Tyrese Gibson shares his life trials and triumphs. There was a friend, Sameer, who planted the seed to get his mojo going to write the book. We need the push, encouragement, or someone to put it in us to go forth. Later, there was Angie who saw the good in him regardless of the madness. God has created some of us to see this in people we meet, and hopefully it will stir something inside of them to pursue their dreams, goals and make it a reality! We need to have a heart for others from the very start. You never know what they are facing, could be on the end of a brink and need something there to get them to think--life is worth living for. Everyone has a purpose! Favor.

Survival can be brutal, juvenile, or just to eat. Hustle doesn't mean always illegal, but do what it takes to feed the need. His childhood captures the reader in immediately, real talk. (In my teens, 14, first time I went to California to visit/live with my dad temporarily with sister after parents divorced in Riverside/Moreno Valley and sometimes drove through LA and other poverty-stricken, gang-banging territories where it could not be ignored).

Inspiring message: "every lesson is a blessing...past as a part of my determination to never experience my past again." (page 38).

Lessons taken: (from the foreword and first chapter alone)
1. Someone planted the seed and encouraged him to write the book. Yet, someone can plant the seed and we are to bring the harvest.
2. Someone can see the good in you, regardless of the mess and this way you can bless everyone else once you recognize it too. It takes someone to point out all the strengths and goodness in you; they see the diamond in the rough, through your rough times someone will see that diamond in you—and soon it will shine for the world to see.
3. It starts with a gift, idea, or dream, and connected with the right people who can encourage, edify, and build on that vision!

The last few chapters spoke dearly to my mind, heart, and spirit; and also does tie in with his childhood and how caused his own dysfunctional behaviors and attitudes in his own life, marriage, and almost with his child to witness the same pain or abuse he has suffered growing up but he had to break the cycle. We will experience obstacles that wants to take us off-course and back to our former ways but we need to stay focused and strong, regardless of negative thoughts. What motivated me most about this book, "respark careers; self-educate; supportive circle of people in your corner; and execute your goal(s)." I agree to listen to your voice, God's voice, and what will be your response/reaction. I needed the reminder in this time of my life, "don't be afraid of the unknown" since I do fear the unknown but have learned to adapt to change and embrace it.

Lesson taken most from the book and for the life-changing transitions in my life, in my own words, "elevation with concentration through meditation"!

*There were some editing issues that disturbed me, "mind-set" should just be mindset and "fund-raising" simply "fundraising."