who are you kidding? This has been your go-to chant for years now.

Fastforward:It’s Tuesday morning. You’re not necessarily upset

to be back to work, but you’re not doing the cabbage-

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patch either. You didn’t rest well last night but there are a galaxy-worth of assignments with your name on them – work you will likely do without recognition or appreciation. You’ve become somewhat numb to it by now though; helping a large entity reach their dreams and financial goals while getting little to no credit for it. Crumbs of the financial pie is your biweekly reward.

It’s the way things are, you reason. Maybe things have changed or maybe they will change. Or maybe things have been this way all along. Perhaps you were just too eager and loyal to recognize them.

Fastforward again:You’re semi-happy it’s Thursday – donut day at the

office. Or is it Wednesday? You can’t even remember; same ole feces, just a different day. You’re daydreaming at your desk again. You’re on your fourth cup of coffee and it’s not even lunchtime yet. You venture to the sent folder of your email account and see that you sent a whopping total of six emails yesterday. Two of the emails were asking a coworker if Spotify was blocked on his computer as well.

You reflect on your evolution; you went from bright-eyed and chipper socialite to, “Look, I’m just here to get my check.” How? You used to like your job, if you’re remembering correctly. You were somewhat happy. But now, these days, you sigh the heaviest of sighs for no reason – sighs that could

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extinguish birthday candles. You’re just trying to make it to Friday – so you can maybe call out sick.

***Look, my fellow big-dreamer:Maybe you hate your job or maybe you don’t.

Maybe you have just started school and/or you’re trying to find your calling. Wherever you are in life, it’s never too late or early to explore whether what you’re doing (or what you’re about to do), aligns with who you are.

So have a seat here on my confessional couch; let’s ask ourselves some serious life questions.

Do you feel like you’re personally making an impact or what you’re about to do will personally make an impact?

Are you spending your one and only life on something that drives you?

Do you feel like you’re pursuing what you’re meant to do (with all the energy you can)?

Are you living weekend to weekend? Are you solely working to collect a check or pursing a particular field for mere monetary reward?

If you’re years into an undesirable career, maybe you’ve convinced yourself it doesn’t matter at this point. If you’re not in the work force yet, but feel you

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need to settle for the options given, maybe you haven’t given yourself an honest chance.

I’ve felt this way (all of the above), some days more than others. I’ve also sent out only six emails in a workday before. I’m just like you. I’ve been where you are, in terms of wanting better but not knowing where to start, only to do absolutely nothing about it. I was paying for a degree with a job I didn’t feel passionate about. I was settling, and I knew it. But I didn't wanna clap my hands.

For the bulk of my professional career, I sat in a cubicle, at a desk, doing work I didn’t believe in. I’m sure there are people out there, in this huge world, who are passionate about managing aircraft inventory. I am not one of them. There are other things that I care about much more. I always seemed to think about them when I was at work; those rare times when I wasn’t wishing the weekend forward. Now, it may not sound like I’m grateful, but I am. I realize there are unemployed people frustrated up to their necks. But there are also equally frustrated employed people too. A lot of us are upset with our circumstances.

A lot of us are fooling ourselves. Seldom do children aspire to be average and predictable when they become

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older. Somewhere, deep within us, our inner child still wants the moon and the stars and things beyond — despite the amount of times we’ve tried to convince them that their dreams are silly and unrealistic.

Imagine if our eight year-old-selves could visit our current lives like the ghosts of Christmas-past. They would be disappointed with our delusion. “This is boring. They’re paying you a good celery?” they would say between snaggleteeth, confusing vegetables with monetary lingo.

At my former job, there was this phrase that circulated the office. Actually, there were a few variations of the same phrase circulating. When one employee asked another how they were or how work was going, the popular go-to response was an almost soft eye-roll followed by, “Living the dream” or “Another day in paradise.” I shouldn’t have to tell you that this phrase was wedding-cake-layered in sarcasm and sadness. This semi-masked phrase of discontent was said so easily, so matter-of-factly each time, you’d think it was a communicable disease. This was said at a place where people traded time they would not get back, for a wage. Why would

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anyone be OK with having these reactions and feelings towards their work?

I had to ask this question of myself. I had to be honest.

We don’t have to be unhappy. We don’t have to be indifferent about what we do. You and I deserve to love our jobs, and our work.

Don’t ever feel ashamed or embarrassed for not settling like others may choose to. We live in a world where it’s perfectly acceptable to follow the crowd. Even if said crowd is carrying on day to day, lifelessly going through the motions.

Don’t put the “me” in mediocre.Don’t become a victim of your own life.Don’t allow the currents to sway you. Steer your

own ship. You’re the captain. There is a reason why this book is as short as it is. I want to make sure that you follow-through with whatever it is that you feel this life is calling you to do. I’d like you to take action as soon as you can.

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Wishing days forward is not a solution. It will only drive yesterday’s problem to your todays and tomorrows.

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P.S. Don't Forget to Be You: Short Writings for You & Me

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