Blind Can You Can

Tag: mindfulness

  • Show Me the Money—But What’s It Really Worth?

    “Show Me the Money!”… But What’s It Really Worth?

    You know that iconic line from Jerry Maguire—“Show me the money!”? Classic. And let’s be honest, it feels like money is always at the center of everything.

    I grew up in a middle-class household. My parents immigrated to the U.S. with barely anything in their pockets, just big dreams and the kind of grit that doesn’t come with a price tag. So yeah, I heard my fair share of: “We can’t get that—it’s too expensive,” or “No, we don’t have the money for that.” And as I got older, I realized something deeper was at play: money didn’t just buy things—it bought status. At least, that’s what the world wanted me to believe.

    Culturally, and maybe a little emotionally too, money seemed to equal power, value, and respect. If you didn’t have it? Well, it felt like society decided you weren’t as important, as capable, or as worthy of a good life.

    That mindset stuck with me more than I’d like to admit. After college, I watched how we were suddenly compared by salaries instead of report cards. First it was grades, then college acceptances, then internships. Now it’s about how much you make, what neighborhood you live in, the car you drive, and which resort you took your family to over spring break. And guess what? Even when you do “measure up,” it can still feel… hollow.

    Let me be clear: I have nothing against money. Money is a powerful tool. It gives you choices. It helps you provide for your family. It enables you to give back. But what I can’t get behind is the idea that money defines your worth.

    I am a valuable human being—with or without money. And let me tell you, that’s a reminder I have to give myself more often than I’d like. Money doesn’t define who I am. It just shapes some of the options I have. And honestly, I’m content with a simple life. I don’t need a mansion or a Lamborghini—especially because I’m blind, and let’s face it, I can’t drive anyway.

    Lately, as I learn more about financial freedom, building wealth, and growing that so-called “money snowball,” I’ve started to see something bigger than just numbers. True wealth isn’t about having the most—it’s about using what you do have to lift others up. Whether it’s helping family, supporting friends, or giving back to the community, that’s what gives wealth its meaning.

    If all I’m doing is chasing money for fame or power, then that’s just an endless treadmill with no off switch. But if I can use money as a tool to serve, to support, and to fulfill my purpose—even in small ways—then that’s a path worth walking.

    I’m not here to be the richest guy in the room. I just want to live with intention. If I can take care of my responsibilities—those sacred assignments God’s entrusted me with—then I’m doing something right. We all have different capacities, different talents, and different definitions of success. But I believe we’ve all been given some form of abundance. Sometimes we just have to open our eyes to see it.

    Here’s something I truly believe: when we show that we can manage what we already have—when we’re grateful, responsible, and generous with it—more comes. It’s like a universal law… or maybe just good parenting.

    Think about it: as kids, when we show we can handle chores and be responsible with our allowance, we get rewarded. Maybe even with that puppy we’ve been begging for. In school, if we manage our workload well, we earn good grades and honors. In college, proving ourselves in an internship can lead to a full-time job. At work, doing well in your current role might lead to a raise or a promotion.

    I think money works the same way. If you can show that you respect it, understand its value, and use it for good—not waste—it, then more will come. Not just more money, but more peace. More joy. A truly richer life.So yes—show me the money—but show me the meaning, too.

  • Honoring Real-Life Heroes: Finding the Superhero Within on Memorial Day

    Happy Memorial Day.

    Today in America, we take a moment to honor and remember the brave individuals who made the greatest sacrifice—not just for their families and friends, but for an entire nation. These are people who showed extraordinary courage and selflessness. Their strength came not just from training or duty, but from a mindset rooted in purpose, confidence, and heart.

    They believed in something bigger than themselves—and they acted on it.

    When I think about these heroes, I can’t help but compare them to superheroes. Not the ones with capes, laser eyes, or the ability to fly (though, let’s be honest, that would be cool). I’m talking about real superheroes—the ones defined not by their powers, but by their principles. The ones who embody courage, determination, and a relentless drive to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

    Truth is, you don’t need super speed or mutant healing to be a hero. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up. Fighting for what you believe in. Standing up for someone else. Pushing through your own pain so someone else can find peace.

    And in that sense, maybe we all have a little superhero in us.

    Some people seem to tap into that inner power more easily than others. But I believe that if we quiet the noise, focus, and truly try, we can all access it. That quiet strength. That spark of resilience. That ability to keep moving forward even when life feels like it’s working overtime to knock us down.

    Even Jesus said we have the power to move mountains and walk on water—we just need to believe.

    Now, I get it. Believing isn’t always easy. Life has a funny way of piling on the doubts, the fears, the setbacks… and sometimes, a mountain of stress, emails, and unpaid bills too. I’ve been there. We all have.

    But here’s the thing: belief doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a whisper. A small choice. A moment of courage. And sometimes, when our own belief wavers, we can help someone else find theirs. Or let someone help us find ours.

    So today, as we honor the heroes who gave everything, let’s also honor the everyday bravery in ourselves and others. Let’s remind ourselves—and each other—that even in a world full of chaos, we still have the power to choose courage, kindness, and hope.

    Because maybe being a hero isn’t about saving the world. Maybe it’s just about showing up with heart.

  • Believe in Yourself: The Secret Ingredient to Achieving Success

    Believe in Yourself: The Secret Ingredient to Achieving Success

    Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded of something simple yet incredibly powerful: believing in yourself is half the battle.

    If you truly want to achieve success—whether it’s landing a new job, crushing a personal goal, or reaching a career milestone—you have to believe it’s possible. Visualize the outcome. Picture yourself crossing that finish line, receiving that job offer, or celebrating a well-earned victory.

    This week, my goal was to ace a selection interview for a new account. I didn’t just “hope” things would work out—I prepared with the mindset that I would succeed. I researched the location, familiarized myself with its operations, and even placed a deposit on essential equipment. In my mind, the account was already mine. That mental picture kept me focused and energized.

    Of course, I stayed grounded. Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance—it means being ready. I walked into the interview knowing I had done my homework. I was able to confidently present myself to the panel because I believed in my ability to deliver. And while I’m optimistic about the outcome, I also know that if it doesn’t go my way, I gave it my best shot. And I’ll be even more prepared for the next opportunity.

    Many of us set goals, make vision boards, or write down New Year’s resolutions—but we often forget the most important step: truly believing we can achieve them. Goal setting without belief is like owning a car without an engine. It looks good, but it won’t get you far.

    You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take (thanks for the reminder, Wayne Gretzky… and yes, Michael Scott). If something matters enough for you to put in the time and effort, then do it right. Do it with intention. Do it with belief.

    So, here’s the takeaway: believe in yourself. Back it up with preparation, stay humble, keep a positive mindset—and don’t forget to smile along the way. It’s amazing how far that combo can take you.

  • Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? The Real Path to Financial Freedom

    Are you tired of the 9 to 5?
    Check this out—you’ll be taken straight to my free training to break free from the daily grind and start your journey to financial freedom!
    Sound familiar?

    I see these emails, ads, and pop-ups every single day. They definitely tug at the heartstrings and mess with my mind. Here’s the twist—I’ve actually never had a 9-to-5 job. But at this stage in life, I’m starting to think maybe that wouldn’t have been such a bad thing after all.

    All my life, I chased fast money and hunted for shortcuts to success. I dipped my toes into multi-level marketing (remember 2-by-2?), day-trading stocks, flipping homes—you name it. I even bought into mentorship programs that promised to teach me the secrets to wealth and freedom. Why? Because ever since I was young and found out I’d eventually lose my sight, I threw conventional wisdom out the window. I became obsessed with finding the fastest way to success.

    But here’s the key difference between me and those mentorship-gurus online:
    They had direction, a strategy, a plan.
    I had hope… and let me tell you—hope alone isn’t a strategy.

    The “What If” Game (Just for Fun… or Reflection)

    Let’s rewind. I graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Couldn’t land a programming job. The only offer I got was an entry-level government job paying $3,000/month. Not glamorous, but back then, it was livable. And as a person with a disability, the government would have provided accommodations.

    I could’ve stayed with my parents to save money, or rented a room somewhere cheap. No girlfriend, no kids, no big expenses—just a simple life. If I had saved $1,000/month and invested conservatively, by the 2008 housing crash I would’ve had enough to buy a property near my job. That same property today? Likely worth 3–5x more.

    Had I stuck with that job, my salary with cost-of-living adjustments might be around $5,200/month now, that is I took no promotions. But, most likely I would have taken some sort of promotion and probably have a annual salary in the 6 figures. My mortgage could’ve been almost paid off. I’d have two decades of work under my belt, and maybe I’d be investing in dividend stocks or high-yield funds. Retire at 50 or 55, then move to a more affordable state—or better yet, country. Safe, stable, and relatively stress-free. Sounds boring? Maybe. But honestly… kind of nice.

    But I didn’t choose that route.

    I went for the possible shortcut.
    And now, I sometimes feel farther away from my goals than ever before.

    The Grass Ain’t Always Greener—Sometimes It’s Just a Lawn Full of Weeds

    We live in a world where everyone is trying to sell you something. A dream. A shortcut. A “proven method.” They tell you you’re doing it all wrong—and they have the answer.

    But here’s what I’ve learned: You have to be strong enough to trust yourself.

    You know your life better than any guru.
    You know your challenges, your dreams, your strengths.
    God gave us free will—and with that comes the wisdom to choose what’s right.

    We just have to get quiet long enough to hear that inner voice, and bold enough to listen.

    Final Thought

    Whether you’re working a 9-to-5 or building your business from scratch, there is no one-size-fits-all path to freedom. Chasing shortcuts often leads to detours. But being intentional, consistent, and grateful for where you are—that’s where true wealth begins.

    So, the next time you see another “freedom from 9-to-5” ad?
    Smile, nod, and remember: The real journey starts within.

  • Strengthening Your Mindset: A Daily Practice

    Mindset Is a Muscle

    Everything I read, watch, listen to, and learn is shaping my mindset—bit by bit, day by day. There’s this idea out there that successful people all share a certain mindset, right? That’s what I grew up believing. And honestly, I think it’s true… but it’s also something I’m still figuring out.

    Mindset isn’t something you just “get” one day and then keep forever. It’s more like a muscle—a mind muscle, if you will. And like any muscle, it needs to be trained, stretched, fed, and sometimes given a good talking to. Reading one inspiring book, attending a single training, or watching a killer motivational video might give you a boost—but without consistent practice, the strength fades.

    Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected twists and turns, sharp lefts, and a few potholes just to keep things interesting. Your mindset is your vehicle through it all, and if it’s not maintained, you’re going to feel every bump.

    Acceptance… and Then Some

    In an earlier blog, I talked about acceptance—and honestly, it’s foundational. For me, that means accepting my visual impairment. No amount of frustration, sadness, tears, or tantrums is going to change that reality.

    But acceptance is just step one. Step two? Letting go.

    That’s the one I’m still working on. I tend to get fired up when things don’t go as planned—when people don’t meet my expectations, or when life simply refuses to follow my script. For example, I get frustrated when drivers can’t find my drop-off location. In my mind, I’m thinking, “It’s right there! You have a GPS and two eyes—what’s the problem?” But then I remember: sometimes GPS is wonky, drop-off points are chaotic, and people are just doing their best. (I mean, I’ve never driven a car—I probably shouldn’t be too hard on those who do.)

    What’s really happening in those moments is that I’m projecting my standards—my vision of perfection—onto others. And let’s be honest, that’s a one-way ticket to disappointment.

    I even catch myself doing it with my son. I want him to focus, to get things right, to be just like me—but sometimes, kids just want to play in the moment, not hit every checkbox on a to-do list. And really, maybe they’ve got it right.

    Let It Go (Yes, Just Like the Song)

    So I remind myself: let it go. Don’t project. Don’t assume. Don’t expect perfection. Instead, think of others first. Be thankful.

    Thankful that someone’s out there driving a paratransit van or working long hours to help people get where they need to go. Thankful that I have a support system, options, and chances to grow. Thankful that I even get to think about mindset and share it with you.

    Final Thought: When the Mind Is Distracted, the Heart Is Weary

    The real takeaway today? Gratitude clears the mind. When you’re angry, stressed, or annoyed, your mental space shrinks. You can’t focus, you can’t create, and you definitely can’t be your best.

    But when you can let things go, shift your perspective, and stay grounded in gratitude—that’s when your mindset gets stronger. That’s when your mind muscle shows up and says, “I got this.”

    So if today feels messy, chaotic, or not at all how you planned—take a breath. Maybe even laugh a little. Life isn’t perfect, but our attitude doesn’t have to be either. Just work that muscle.