TheNiceLife.com Inspirational Blog

Today is the Best Day of My Life

2010-03-14T17:28:00Z

Back in November, I wrote an article called "How Are You? Has Become a Cheap Hooker." You can read that article by clicking HERE.

In the article, I essentially described how the question "How Are You?" has become a generic coversation opener, to which, everyone responds in the exact same manner: "I'm fine! How are you?" To which, the other person will say, "Good! How are you?"

Since then -- in an effort to jolt the pre-conditioned automatic-responses that most humans blurt out -- I started responding to the "How Are You" question by saying the following: "I'm miserable. And I think I wanna kill myself."

Startled -- as their pattern has been interrupted -- they'll say something like, "Don't say that! It's not that bad! Things will get better; you've just gotta hang in there."

That's when I'll break in and explain that I was merely trying to help them become more conscious about the auto-pilot response programs they project. However, when you talk about wanting to kill yourself, it has the potential to become a very delicate subject -- especially if you're in the presence of someone who has lost somebody to suicide. Plus, it's too much to explain during quick "passerby" interactions.

I've pretty much eliminated the "How Are You" question from my vocabulary. Instead, I say things like, "Good afternoon" or "Good evening." I think it's pointless to ask "How Are You," because everybody's just gonna respond with the same generic thing: "I'm fine."

Neither party is really interested in discussing how they're really doing. You'll never hear, "Well, I think my husband is cheating on me" or "I think my daughter is using drugs."

So, I've found a solution to my distaste for the "How Are You" question; I've created the perfect response. It will give me the opportunity to respond to the question in truth -- while also planting a positive spiritual seed into the life of the person asking.

Without further adue, here it is, the new and improved response to the dreadful "How Are You?" question:

"It's the best day of my life."

Most people will still be in a state of semi-shock (like they were in response to the "I'm miserable. And I think I wanna kill myself" answer). However, it'll give me the chance to help them understand the importance (and power) of NOW.

"Why is it the best day of your life?" they'll ask.

"Because today is the only day I have," I'll respond. "Yesterday is gone. And tomorrow may never arrive. Therefore, every day is the best day of my life -- and I choose to appreciate it."

Perfect.

I Like It Everywhere

2010-03-09T05:08:00Z

As many of you know, two weeks ago, I relocated back home to Richmond, Virginia, after spending the past decade of my life in Birmingham, Alabama.

In the past three hours, I've received the following three textual communications, from three different members of the human species:

1.) "How are ya liking it back home?"

2.) "How are things going for you and Neo?"

3.) "Are you settled in yet?"

My responses were as follows:

1.) "I like it everywhere."

2.) "My life is always nice, young lady."

3.) "I sure am, pal."

I'm reminded of the quotation from Taisen Deshimaru, which says, "If you are not happy here and now, you will never be."

It's similar to what I talk about in Chapter 44 "Choose Your Emotions" of my book Follow the White Rabbit: The geographical environment in which I may find myself has very little to do with my emotional state-of-being. One can learn to cultivate the necessary mental discipline to influence their emotional state-of-being by simply shifting their perspective.

I didn't always possess this illuminating awareness -- it takes time to cultivate these "perspective skills." But it can be done. You can do it too.

Choose to focus on the things in any particular environment that can be appreciated. For example, choose to appreciate your health, reliable transportation, having adequate access to food and water, having hot water with which to shower, money in your pocket, a job, your kids, your pets, a roof over your head, access to the Internet, etc.

Happiness can be learned.

In my book Your Truth Will Set You Free, I talk about "Holy-Spirit Mind-Mastery." It's similar to working your way up higher levels in martial arts. Once you break through a particular barrier, then you'll always have mastery over that area of life. Happiness is one of those areas. With dedication and patience, you'll become a Black-Belt Holy-Spirit Mind-Mastery Warrior.

For me, happiness is a choice. It can be that way for you, as well. You just have to choose the proper perspective. You may need to order and read Chapter 8 of Follow the White Rabbit -- it's entitled "Proper Perspective."

Allow your inner being to influence your outer circumstances, instead of unconsciously allowing your outer circumstances to influence your inner being.

Bartender Jesus

2010-03-02T19:07:00Z

It's been just over a week since my migration back to the Richmond, Virginia area. Things are settling in quite nicely.

I started bartending school last Monday, and will be finishing up this Friday. It's a two-week, 40-hour course.

Mastering the craft of radio broadcasting took some time, but when I left the industry, my show was one of the best in the country (as concluded by a respected programmer in the industry). I hope to add my unique personality to the art of bartending — creating an uplifting experience for everyone I encounter.

I can't believe I haven't considered bartending until now. I mean, I spent the past decade of my life doing bar and club appearances, so dealing with humans under the influence of alcohol is nothing new. Not to mention, bartending is a skill I can take with me all over the world — depending on the nature of my present-moment life-assignments.

Bartending will be a way to combine my radio show experience — in regards to allowing people to express their ideas about my topics or questions — with the intimate audience that can be found in a bar or restaurant.

In addition, I'll become a positive staple in the lives of all my regular customers — and they'll likely frequent my website and purchase my books.

Now you may be thinking, Isn't contributing to the alcohol consumption of others opposed to your position in Chapter 9 "The Power of Sobriety" in your book Your Truth Will Set You Free?

My answer is "No." It actually creates the perfect opportunity to impact their lives in a positive way, by helping them become more conscious creators.

People who are drinking are already drinking. You've heard the old expression, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." In this metaphor, the horses are already drinking the water. And it's certainly not my intention to preach to anybody about the destructive nature of drinking alcohol.

I simply plan to use my psychological tactics in conjunction with my spiritual wisdom to help my customers gradually make more conscious decisions. Every person will be different, so I can't predict how my interaction with each customer will go down. What I do know is this: They'll leave the experience feeling more uplifted than when they came.

Think about the nature of true alcoholics: They're not happy. If they were truly happy, they wouldn't drink themselves unconscious as a way of covering up their pain. In theory, my "regulars" will lean more on the "alcoholic" side of the drinking scale. For those of you familiar with my website, can you think of a better person to serve you drinks when you're feeling down?

I'm good at what I do.

Not the bartending (yet), but the subtle life-coaching that I try to project onto the lives of others. I just see this whole bartending thing as a great way to be of service to some of the folks who may need it the most. The main thing I do is help people shift their perspective.

As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

When Billy Bob enters my bar at 6pm, hating everything in his world, my job will include helping him see things in a different light. With patience — over a period of time — Billy Bob will begin to appreciate life in new ways. He'll appreciate my influence in his life, and bring his friends to my bar because I make him feel good.

Of course, I anticipate generating a decent clientele of lovely ladies, based on my charming disposition, intriguing conversation skills, dashing good looks, and superior humility. :]

I look forward to enriching the lives of all the humans I encounter — each according to their perceived needs. I'll tap into my alien-like intuitive abilities to gauge what those needs are.

Some folks just need entertainment and compelling topics of conversation. Other folks may need some words of encouragement and a tweak in their perspective.

I feel confident in my ability to provide both.

My Frustration Almost Cost Me My Eyesight

2010-02-20T01:57:00Z

Here it is the night before my big move to Virginia. I still don't have everything loaded on the moving truck (it should be), and the right side of my face is numb.

You may be wondering, Why is the right side of your face numb?

I made arrangements for my friend to be here to help me load my refrigerator and other bigger items onto my truck. I wanted to get it done early, so I could put my car onto the dolly while it was still daylight.

My friend arrived late. This frustrated me. He also smelled like weed. This would frustrate me later.

We were having trouble getting the fridge through the door. It didn't seem like my friend was putting forth much effort. In fact, when he tipped the fridge towards me (and the hand truck), I peeped over the top of the fridge, and he wasn't even touching it!

I'm like, Dude! What the hell are you doing?! Give me some help here!

After more frustration, I finally blurted out, "Look man. I know you're high and all, but you need to get it together. You're not focused, and you're not helping."

If you've ever been around a stoner, it's very much like talking to a kindergartner. They're unable to offer any real help, and you have to keep reminding them what they're supposed to be doing. I'm sure you've seen the movie Dazed and Confused -- that pretty much sums it up.

Growing even more frustrated, I climbed onto a stool to remove the screws on the top of the refrigerator doors. Then you have to tilt the refrigerator over, so you can remove the water filter tubing at the bottom -- and then remove the doors.

My frustration at his lack of assistance continued to pluck my nerves. When I have a job to complete, I have little room in my patience reservoir for incompetence or excuse-making. In my mind, his lack of focus had severely crippled my progress. I reminded him several times this afternoon about his commitment -- and to leave the golf course, so he could get here on time.

Trying to get the job finished before we lost daylight, I forgot about leaving the drill bit, and my fully-loaded socket set on top of the refrigerator.

He tilts the fridge back towards me and SMACK!

The entire (open) socket set slides off the top of the fridge and crashes into my face and the drill bit (as you see it now) pierces my face -- about 3 centimeters below my eye. I almost lost my right eye tonight.

Do you see the dot under my eye (on the left side of your screen)?

That's where the drill bit (with a screwdriver tip attached) pierced the skin beneath my eye. At the same time, my entire socket set smashes my face. My teeth still feel numb. I've been hit in the face plenty of times, but I've never been hit in the face while being stabbed at the same time.

It's now starting to swell up pretty severely -- and it's definitely gonna be a black eye by tomorrow.

I guess I just upped my street cred.

Could it get any worse?

Of course. After icing down my face (and making my friend leave), I decide I'm ready to take a hot bubble bath -- in an attempt to calm my nerves. The bathwater is running and I'm buck naked about to jump in.

That's when I realize that all my towels are on the moving truck.

Super.

Luckily, I found a pillowcase that I was able to use for a towel.

Ahhhhh.

Could it get any worse?

Of course. When I go to put on my clothes, I realize all my clean draws are on the moving truck.

Perfect.

So yes, as I type this, I'm wearing the same dirty draws. But I'm looking at the bright side: After getting slammed in the face with an entire socket set and a drill bit piercing -- at least I still have my eyesight.

For that ... I'm grateful. :]

And even though I was incredibly pissed off at my friend, I still thanked him for his help. I also learned some valuable lessons: (1.) Recognize frustration when it surfaces and do your best to control it -- lest you rush and hurt yourself or someone else. (2.) Never ask a stoner to help you do anything.

I still got love for ya, buddy. You've been a good friend. However, I don't wanna speak to you for a few days. :]

Update: It's now Saturday, and since I knew I wouldn't be going out when I got to Virginia (per my friends' request), I decided to sleep in. Let's have a look at the day after photo.

This is funny: When I moved to Alabama exactly ten years ago, on the weekend of February 20th, I got into a bar fight that Friday night (before I left Virginia). Although I landed a dynamic first punch, after the bouncers jumped in, the dudes' girlfriend was able to get her hand in and scratch my forehead up pretty good. :]

Battle wounds as I was leaving Virginia exactly ten years ago ... battle wounds as I return to Virginia exactly ten years later.

Perfect symmetry. :]

Deer Jim ... Wear Some Draws

2010-02-11T22:46:00Z

The title of this blog entry is a bit zany.

It highlights the deer stalking that has been rampant in my life of late, and uses the name "Jim" instead of the intended "Gym." It was intended to confuse your brain -- to peak your curiosity. It also corresponds with the "Dear Denise from Taco Bell" blog from several days ago.

I'm implementing a new science (that I just created) called "brain confusion." It's similar to the muscle confusion discussed in the P90X fitness program -- that I just started two days ago.

My brain-confusion formula is intended to target the areas of your brain that are already familiar with my "deer stalking" episodes and the "Dear Denise from Taco Bell" letter.

When your eyes recognize the word "deer," it fires off an electrical synapse in your brain causing you to be magnetically drawn to the blog; you feel the urge to investigate further.

When you see the name "Jim," your brain remembers the "Dear Denise" letter, and starts to wonder why on Earth I would be writing a letter to some guy named Jim -- asking him to wear some draws. You begin to wonder if the same level of comedic brilliance will be sewn into the "Dear (Deer) Jim" letter.

If you're new to the blog, and haven't read about my deer-stalking episodes, or haven't read the "Dear Denise from Taco Bell" letters, then this blog entry will only serve to peak your curiosity -- pushing you in that direction. :]

In summary, this advanced-level marketing genius was created to ensure more people actually clicked on the blog.

It worked. Here you are.

Dear Lord. Have a look at that deer that was recently stalking me in a rental cabin.

Let me get back to my letter.

Deer Jim (Dear Gym),

It was nice to see you today.

I started the P90X (at home) fitness program two days ago, and I was feeling like a creaky robot this morning when I woke up. Day 1 consisted of chest and back. Day 2 was all leg stuff. I wanted to see you today because I knew you had a jacuzzi and a steam room. Luckily, my pal let me use one of his guest passes. The jacuzzi and steam room really loosened up my muscles.

I must admit, I have a bit of resentment for my high school baseball coaches. They take the appropriate measures to ensure all high school pitchers don't do any damage to their arms. Yet our high school team had a policy stating that the catcher had to stand-up to throw the ball back to the pitcher -- after every pitch. Pitchers throw well over 100 pitches each game. That's a lot of unnecessary squatting and standing and squatting and standing.

Thou shalt not steal. :]

In my opinion, it was more of a "coaches' ego" thing than anything else. Same thing if you were hit by a pitch -- no matter how much it may have hurt, you were told to drop your bat, sprint to first base, and deal with the pain afterward.

This "stand-up to throw the ball back to the pitcher" policy is wreaking havoc on my knees, now that I'm getting older. On all my other teams, I was able to drop to my knees and just toss the ball back to the pitcher. High school coaches need to start considering the knees of their catchers, and quit implementing military-like ego-driven "stand-up after every pitch" policies.

Just sayin'.

But yeah, Gym, it seems as though I've run off course.

I need to talk about my experience with you today. No working-out took place; I was merely using you for your jacuzzi and steam room. Although, I did manage to destroy my competition 6 to 0 in tennis, even though my mobility was hampered due to the intensity of P90X.

I guess the real point of this letter is to talk about the locker room. Even when I was in high school, I never understood why guys felt comfortable running around buck-naked in the locker room. It's just never a pleasant sight.

And I hate to say this, but a certain part of me gets really annoyed when I'm ready to sit in the hot tub, and there's some naked dude sitting in there. I'm thinking to myselfs, Dude, have some respect and put on some boxer draws or a swim suit.

I take my swim trunks or my ultra-sleek Under Armour boxers, which repel water very well.

I'm just not really interested in seeing dudes' junk while minding my own business in the locker room -- or the jacuzzi. It's just a very strange "social norm." I think it may be time to evolve the policy.

Thanks for your time today, Gym.

Your pal,

Brandon

For the guys in locker rooms all across America: Put some draws on, man.

Is It Because I'm Ugly?

2010-02-08T05:31:00Z

Or maybe it's not me that you think is ugly. Maybe it's my dog Neo.

I would hate to think that Neo had anything to do with it. I think he's quite handsome for a canine.

Is it because you think I'm a douche bag?

I mean, that's such a disgusting visual. I've never seen an actual douche bag, but I can only imagine that it wouldn't be a pleasant sight.

Is it because you don't enjoy my writing style?

I know I can be quite zany at times. However, I believe I'm also highly capable of conveying great life wisdom -- full of compassion and spiritual truths.

Is it because you think I'm too gangsta?

Are you caught up on my sometimes thug-like appearance? Do you not believe I'm capable of projecting ideas that could significantly improve the quality of your inner being?

Is it because you think you're too busy?

Are you unable to disconnect from The Matrix long enough to absorb quality spiritual seeds?

Is it because I'm a honkey?

Do you have some sort of racial complex that is causing you to put up a block because of the color of my skin?

Is it because I currently live in the state of Alabama?

Do you have some sort of geographical complex that causes you to believe that people who live in the South are "backwards"?

Is it because you have a jealous boyfriend or husband?

Are you afraid he'll start asking questions regarding your decision to move forward with the order? "Where'd you get this crap?" he'll shriek.

Is it because the economy is slow?

Money is tight. So you're choosing to hang onto every extra penny.

Is it because you're waiting on me to give you a free copy?

I learned valuable lessons regarding giving away free books last time. I won't be doing that again.

Is it because you don't believe you'll be able to cultivate the same level of self-discipline that I write about?

In other words, you're afraid of failure. You see me as an advanced-level being who you'll never be able to model.

Is it because of my ego?

You confuse my dedication to self-discipline and conscious creation as "having a big head."

Is it because my momma dresses me funny?

Quite simply, you're saying that you weren't feelin' my Big Bird kicks.

Is it because I have no alibi for my U-G-L-Y?

Ah. So that's it. After all this time, it was because I'm ugly. I see. Way to destroy a dream and my self-confidence at the same time.

I'm disappointed that you would use such a superficial reason to prevent you from ordering my two new books.

You can clearly see Follow the White Rabbit and Your Truth Will Set You Free sitting patiently to the right. In fact, if you order them both at the same time, you'll even receive FREE shipping.

But no.

Not you.

Since I'm ugly and my momma dresses me funny, you won't take three minutes out of your busy day to order my books.

Transform Your Text-Message Device Into a Futuristic Audio Transmitter

2010-02-02T00:21:00Z

I have some exciting news about a powerful new technology that feels like it came from the future. Here's the great part: It's already here!

In 2010, many humans have text-messaging devices that they use for communication purposes. An example of a text message communication is listed below:

Brandon: What are you thinking about right now?

Natalia: OMG! I was just thinking about you when you texted me!

Brandon (in text response): I know. I remote-influenced your thought patterns, thereby causing you to think about me.

Natalia (in text response): What? I'm confused. What does that mean?

Brandon (in text reponse): Nevermind. So what were you thinking when you were thinking about me?

Natalia (in text response): I'm not telling!

You get the idea. The annoying back-and-forth texting can be quite tedious. Not to mention, it can be very dangerous. In fact, Oprah recently did a show about the dangers of texting and driving. You can sign up for the "No Phone Zone" pledge at Oprah.com.

Aside from the dangers of texting while driving, let's get back to the impracticality of the text message communication process. Wouldn't it be awesome if there was a way to eliminate all the back-and-forth texting? It's so time consuming. What if there was a way to actually press one button -- connect directly to the person you wanted to communicate with -- and hear each others' voices on your respective devices?

I have come bearing good news, ladies and gentlemen ...

There's a good chance your text-messaging device already has this futuristic technology!

Step 1: Open your text-messaging device.

Step 2: Become familiar with the number symbols on your device (0-9).

Step 3: Locate the name of one of the humans in your text-messaging device (they will also be assigned a 7-digit number).

Step 4: Either enter the 7-digit number or press the green phone symbol or "send" button (after you highlight their name).

Step 5: Position your text-messing device against the side of your head -- with the tiny holes adjacent to your ear.

Step 6: Notice the "ringing" sound. This is good. This means your futuristic voice-technology procedure has commenced.

Step 7: Wait for your friend's voice to appear in the tiny holes (against your ear) on your text-messaging device.

Step 8: Once you hear their voice, speak into the other tiny holes located near your mouth.

Step 9: Wait for your friend to confirm that they too, have heard your voice. They will usually respond with something like, "Hey!"

Step 10: Embrace your new life with this advanced-level futuristic audio technology!

Denise From Taco Bell Was Playing Me

2010-01-29T17:38:00Z

Today's not a good day.

In yesterday's blog, I shared with you my encounter with Denise from Taco Bell. I felt like she had given me an "inside deal" of a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito for just 89 cents.

If you didn't read yesterday's blog, click HERE. I poured out my heart in a love-letter. I thought we shared a special connection. However, it seems as though Denise was just playing me.

I think I'm gonna write a sad love song about it.

This morning, I received the following email from an ex-girlfriend -- along with some shocking video footage of Denise with another man.

Dear Brandon,

I read your love-letter to Denise from Taco Bell yesterday. I know you asked me to never contact you again. I'm only emailing you because I don't want you to get hurt. I know how badly you've been hurt by the girlfriends of your past. They lied, they cheated, they betrayed you -- and I'm no different.

However, now that I no longer have access to you, everything you tried to teach me about life is finally making sense. I finally understand that it's not okay to be a Pathological Pennzoil Diva. I finally understand that my desire to be adored by other men was just my way of masking my many insecurities. I'm finally beginning to understand the idea of "Consistent Contentment" that you talk about in Chapter 63 of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

I finally appreciate the caliber of man that you are.

It's for this reason that I feel compelled to share the following video with you. I think the content speaks for itself.

I'm sorry if this causes you pain. However, I know how much you value truth, so I know you'd rather know than continue to be betrayed by Denise.

Take care.

Wow.

I guess that video evidence explains it all, huh Denise?

Looks like you've been caught red-handed running your game on another man. The same lame game you ran on me.

When will the deception and betrayal from the female species end?

Why me, God? Why?

I just don't have any more words.

Dear Denise From Taco Bell

2010-01-28T16:22:00Z

Dear Denise From Taco Bell,

Hey.

I've been thinking a lot about you since yesterday. I told all my Facebook and Twitter friends about you.

I told them what you did. I hope you don't get mad.

When I first walked into Taco Bell, I thought we shared a special connection. You see, I'm a spiritually-advanced Alien-Human Hybrid, and I can sense the thoughts and feelings of other humans.

When our eyes first met, I could tell you were feelin' me. But when you said what you said, I knew you had a special place in your heart for me.

When you spoke -- it was like angels had descended upon my life experience.

"Welcome to Taco Bell," you chirped (like a beautiful robin on a spring morning in the month of May). "Would you like to try our new Beefy 5-Layer Burrito for just 89 cents?"

In my mind, I'm all like, "89 cents? Holy cow, Jesus, and the Easter Bunny! This chic is willing to risk losing her job in order to make me feel special -- by giving me an 'inside deal'."

That's sacrifice. That's commitment to your man. I see where you're going with this, Denise.

Wink wink.

And then I shot you down.

I just want you to understand, Denise, it wasn't about you. I had to turn down your 89 cent offer because I'm in the middle of a 90-day vegetarian challenge. I started the process of eliminating dead animal flesh from my diet back in September. You can read more about why I did that in THIS section of my website.

I hope you didn't get your feelings hurt. That's why I'm writing you this letter today.

In fact, a couple months ago, I wrote a love-letter to my "future-girlfriend," and posted it on my website. You see, I'm a Conscious Creator, and I choose to create my life-experience, by consciously implementing the power of my thoughts, words, and actions. Most humans are unconscious reactors, and they unconsciously create their life-experience. I talk about this concept in my two new books.

If you want to read my letter to my future-girlfriend, just click HERE. I think I may have found her in you, Denise.

I'm excited to see you again today. I'm trying to pick out my best outfit. I'm gonna surprise you at work -- to see if you remember me. Although, judging from that 89 cent "inside deal" you tried to give me yesterday, we both know I've been on your mind since that magical moment.

Wink wink.

I'm thinking of dressing up in my "thug wear" to see if you recognize me. I just want to make sure our connection is real.

If you read this before I come in today, you might want to consider ordering a copy of my new book Your Truth Will Set You Free. It's a really good read. I poured my heart into that book. Click HERE to order it.

Now I plan to pour my heart into our new relationship, Denise from Taco Bell.

I love you long time.

Wink wink.

Brandon.

Farewell Alabama

2010-01-26T19:52:00Z

Jeremiah 6:16 was a part of the message from Sunday's service at Church of the Highlands. It reads, "This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

As soon as I read that on our "notes page," I knew I'd be incorporating it into my next blog post.

I'm currently standing at that crossroads.

When I was working for the radio station, while in my 20's, I made responsible financial decisions. I resisted the urge to waste my money on expensive material things. I still shopped at Walmart and Marshall's, and I always purchased generic brand items.

Even though I had saved up enough money to purchase a new Mercedes Benz or BMW (with cash), I elected to purchase an efficient (nice-looking) used Volkswagen Jetta.

When I chose to purchase my motorcycle, I went with the less-expensive Suzuki Katana. It's about $4,000 less than the more popular GSX-R models. In my mind, it still served the same purpose, and it was a sharp looking bike.

However, I had an extra $4,000 in my bank account. And that was worth the few jokes that my biker buddies projected for buying the Katana. Plus, my bike is more girl-friendly -- it has more room for their curvaceous buttocks on the back. :]

True financial wealth isn't about the amount of money you have in the bank. True financial wealth is about how long you can sustain yourself without having any income.

When I left the radio station back in 2007, I had saved enough money to pay all my bills for at least two years.

And that's what I did.

I moved to Alabama in February of 2000, and my salary was $23,000 per year. In 2007, when I left the radio station, my salary was $38,000 per year. I did, however, earn more money doing appearances. My best year was 2006, in which, I earned a total of $91,000. That was my salary plus appearances.

The radio station received roughly $2,000 per (my) appearance. Three appearances per week equals $6,000. Multiply that times 52 weeks in a year (they were annual guaranteed contracts), and you get $312,000. Needless to say, my club appearances were generating significant revenue for the radio station -- and the sales reps.

I started thinking to myself, "Self, if your appearances are generating $6,000 per week, and you're only receiving $750 of that, who's getting the other $5,250 per week?"

Myself responded, "Hmm. Great question, Self. Maybe you should bring that up during your next contract negotiation. You should also mention the fact that they didn't keep their promise (from the negotiation two years earlier) to move you to Morning Show Host."

So that's what I did.

In my next negotiation, I asked for $83,000 per year. After all, in 2006, my club appearances alone generated roughly $312,000 for the radio station. And that was before I even cracked the mic to do my show. I thought my offer was more than fair.

Not to mention, just before my 2007 contract negotiation, my Thursday night appearance became available and a bidding war broke out between area clubs. I contacted the winning club manager, and he said they bid $3,500 each week for my new Thursday night appearance. Multiply that times 52 weeks in a year, and you get $182,000 for that one night.

I asked for $83,000 per year, they countered with a $40,000 offer. That was the typical 3% raise that everybody was offered.

Math has never been my strong point. I was always a verbal guy. However, even with my low mathematical IQ, I knew those numbers didn't add up.

Long story short, I stood up for what was fair, spoke my truth, and parted ways with the radio industry in a warrior-like fashion. We both had our positions. It was nothing personal -- just business.

I tried to leave on professional terms, but when they pulled a deceptive, cowardly tactic, I used the airwaves to disclose what happened. That was my final night on air.

My show was successful because it was so real. I always spoke my truth. That's how I went out.

However, because of my truth-telling disposition, I was blackballed from the radio industry. I'm too scary. Corporations have too many secrets, and guys like me make corporations uneasy.

Just look at my scary face.

With that being said, I just received notice in the mail that I'll have to vacate my house by March 1st, 2010. I haven't generated any substantial income since I left the world of radio -- two and a half years ago.

Back in June, I found a buyer for the house, submitted all my paperwork and we kept trying to get our short-sale approved. The buyer and my agent called the Chase Home Finance representative assigned to our case daily. They left voice-mail after voice-mail with no response. We requested a new agent; they said we'd get one within seven days.

It never happened.

After finally speaking with a representative who was empathic enough to take serious action, he emailed our representative's supervisor, and she finally sent me an email -- on December 3rd, 2009. She told me to resubmit everything again. We had already dealt with this runaround before. My buyer withdrew her offer back in November -- after living in her boss' basement for four months. I didn't blame her.

Keep in mind, all my paperwork (including a written offer from my buyer) was submitted on June 24th, 2009. I was ready to move back to Virginia then. I sat around waiting to hear back from Chase Home Finance. Apparently, a lot of Chase customers are dealing with the same lack of organization/incompetence. Click HERE for similar stories.

I'm just glad I finally have a resolution to the situation. Yes, my credit has been destroyed, but I have a back-up system in place. I talk about that in Chapter 48 of Your Truth Will Set You Free. Everybody's situation is different, and I'm satisfied with my decisions during this process. I did everything I was supposed to do from my end; Chase Home Finance simply dropped the ball on their end.

I'm done trying to do business with an organization that lacks competence. They can have the house. It's a beautiful house. Although, they could've already been done with it, had they returned our numerous phone calls and faxes.

I'm ready to start generating new income. My best chance to do that is in Virginia. Plus, my cost of living will decrease significantly.

One of my best friends from high school just got transferred to Richmond, and has already found a house that he wants me to rent with him. It becomes available on February 1st, and I told him we could look forward to a March 1st move-in date. One of our mutual friends owns a very successful company with several government contracts at Fort Lee, VA, and talks have begun for me to join their crew.

Since I've finished writing both books (minus the few typos I'm finding and will have to fix), I'm ready to start working again. I miss the feeling of waking up every morning with something to do.

When I was in the radio industry, I was secluded in a cave for ten years. By the time I went to work at night, everybody had left the building. It was a very isolating experience. Plus, it was hard trying to establish "working friendships" with people who saw you as a "celebrity." In fact, my favorite job to this day was changing tires at Sears and Sam's Club. I liked cracking jokes with the fellas and just being a "normal" guy.

I'm excited to return to that normalcy. I'd like to find a girlfriend and maybe move in together in about a year. And that's a big step, because I've never lived with a girlfriend before. :]

I'll keep slinging books on the side. I'm fully aware that all it will take is one touch of God's favor to create substantial revenue off my books. I'll follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in regards to what outlets I should send copies to. If I can just manage to sell 5,000 copies of each book, I'll be a very satisfied young man. In the past couple of years, I've been planting quality seeds, and I have a feeling it's my time to reap an abundant harvest.

The last time I tried to leave Alabama, I still had my house on the market, and I had a love-interest that kept my thoughts in Alabama. This time, I won't have either of those things on my mind.

I moved to Alabama at the age of 21, on February 20th, 2000. My first night on air was February 28th, 2000. Remember when I played Britney Spears' "You Drive Me Crazy" from 6 pm until 11 pm that night? We staged that, by the way. :]

It seems fitting to make my final move from Alabama on Saturday, February 20th, 2010.

Exactly ten years later.

What I'll miss most about Alabama is Church of the Highlands. I've really grown to love that place. I'll continue to attend Wednesday and Sunday services in the meantime. After my departure, I'll continue to watch online.

I'll also miss my pal Jenny and my BFF Grandpa Bill.

It's been a good run, Alabama. My time in Alabama is likely what led me to discover Christ. Being a part of the "Bible Belt" has served a very powerful purpose in my life -- all the lives I touch -- and will touch in the future. I'll take the Southern Hospitality and overall niceness projected by Alabamians with me on the rest of my journey.

You have served your purpose well, Alabama.

You're a great place. You have wonderful people. Your ways-of-being should be modeled all over the world.

And if I have anything to do with it -- they will be. :]

My Two New Books Are Now on Sale!

2010-01-22T15:36:00Z

It's now 012210. Happy Symmetry Day! Here's to living a balanced life.

You can now order my two new books by clicking HERE.

Pre-order My Books & 100% of the Profits Will Go to Haiti

2010-01-16T00:43:00Z

As many of you know, on November 13th, 2009, I posted Chapter 54 of one of my new books -- Your Truth Will Set You Free -- on my website. Each book contains 66 chapters. As I was writing each book, I followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit in regards to which chapters I wanted to post on my website -- so readers could sample the book for free. I've posted five sample chapters from each book on my website.

In Chapter 54 of Your Truth Will Set You Free, I wrote about being stalked by deer, and explained my vision regarding an impending earthquake with "devastating consequences." Below, you'll find a portion of the chapter:

Let’s talk about earthquakes. I don’t know why, but I was inspired to say the following (as I was convicted with the same sense of certainty I felt regarding my “there will be a deer up here”prediction) to the same girl who experienced the “deer up here”prediction: I told her, “I keep feeling like a huge earthquake is going to take place; one with devastating consequences.”

You can read the entire chapter by clicking HERE.

Unfortunately, for the people of Haiti, that vision has become their nightmarish reality. This is shaping up to be the most devastating earthquake in the history of mankind. However, tragic situations have the potential to bring out the best in humanity.

Chapter 47 of Follow the White Rabbit is titled "Demonstrate Compassion." In the chapter, I describe the story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parent, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

In other words, tragic situations give human beings the opportunity to demonstrate the attributes of God. Without tragedy, it would be difficult to cultivate empathy. Without empathy, it would be difficult to demonstrate compassion.

That's what we have the opportunity to do with the situation in Haiti -- cultivate empathy and demonstrate compassion.

Contrary to what Pat Robertson says, the Haitian people didn't "sin," or "make a pact with the devil." The earthquake was simply a natural release of planetary tension.

As with all situations, it's our job as human beings to choose the proper perspective, and demonstrate the attributes of God.

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

It's time for us to demonstrate the attributes of Christ. We all can contribute somehow. You know what's right for you.

If you were planning on buying copies of my new books, you know they will both be released on January 22nd, 2010. That's one week from today. However, if you choose to pre-order your copies before that date, I'll donate 100% of the profits to Haiti earthquake relief.

Follow the White Rabbit is $15.66.

Your Truth Will Set You Free is $19.66.

Total for both is $35.32.

Please send an email to brandon@brandonmerhout.com and I'll give you the appropriate information. If you'd like a personalized message inscribed in either book, please include that in your email.

If you were planning on purchasing my books anyways, that's great. Now everybody wins.

1.) The Haitian people will benefit from the financial contribution.
2.) You win -- by knowing your money is going to a good cause and you still get my books.
3.) I win -- by practicing Chapter 46 "Cultivate Empathy" and Chapter 47 "Demonstrate Compassion."

This pre-order challenge -- with 100% donation to Haitian earthquake relief -- is available until 12:01 am CST January 22nd, 2010.

I'll pay for the shipping -- United States addresses only.

Never Trust A Corporation

2010-01-13T14:37:00Z

After watching the drama unfold in the NBC late-night situation, I'm reminded of uncomfortable personal experiences with broadcast companies not following through on their promises.

For the record, I'm on Team Conan. Conan O'Brien waited patiently in the background for five years, with the understanding that he would inherit The Tonight Show when Jay Leno retired. Jay Leno -- who's proving himself to be a diva -- changed his mind about retiring. That's when NBC decided to create an earlier time slot for Jay, thinking that his popularity would produce ratings in that time slot.

The ratings never came.

Now, NBC is trying to "fix" things by returning Jay to his old time slot. In the process, they want to bump Conan back to 12:05 am. Conan has refused their offer, saying, "It makes no sense to start The Tonight Show at 12:05 am." It defeats the purpose of even calling it The "Tonight" Show.

In other words, NBC has proven itself to be a broadcasting company that doesn't keep its word. This is the case for a lot of corporations in America. They tell you anything you want to hear when they're trying to get you to sign on the dotted line, and then a few months or years down the road, they don't honor their commitments.

And they seem to get away with it.

I remember my contract negotiation back in 2005. I had just been offered the night-show position in the huge radio market of Minneapolis. It was with a different company. They flew me to Minneapolis, put me in the penthouse in the middle of downtown, took me out to lunch and dinner -- the works.

However, during the negotiation process, my Birmingham bosses promised to move me to Morning Show Host within 6 months to a year -- if I agreed to stay with them. My boss even had respected programmers within our company email me to try to influence me to not take the Minneapolis gig.

Long story short, I agreed to stay in Birmingham.

They never kept their word to promote me to Morning Show Host within 6 months to a year. In fact, they never promoted me to Morning Show Host.

Fast forward two years. In 2007, when my contract negotiations came up again, I was being given the same "tell us what you want" type of treatment. In the back of my mind, I still remembered the broken promises from two years prior. Long story short, the negotiation process became ugly -- and I haven't touched a microphone since.

You can read about all the behind the scenes details in my new book Your Truth Will Set You Free. Click HERE to learn more.

I've reached out to both supervisors who were involved in the 2005 contract negotiation -- the one that promised to move me to Morning Show Host between 6 months to a year. I wanted to check their accountability on the matter. They seem to have forgotten about their promise. And I trusted these two guys. I had built a solid relationship with one in particular -- considered him a good friend -- which is difficult for me to do. I don't let too many people get close to me.

He asked me to write a recommendation letter to help him land a promotion in Florida. He got the job. He ended up being a huge disappointment. After he left, he forgot all about his 2005 promises. He was just playing the corporate game. Our "friendship" was all a facade. I should've known better than to trust a guy who said his favorite holiday was April Fool's Day.

I've also reached out to my supervisors from the 2007 negotiation (different guys), in an effort to ease the tension that was created during the 2007 negotiation. They both chose to not respond to my peace-offering.

However, I gained valuable wisdom in the process: Never trust what the talking heads of a corporation tell you. They'll paint the prettiest pictures -- in an effort to achieve their agenda. When it comes time to honor those commitments, they'll have sudden cases of amnesia. They won't honor their agreements. They're not your friends -- even if they appear to be. They're only interested in their own selfish agendas.

Just ask Conan O'Brien.

Now that Conan is going to be out of a job -- for standing up for what's right -- he's going to have a lot of free time on his hands. I'm going to mail him a copy of my new book. I'm confident he'll consider it a great read. Maybe he'll share it with a few folks. And maybe we can start a conversation about holding corporations to higher ethical standards.

Let It Go

2010-01-11T22:30:00Z

It's a brand new year; that means everyone is pumped up about their new goals. This is the year I finally _____!

As you move forward with the "new you," it's important to let go of the "old you." I cover this concept in Chapter 14 of Your Truth Will Set You Free. That chapter is called "Who Goes Where," and invites the reader to create a "Past" and "Present" box. You'll learn more when you read the book.

Speaking of books, Follow The White Rabbit is now available to purchase. Simply click HERE. Due to the recent bad weather, the proof copy of my book took longer than expected to arrive. I had been promoting the fact that I was going to release the book today, on 011110. Then I was inspired to release it at 2:34:56 pm, to stay aligned with my weird number references. Plus, I had to wait until noon to see if the mail lady was going to arrive with my proof copy.

Lucky me; she did!

Although, I feel compelled to change the cover. It's not symmetrical enough. I feel like the rabbit takes up too much of the front cover. I think I'm going to make the rabbit image smaller, like the one on Your Truth Will Set You Free.

I'm weird. I'm a perfectionist. I'm sorry.

So, you can buy the original cover now if you'd like. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. Your Truth Will Set You Free is the most important book to read. That will be ready on January 22nd. Maybe I'll revise the Rabbit cover when Truth goes on sale.

Anyways, let's keep it moving with the "new you." In order to step into the "new you," you need to make sure you "wash off" the "old you." I had the opportunity to do that today.

Last week, The United Veterans Association distributed flyers and bags for old clothing, appliances, kitchenware, etc. I always love when these guys come through (usually twice a year), because it forces me to eliminate all the things from last season. I talk about the "seasons of life" in Chapter 14 of Follow The White Rabbit.

I've become pretty merciless when it comes to eliminating old stuff. Whereas, I used to hang on to things much longer, now I'm eager to let it go -- even if there's a chance I may need it again.

For example, I had a 35 inch TV that was sitting in my closet. I was gifted with a new TV last February, so I wasn't getting any use out of the old TV. Although, my Facebook friends know that I just scratched the screen of my new TV when I decided to chop 2x2's in my living room for firewood. One of the pieces flew into my new TV screen, creating a pretty good scratch.

Now I've learned the importance of chopping wood outside.

Speaking of firewood, if you don't want to chop firewood in your living room (like me) and scratch up the screen on your new television (like me), then click HERE.

Back to the "new you" post.

When you're creating the "new you," it's important to eliminate all the "old you" attachments. Get rid of all the clutter in your life -- it opens up the energy stream to create new clutter. :]

I did that this morning with old clothes, old kitchenware, and my old television. After I bagged up the clothes I wanted to get rid of, I pushed myself even further -- choosing to go "another round" -- and ended up grabbing about 7 other shirts to give away.

Check out the cool guy in the TV screen taking a picture. :]

I still wear a lot of those clothing items, but I know the likelihood of me wearing them in the future is only about 10%. Plus, I know some less-fortunate Veteran could put the items to good use. Especially the TV.

I just hope the guys in the truck don't take it for themselves. But even if they do, I'm sure they'll put it to good use. I've planted my good karma seed. Through their actions, they'll plant their own (good or bad).

It was a tough decision to give away a perfectly good TV, right after I scratched up my other TV, but it just felt like the right thing to do. Sometimes you can't explain these things -- you just feel inspired to do it.

You see, I'm a firm believer in Matthew 6:33, which is my all-time favorite Scripture: "Seek first the kingdom of God and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you."

In other words, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and all the "things" you "need" in life will be taken care of. Somehow. Some way. :]

Please report directly to your closet. You know you have clothing that you don't need. Especially you ladies. Don't think about -- just fold it and place it in the bag. Help someone less-fortunate, while freeing up space for new things to come into your experience.

Lao-Tzu said:

Manifest plainness,
Embrace simplicity,
Reduce selfishness,
Have few desires.

Have the courage to just "let it go." When you open your hands (by letting things go), you put yourself in the position to receive more. A closed fist (that hangs on to yesterday) can't grasp onto anything new (that might arrive today).

This principle applies to your friendships and relationships as well.

My Self Talks to Myself

2010-01-02T07:41:00Z

Hey there. It's currently 1:42 am. I don't think I've ever written a blog at this time before. Most of my blog entries take place in the morning, not long after I wake up.

I've been laying in my living room floor in front of the fireplace for the past few hours. Ever since I did my 30-day experiment without Internet, television, and radio -- I feel sudden impulses to just shut down all the noise.

I had one of those impulses tonight.

I don't understand what triggers it, but it's almost like my Alien Creators beam down a signal that triggers my brain to tell my fingers to hit the "OFF" button on the television. And without even thinking about it, I just press "OFF."

And then I'm whisked away to a calm, quiet place. It's like my soul overrides my brain, in order to force it into an "Oh yeah, this is what life is supposed to be like" experience.

As I was laying there in my place of perfect stillness and awe (regarding the magic of fire), I started thinking about you. You, the dedicated blog reader. And then I began thinking about my last blog entry -- the one about Santa being bad for your kids. And then I thought to Myself, "Self, that blog is so last year."

And then Myself responded, "Ha ha. Real funny, Self. I get it. You're trying to imply that the Santa blog was "so last year," in the hip sense -- very much like humans do when they use the expression in regards to clothing trends. And at the same time, you wanted to project the idea in a literal sense, as if to say, that Santa blog was so last year -- as in 2009."

Self fired back, "Whoa! That was mad crazy, Myself! It's like you were reading my mind or something! That was the intention of the joke. I was hoping to hit the reader on two different levels. You're pretty amazing, Myself!"

The only way I was gonna get out of that Self vs. Myself dialogue was to insert a photo. I could sit here and talk to myself for hours. I find myself to be highly entertaining.

So yeah, there's a pic of me and my pal Cowboy on New Year's Eve. In the pic to the right, you can see me and my BFF Grandpa Bill. You can enjoy 30 New Year's Eve pics by clicking HERE. You might even see some people you know. I ran around getting folks to pose with my book.

You see, I go down into the pits of hell (bars and clubs) and appeal to a person's ego. Everybody likes having their picture taken. So I walk up to a group and ask, "Would you mind taking a picture with my new book?"

"Sure!" they respond.

Then I tell them thanks, hand them a card, and tell them to look for their photo on my website. Shout out to #97 Lorenzo Washington of the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide -- who's pictured in the photo to the right.

When they come to the website looking for their picture from the night before, they're hit with all the inspirational wisdom contained in the website.

They never see it coming.

And then I'm able to wake 'em up. Help 'em understand that life isn't all about going to the club, getting hammered, and hooking up. All those things are artificial substitutes -- temporary soul-fillers. Those thrills never last.

If you read my New Year's Eve Sobriety Challenge, then you know I was planning on choosing a sober mindset to bring in 2010. I've been a social drinker for the past decade, and it blew my mind when I thought about it: I hadn't been sober on New Year's Eve in like ten years!

I honored my commitment. I had a blast.

Have you ever tried drinking a cup of coffee before you go to a club? Talk about feeling good! For the past several weeks when I go out, I always have a cup of coffee on the way. You feel much better than you do when you're hammered. Try it.

So anyways, I was laying in front of the fireplace tonight, and I realized I had to write a blog. I knew that if I didn't do it right now, while I'm in the mood, then I wouldn't do it tomorrow. I've been so immersed in trying to get these two books finished, that I don't have time to do any "leisure" writing.

I finally finished the final draft of Follow The White Rabbit today. Now that it's finished I have to go back through Your Truth Will Set You Free and revise that book! I'm so tired of writing.

So that's just a quick update. Whenever I get these books totally finished, I'll start blogging on a more regular basis. You just have no idea the amount of work I've put into these two projects. I appreciate your empathic and compassionate nature. :]

If you'd like to read any of the sample chapters of my two new books, just click HERE and scroll over THE NEW BOOKS button.

Thanks for your time today. I'm currently telepathically projecting a dose of additional inner strength into your awareness. Use this free dose to aid you in your completion of your New Year's Resolutions!

I love you long time.

Santa Claus Is Bad For Your Kids

2009-12-18T15:47:00Z

I've been meaning to write this article for a week now, but I've been so bogged down with book stuff. I finished designing the cover for Your Truth Will Set You Free, now I'm just waiting on my proof copy to arrive.

I'm also in the process of finishing my other new book Follow The White Rabbit. I've been in such a robotic zone lately; it's like I can't stop working.

Since it's December 18th right now, I still have exactly one week to save Christmas. How do I plan to save Christmas?

I gotta get rid of the Great Deception -- Santa Claus -- and all his little stalking deer.

I understand I'm at a disadvantage, because I don't have any kids of my own to lie to, but I'm confident that when the time comes, I'm not going to teach my children to believe in Santa Claus.

The deception known as Santa Claus has hijacked the holiday that celebrates the birth of the Christ figure, Jesus. Jesus represents the truth.

Rearrange the letters in SANTA and you get SATAN. Yes folks, SATAN CLAWS his way into your Christian experience. Satan causes you to commit the ultimate sin against your children: You lie to them.

Instead of building a solid relationship with your kids, by allowing them to understand that it was mommy and daddy's hard work and love that is responsible for all their wonderful gifts, you let SATAN (the energy of deception) steal all the credit.

On those first few magical Christmases, when you're building the foundation of the relationship with your children, you make yourself out to be some "secondary figure" who doesn't love their kids as much as Santa Claus does.

Whether you choose to accept this or not is irrelevant -- these ideas are stored in your child's subconscious mind.

They may have thoughts like: I wish mommy and daddy loved me as much as Santa Claus does.

So, instead of celebrating the holiday for its intended purpose -- the birth of the Christ (truth) figure -- you allow the subtle tricks of the great deceiver (Satan) to infiltrate your family's foundation.

"Oh, it's harmless," you say. "Everyone else does it."

Have you seen how today's generation of kids are developing? Wouldn't it be wise to "program" them with a little more Jesus this holiday season? Or do you prefer to allow television "programs" to "program" your kids?

Don't get caught up in the "churchy" view of Jesus. Jesus was a man's man. He had enough swagger to get 12 "bad boys" to follow him everywhere he went. He presence was powerful enough to have those men call him Master.

He was a warrior. He brought words of truth to a lost world.

He was man enough to continue speaking his truth -- even in the face of torture and death.

Are you man enough to do that?

That's what this holiday is about.

When your child grows up and uncovers the truth about the Santa Claus deception, what has he learned?

He's learned this: It's okay to tell lies in certain situations because mom and dad lied to me about Santa Claus.

Sounds pretty harmless. But Santa Claus is probably the biggest element in a child's life. How disappointing to finally realize that your entire life (up until that point) has been a lie. A lie that mom and dad supported.

Sure the initial sting of the "Santa Claus is a Lie" revelation will hurt for a couple of minutes, but isn't building a solid (truthful) relationship with your children worth it?

Why not replace the Satan Claws lie with the story of the real purpose of the holiday? Why not share the truth in the life-philosophies ascribed to Jesus?

Why not get full credit for all the wonderful gifts you give your child? Don't you think this will serve to strengthen your relationship?

Instead of sitting in their room mesmerized with their new toys -- praising Santa -- they'll be filled with love and appreciation for you. They'll also be more likely to study the wisdom of Jesus when they're older. This will serve the world. Ideas like love, compassion, and forgiveness are good ideas to inject into this deceptive and selfish planet.

Be brave. Be a revolutionary parent.

You still have time to do this for this Christmas. Take your children to church this Sunday. If you're in Alabama, I recommend Church of the Highlands. Click HERE for info and service times.

Afterward, prepare a nice dinner at home. Sit down with the family and explain the truth about Christmas. Expose the lie of Satan Claws -- and teach your kids that it's not okay to lie "in certain situations."

Then prepare to bask in increased levels of your child's love and appreciation on Christmas morning.

My New Year's Eve Sobriety Challenge

2009-12-11T19:14:00Z

On September 15th, I started a 30-day fast of Internet, television, radio, meat, and alcohol. At the end of the fast, I noticed that I didn't have the urge to drink alcohol.

So I started another 30-day challenge. This too, included the elimination of alcohol. I started going out on the weekends; I just didn't drink any alcohol. It was an invigorating experience! It was a completely new experience. I soon discovered how economically intelligent (cheap) it was!

It was also an empowering experience. You're able to go to the club (or bar) and watch how foolishly people act. You're reminded of the times when you were "one of those people."

My most recent "no alcohol" challenge ended on November 22nd. I had just finished writing my book, so an old friend offered to buy a bottle of wine to celebrate. It was the first time I drank alcohol since September 15th.

I no longer have a desire for alcohol.

As I explain in my new book, in Chapter 9 "The Power of Sobriety," before the fast, I don't think I had gone 30 days without some sort of alcohol since I turned 21. Once you start going out, drinking just becomes a social habit. You actually forget that you can go to a bar and not drink, if you choose.

When you abstain from alcohol, you don't have to worry about getting pulled over or hurting anyone. You don't have to worry about making stupid decisions that you'll end up regretting. Think about it: Most stupid decisions start with alcohol.

Being sober while in the club is an empowering experience. Maybe you should try it out this weekend. It'll return you to a forgotten place of innocence -- before you became "caught in the Matrix." Before you accepted the program known as: "If you go out, you must drink alcohol."

I bring this up, because I've decided to be sober on New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve is the night the nearly everybody "goes all out." Most people drink alcohol. A lot of people do drugs. Some do both.

Think about that: You're beginning your "new year" under the influence. You're giving away your creative power to a substance. You're decreasing your ability to function properly.

Is that really how you want to start your new year?

Most humans have high hopes for positive change each new year. They commit to "New Year's Resolutions." So why does it make sense to get hammered the night before you kick off the "new you"?

It doesn't.

That's why I'm challenging you to try something different this year: Commit to sobriety this New Year's Eve.

No alcohol. No drugs. Just an appreciation for life -- an appreciation for self-mastery.

I probably haven't been sober on New Year's Eve in a decade. How about you?

Think of how empowered you'll feel: While everyone else will have trouble remembering the events of the night before, you'll wake up feeling energized. No hangovers. No headaches.

You'll already begin your new year with a sense of accomplishment. You achieved something a majority of the American population did not: You demonstrated self-discipline powerful enough to resist the temptation to be a follower.

You chose to set a powerful example. You chose to be a leader. You chose to be the responsible designated driver.

Will you join me? Will you commit to bringing in the new year with a powerful, sober mindset?

If you choose to accept (and complete) your mission, the rush of motivational energy you feel will propel you into your new year (and the new you) like nothing else.

You'll just have to trust me. I can already sense its effect on your life. :]

When Women Attack Men

2009-12-02T13:28:00Z

I just posted the following on my Facebook wall:

Top of the morning, Facebook Fam! Please share your thoughts on the Tiger Woods situation: What do YOU think happened? Should his wife be charged? Should he lose endorsement deals?

Here's what has transpired so far:

Lindsey: Y should "we" care? Its none of " our" business...it all sounds like a personal problem to me to which we should not truly have an opinion! He is human just as we are..we don't ask for his opinion when drama enters our life...who are "we" to judge...what does that say about "us"?

Brandon: When "we" are bombarded with advertisements from Tiger's endorsements (based on his image), it becomes our business. Especially when a crime (domestic abuse on a man) seems to have been committed. His decision to lie about what happened destroys his credibility, and sends the wrong message. It was "our" business when Rihanna went back to Chris Brown. This is no different.

Lindsey: That's where I disagree...these people are no different than us..and if this is truly a domestic violence issue we with any morals should be more worried about their children and not his endorsements..his personal life nor Rhianna's influences my life so much so that it would make me change my mind about buying or not buying & watch or not watching things they endorse...Truthfully think of how many people lie daily celebrity or not about their personal lives and we don't know about it and we still use their products or watch their shows...we have no right to judge we are all sinners!

Brandon: I understand they're "no different than us." I wrote a blog entitled"Fame Sucks," in which I say the paparazzi should leave stars alone when they're with their families. However, when a person influences society to purchase things based on his image of integrity, then lies to cover up a crime, it becomes a societal problem. Are you endorsing domestic abuse on men? PS. When you say things like "we have no right to judge, we are all sinners," that's an incredibly judgmental (and arrogant) thing to say. You don't know everybody.

Lindsey: No maybe its more of a negative outlook on life where I don't believe in the fact that there is perfection other than God himself..I find it hard to swallow that even the ones in the world that strive and live for the pure in life don't make mistakes that may be viewed as sins in his eyes...

Brandon: Well, I appreciate YOUR truth. However, it's important to remember that not everybody sees the world with your perspective. Which is why my new book, Your Truth Will Set You Free, will be perfect for you! It teaches how to embrace YOUR truth, without disregarding (or judging) the truths of others. :] Available January 2010.

(End of Facebook Commentary)

What an intro! Such wonderful foreplay to the message of today's blog. I'm glad Lindsey and I could get you in the mood. :]

I'd like to talk about domestic abuse double-standards. I actually just got done writing about this issue in one of the chapters of my new book. A couple weeks later, we have the Tiger Woods situation, which lets me know this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

The work of a prophet is never done.

We all remember the image of Rihanna's battered face. I wonder if Tiger Woods's face looks anything like this?

Some reports indicate that Tiger's facial lacerations weren't consistent with something that could've been caused by the crash. So how did his face get all beat up?

I'm sure you've heard the most accepted story:

Two days prior, The National Enquirer published a story about Tiger's alleged affair. On Thanksgiving night, Tiger's wife went ballistic and attacked him. As a man in America, Tiger had no "acceptable" way to protect himself, so he did what any man in America is supposed to do: He ran.

As he tried to separate himself from his attacker (his wife), she followed him with a golf club (deadly weapon) in her hand. As Tiger tried to escape his attacker, she smashed out both rear windows with the golf club. (Click HERE for pics.)

On three separate occasions, Tiger canceled interviews with the Florida Highway Patrol. (They smelled something fishy and wanted to conduct an interview.)

After canceling the interviews, the Florida Highway Patrol release a statement saying the "case has been closed." They issue Tiger a $164 ticket and call it a day.

I wonder if a substantial "anonymous" donation to the Florida Highway Patrol was recently received.

Tiger just released a statement confirming the suspicions of the affair.

If only Tiger had read Chapter 33 "Lust" of my new book. He would've avoided the destruction caused by a single "spark." Click HERE to read the chapter for free.

Here's where I have issue with the possible cover-up: As mentioned above, if Tiger makes millions of dollars projecting an image of integrity, yet is complicit in covering up a serious crime (attack with a deadly weapon), then he's no longer a person of integrity who can be trusted to endorse products.

In addition, he's sending the wrong message, which is: Domestic abuse on men is acceptable.

"I'm Tiger Woods, and I endorse women who physically abuse men."

"I'm Tiger Woods, and I think cheating on my wife is justification for her to bash out my windows with a golf club."

"I'm Tiger Woods, and it's okay to lie in order to protect your image -- and your endorsements."

Tiger ... Tiger ... Tiger.

But this is how America sees this issue. It's always been okay for women to attack men. We allow it on television talk shows or reality television. When a woman attacks a man ... the audience goes wild!

All he can do is stand there and accept the abuse. Stand there and get beat up. Any attempt to defend himself or subdue his attacker is seen in a negative light.

At what point is it acceptable for a man to protect himself? When the woman picks up the golf club or after she bashes his skull with it?

Women are fully aware of the "Never Hit a Woman Rule," and they use this to their advantage. In moments of emotionally-charged arguments, women know they can lash out in whatever measure they see fit ... and the man will have to do his best to defend the attack without throwing any blows of his own.

At least when a man is being attacked by another man, he has a fighting chance. When a man is being attacked by a woman, all he can do is stand there and get his ass kicked.

The time has come for women to realize that they have no right to physically assault a man. If Tiger's wife attacked him that night (forcing him to flee for his safety), and then tried to bash out his windows with a golf club (deadly weapon), she should have to deal with consequences of her actions.

Tiger's decision to cover-up (lie about) the possible crimes committed that night is no different than Rihanna's decision to get back with Chris Brown.

Minor relationship scuffles are one thing; we've all likely been in those situations. I know I have. (I talk about this in Chapter 60 "Other Things I'm Not Proud Of" in my new book.) But major issues like the Rihanna and Tiger Woods situation are something we have to look at from a serious perspective.

Rihanna's decision to leave Chris Brown said: "Domestic abuse against women is unacceptable."

Tiger's decision to cover-up the alleged abuse from his wife says: "Domestic abuse against men is okay."

The time for addressing the domestic abuse double-standard is here. Being attacked by a woman is just as dangerous (and painful) as being attacked by a man.

My Thanksgiving Letter to Charlie Brown

2009-11-25T17:03:00Z

Dear Charlie Brown,

Hey old pal. I know you're not real and all, but when you're schizophrenic like I am, you're used to communicating with people (and voices) that aren't real.

I remember watching your Thanksgiving special, Charlie Brown. I can't believe that no-good Lucy had the lack of decency to pull that football away on a national holiday. Now that I think about it, she shows all the warning signs of becoming a PPD.

How sneaky.

Don't worry, Charlie Brown. I've been chosen to lead the PPD-PD, so we'll be able to put a stop to the deceptive and malicious actions of PPDs like Lucy.

So anyway, Charlie Brown ... I was writing you a letter because it's Thanksgiving Eve and I don't have anyone else to talk to. Well, nobody except my dog, Neo.

I can see why you and Snoopy were so tight.

I saw the crowd you ran around with, Charlie Brown. It seemed like they were always bringing some type of trouble, disappointment, or frustration into your life experience.

Charlie Brown, it's tempting to sacrifice your own standards — just to have someone to hang out with. You want to "fit in" or "have something to do," so you'll allow others to take advantage of your niceness.

You'll spend your Thanksgiving with that no-good PPD Lucy — only to be a victim (yet again) of one of her sneaky schemes. You'll hang out with Pigpen — who refuses to clean his act up. You'll even hang out with Linus — who sucks on his thumb, carries a blanket, and refuses to grow up.

Let's not forget about the stalker-like obsession Peppermint Patty projects onto your life-experience — with her unsolicited invites, harassing phone calls, and bi-polar mood swings.

Why did you do this for so many years, Charlie Brown?

It's because you didn't respect yourself, Charlie Brown. You lowered your personal standards in order to "not be lonely."

Dr. Wayne Dyer said, "You're always alone, but you're only lonely if you don't like the person you're alone with."

With the holiday season upon us, Charlie Brown, you're going to be put into tempting situations. Those "caught in the Matrix," or worldly patterns, are already beginning to alter their lives in order to "fit in."

They know they're "supposed" to do this and they're "supposed" to do that. They're "supposed" to go here and they're "supposed" to go there. They're blindly following the "supposed to" patterns ... because they've never considered doing anything "outside-the-box."

They're afraid to follow their true bliss.

Charlie Brown, if hanging out with Snoopy (the one being who has never let you down) is your holiday "bliss," then do that!

Although I've received Thanksgiving invites from several well-intentioned humans, when it comes to "playing nice" for three hours in a room full of strangers or spending the holiday with my dog — I choose my dog!

I feel the same way about driving ten hours to eat dinner with my family, just because I'm "supposed to." We can eat dinner together the next time I'm in town. There's no need to make a big deal about the fourth Thursday in November, just because "everyone else is doing it."

Charlie Brown, I guess the point of this post is to help you realize the following:

The ability to feel ecstatic joy and gratitude already exists within you — right here, right now.

You don't have to follow the patterns of the world in order to experience a "Thanksgiving." In fact, you can experience Thanksgiving every single day — if you choose.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Charlie Brown! You deserve it!

Your BOP,

Brandon

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR TODAY:

Neo — my super-smart dog
coffee
hot water for showers and baths
Jenny, Jef, and Grandpa Bill — my three most loyal and thoughtful friends
finishing my second book
my beautiful home and fireplace
my dysfunctional family
My Facebook and Twitter Fam :]
the ability to eat food whenever I'm hungry
my web visitors
turkey gravy is great for bread-dipping all year round
salt and pepper
my homemade ranch dressing
my car and motorcycle
cultivating my ability to express myself through writing
the ability to inspire others
Church of the Highlands (and their free coffee) :]
cultivating intuition and empathy
wisdom, grace, and forgiveness
the strength to forgive others — over and over again
the wisdom to understand that forgiveness and proximity are two different things.

Pathological Pennzoil Divas (PPDs)

2009-11-22T21:32:00Z

I've always been the guy who wanted the "hottest girl in the room." Having a "trophy girlfriend" aligned with my Leo personality. As the "king of the jungle," it was always important to have the girl that all the other guys wanted.

Unfortunately, when you have the girl that all the other guys want, you have to deal with the liabilities that come from being the center of attention.

Some of these liabilities include:

1.) Dealing with the disrespectful words and actions of drunk guys hitting on your girl.

2.) Dealing with the diva-like ego of your girlfriend (due to the constant attention from the opposite sex).

3.) Dealing with your girlfriend's inability to resist the temptation to cheat -- due to her addiction to attention. This also creates tension between you and the guy(s) you suspect her of cheating with. Body language never lies.

4.) Dealing with your girlfriend's (or wife's) decision to hire someone to kill you (to maintain her selfish lifestyle at your expense).

Enter Dalia Dippolito.

Dalia has been in the news lately, in regards to her decision to unknowingly hire an undercover cop to murder her husband. Of course, Dalia denies her role in the murder plot. Most PPD's would do the same thing.

Listen to the phone call (from jail) Dalia made to her husband -- still trying to convince him that the video (and audio) surveillance was "not true."

Can a person be more delusional that that?

She even tries to make her husband feel guilty for "not wanting to help help her." The poor guy is so blinded by love -- that it almost seems like he wants to help her!

Dude! She tried to have you murdered!

As I talk about in my new book, "Forgiveness and proximity are two different things." Just because Michael Dippolito may decide to forgive his wife for trying to have him killed -- it doesn't mean it's in his best interest to help her get back onto the streets.

It's one thing to be empathic and understand why a person might have a mental illness (selfishly delusional) that causes them to act in horrible ways; it's another thing to feed that mental illness by making them believe there are no consequences to their actions.

As Neale Donald Walsch says, in his book Conversations With God: "For even the abuser is abused when his [or her] abuse is allowed to continue."

She's a threat to his safety; she's a threat to society.

I'm sure you've seen the undercover video. If not just Google Dalia Dippolito or watch one of THESE videos.

You've never heard of the term PPD before? Of course you haven't. It's a term I invented.

PPD stands for Pathological Pennzoil Diva.

I created this term after dealing with the pathological tendencies of an ex-girlfriend.

Dictionary.com defines pathological as: Of, relating to, or manifesting behavior that is habitual, maladaptive, and compulsive: a pathological liar.

Over the course of a few years, I dealt with countless episodes of pathological behavior -- regarding deception. After being caught red-handed (with indisputable evidence), the PPD would finally fess up, saying, "You were right. I lied. I was being selfish." And that was just on the cases with undeniable proof. She would always maintain her story (lie) until undeniable proof manifested.

There were countless other cases involving "suspicious activity" without undeniable proof. History proved that she would maintain her story (lie) in those situations as well.

In most of these situations, I would choose to terminate the relationship. After a period of a couple months, I would re-establish communication -- with the hope that the PPD had "learned her lesson." In every case, she always claimed that she had, and "this time would be different."

Over the course of a few years (on-again off-again), I had to face the cold, hard truth: A person who is pathological about certain behavior patterns are likely to remain pathological -- no matter how much damage they do to their lives (or the lives of others). In her case, she was addicted to lying. Even after countless episodes of her saying: "I was wrong. I know I have to stop doing this because it's destroying our relationship [and my life]," the PPD would fall back into the same pathological patterns.

Some of the deception affected my life in a major way. I talk about this in my book, in Chapter 64 "The Adoption."

Most of my other relationships involved PPDs, as well. I'm a PPD attraction expert. In my new book, I discuss some of the other effects of choosing to associate with PPDs -- in Chapter 32 "Man-Rape."

Seeing the deluded mindset of Dalia Dippolito inspired me to speak up on this issue. I mean, here is a woman whose entire conversation is recorded on video -- and she's such a PPD that she maintains her story.

I'm just concerned about the mental well-being (or lack thereof) of women who deserve the classification of PPDs. They're used to using their beauty (or breasts) to get their way. They become addicted to the pathological patterns that they implore to manipulate the world.

How did Michael and Dalia meet? "She's actually an escort," said Michael, in an interview with police. "That's how I met her. She came to my office one day. I called her and solicited her to the office and she came."

"After that one time," he said, "we started dating."

I guess you get what you pay for.

My experience has also shown that breast implants tend to increase the likelihood of mental illness.

Either the mental illness is present beforehand (and the breast implants are a means of trying to deal with those issues) or the mental illness shows up (or increases) after the breast augmentation is completed. This is usually aligned with all the new attention that "new breasts" can warrant. This instant gratification of new attention can be difficult to process. Nice girls can easily become divas.

Have a look at THIS article, which highlights the correlation between breast augmentation, suicide, and mental illness.

Pathological Divas (like Dalia) tend to behave in sneaky ways. That's why the term "Pennzoil" is included. Pennzoil = Slick. Slick like oil.

Of course, most PPDs will dispute their classification as a Pathological Pennzoil Diva -- but that's to be expected. That's exactly what a pathological liar would do. Just continue to deny, deny, deny. Reinforce the lie. Protect yourself (and your own selfish interests) no matter the cost.

This article is being written to help you notice the warning signs. If you (or someone you love) are under the influence of a PPD -- get out before it's too late.

PPDs are very good at manipulation. They've mastered the art of appearing to be the "good girl." However, once their masks of deception are peeled off -- they're anything but good. They're selfish to the core.

Remember: Pathological Pennzoil Divas are very cunning. Notice the signs.

If you believe you or a loved one is being manipulated by a PPD, contact the PPD-PD immediately. With my extensive background in dating (and researching) PPDs of all manipulator personality types, I've been chosen to lead the PPD-PD (Pathological Pennzoil Diva Police Department).

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding your situation. I'm here to help.

Most PPDs also suffer from a term I call "Supermodel Syn(Sin)drome." To learn more about that, click HERE.