EDSPLACETOO.COM - Latest Blog Entries

Maybe Tomorrow

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:52:00 -0600

So many times I have put things I wanted to do for myself aside and said maybe I'll get to it tomorrow and tomorrow never seem to have come. I found myself so busy just trying to keep up with all my daily obligations that I never had that moment to devote to me and found myself not being able to catch up to my own self, my own life.

I decided to slow myself down and take time to watch a sunrise and sunset and this simple task was so amazing.

I next decided to go to the beach and enjoy the water and the coolness of the ocean breeze and as I watched each wave crash against the rocks I found myself closer and closer to inner peace, this feeling was incredible.

Finally I decided to take a long drive by myself, in the Valley, with no radio playing, and what I found was that my thoughts took me to such a beautiful place of joy. I thought about my father who had past ten years ago and how I had been so busy I had not even had the time to enjoy my memories of him. I thought about my goals which I had set many years ago and how many of them I had actually achieved which made me smile.

I thought about my future plans and than without even realizing I just didn't think anymore. I enjoyed the beauty of the Valley, the vineyards, the mountains, the blue sky, the fresh air that blew threw my open window and most of all I enjoyed me.

I than decided to not allow my duties as a productive human being to overcome my duties to love myself anymore and that I would take a few moments everyday and devote it to me. I begin to set aside ME TIME every day for two hours and spend it doing something nice for myself and doing something I wanted to do.

"TWO HOURS," you say.

Yes two hours.

You see I realized that if I can give eight hours a day to a job that earns some other human being millions, no billions of dollars a year without a second thought, I could give myself two.

We at Ed's Place challenge you to love yourself, get in touch with what brings you inner peace and embrace it. Slow down and smell the flowers, enjoy the amazement of a tree, observe the freedom of a bird soaring. Get in touch with your mind, body and spirit and love yourself every day.

We challenge you to put aside your stress for two hours a day and just find joy in what makes you happy and don't feel guilty or like you are cheating the world out of anything. REMEMBER, YOU DESERVE EVERY SECOND, MINUTE AND HOUR that you set aside for yourself. You are so worthy of this.

Don't wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow never comes.

2011, the year to believe

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 16:52:00 -0600

If anyone listens to the news it will have you afraid that our world, our country and our lives are falling apart. 2010 was a hard year for many but we all survived and are here to welcome 2011, congratulations. We at Ed's Place wish each of you a very prosporous year and know that there are great things out there for us all. Remember to set goals, dream big and know that is is possible to obtain all that you want in life if you believe and not give us. Many of us have struggled but with grace we were able to survive. Life has its stuggles but in each one there is strength which comes from that struggle in which we over come. 2011 is the year of hope and fulfillment. Name it and claim it and it is and will be yours. Happy New Years, challenge yourself to greatness and believe.

Ed's Place

Finding Your Way Home

Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:34:00 -0500

A young professional man was recently laid off his job. He had a wife and three beautiful boys who depended on him. In his search for a job he was blessed and found one which was over 2,000 miles from where his family presently lived. After prayer and discussions with his wife they decided together to take the job and make the move to a new place.

During a conversation with a young man whom Ed's Place is working with in finding a job, he complained about how there were just no jobs in the area where he lived. I asked him, "what are your ties to this area?" "My ties," he exclaimed, "my boys live here and ain't no place like Cali."

As I listened to him go on about all the things that his city had I realized that in his mind Cali was his home and there was no other place like it. I begin to speak with him about other places I had visited in my life. In different cities, states and yes even outside the country and how one thing I found is that most places have slight differences, may have different weather and climates buts ultimately are the same and that we as humans adapt to change.

As I spoke with him further I begin to learn more about him and that he had never been anywhere in his life but in the surrounding 100 miles radius of what he called home and I asked him to take a moment with me and leave his comfort zone and explore the world. We hopped on the Internet and begin to look at all these different places that he had always heard about and wanted to go and as we looked I could see the excitement build in his eyes.

"Look at that ," he said when we did a virtual tour of New York on one site. "Oh my God," he exclaimed when he saw the water falls at Niagara falls. "Damn," he said when we watched a short video on Africa. "All those beautiful places but I won't never get there," he hung his head and mumbled. I looked him in his eyes and boldly exclaimed,"any of those places can be home for you and your boys will always be your boys just a hop, skip and a jump away"

We live today in a world were what was once impossible is now probable. All we have to do is set the goal to do it, believe it can be done, make a solid plan to achieve it, and implement the plan. Don't never think that there is no job out there for you, because there is. Think outside the small circle that we all live in as individuals and look at the big circle which is the world. Be like the young couple and know that home is where you make it, anywhere in this world. Don't be afraid like the young man who hung his head in disbelief. Believe that you are worthy to live and be anywhere your heart desires.

Every city has the same basic premise, houses, stores, gas stations, hospital, entertainment, parks etc... and you can find one that adapts to your needs and your desire. The human spirit will adapt to wherever you decided to plant your seed and whatever changes may be in your new environment if you are bold enough to make that move if need be.

So if you are job searching look outside your surrounding area and see where the best opportunities are located for you. If circumstances allow you to, BE BOLD and be willing to move outside your comfort zone for a greater opportunity. As always, we at Ed's Place believe in you and know that greatness awaits you.

Life is too short.

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 07:50:00 -0500

I remember hearing the old saying that, "life is too short," and never really taking those words into context. As time passes on you begin to loose key people in your life (parents, older relatives, siblings, friends, class mates etc...) and you begin to realize how it was just yesterday that these people were young, vibrant and enjoying life. A member of Ed's Place talked about the death of her father and how she always wondered if he had the opportunity to do the things in which he wanted to in life. "He was such a giver," she said, "always fulfilling the needs of others." As we continued to conversate she recalled going through his things with her mother after he had passed and how surprised she was of how very little he had in material things. "No real expensive jewelry or man toys, no excess in clothing and not much in his bank account," she sighed. "So many thought he was wealthy," she went on to tell me, "but in reality he was not at all, he had so little."

As I thought more about my conversation with this person I realized that she was wrong. He had more than most of us in life has because he was a giver and that was where he fufilled his needs. His joy and his satisfaction came not from what he had but from what he was able to give to others. What a beautiful human being he was and how much joy he must have received in life while helping all those in which he did. What struck me the most was that he did in life what he wanted to, rather his daughter understood or even I understood, he did what made him happy.

We at Ed's Place write to you today and say, don't worry about how you will be judged in the end when you are no longer living, make your life choices for yourself today while you live. A good life does not consist of how much you accumulate materialistically, it consist of how much you get out of it personally. What is a day to us is but oh but a moment to time Do what makes you feel good, happy, satisfied and fulfilled as long as it does not in any way hurt others. Go for it, grab it, give it away, if that is what you want to do. Don't just search for but find, joy, peace and enjoyment each day because when you really think of it life is too short...

BE THE THIRD STRANGER

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 08:43:00 -0500

An old man in old clothes was walking down the street and came upon a stranger carrying a bag of grocery. "I am hungry," the old man told the stranger. The stranger looked at the old man in old clothes with discuss and crossed to the other side of the street and went on his way.

The old man in the old clothes continued to walk and came upon another stranger with a beautiful wool coat. "I am cold," the old man with the old clothes said to the stranger. This stranger shoved the old man with the old clothes out of his way and crossed to the other side of the street and like the first stranger continued on his way.

The old man in the old clothes became weary and he sat on a large rock to rest when a third stranger came upon him, too tired to speak the old man with the old clothes hung his head. The third stranger looked at the shivering old man with the old clothes, took his coat off and laid it upon the old mans shoulder, he handed his bag of groceries to the old man in the old clothes and placed in his hands all the money he had in his pocket and without speaking a word the third stranger continued on his way.

That night the third stranger died in his sleep and when he walked through the gates of heaven he saw before him, the old man in the old clothes sitting on his throne.

These are hard times for many. Natural disasters have devastated cities throughout the United States and across the world. The economy is said by many to be at its worst and there are many struggling and in the same position as the "old man in the old clothes." If you are one of those who are fortunate and can help another, we at Ed's Place challenge you to become the third stranger who identified a need without having to be told or having someone ask and showed an act of humanity that others did not.

Give to your local charity, church or school. Volunteer your time to those who need help such as hospitals, non-profit organizations such as ours or kitchens that feed the hungry. Mentor, motivate or encourage someone you know who spirit may be broken. Donate your old clothes to be shipped to people in need (especially shoes) in places like Haiti and Africa.

As the third stranger you too can make a difference and who know one that you help me be someone unexpected. Continue to be blessed.

Ed's Place/www.edsplacetoo.com

Continue to move forward

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:42:00 -0600

As the new year begins you may be reflecting on the old. Some things may make you smile, others may make you mad and some may even make you cry. This is not only a new year but a new day. The past can not be changed but it can be used as a lesson, a means of strength and as an avenue towards a better tomorrow. Today encourage yourself to continue to move forward. Take a moment to plan out a few new accomplishments you want to make in the next 24 hour period. You will be amazed at all that can be done in this short span of time. Do one thing in this time period that will empower you to do more, to be greater, to fulfill your dreams. Today is not yesterday you have moved forward from that day, be encouraged, be fruitful, be wise and most of all know that you are worthy of all that the world has to offer you. We at Ed's Place look forward to working with you this year as you work on achieving all your goals, dreams and desires and we believe that great things await you. HAPPY NEW YEARS...

Ed's Place/www.edsplacetoo.com

Don't Just Start A Task.

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:11:00 -0600

Following up and completing task that you start is very important. If you begin to apply for a job by submitting an application take the next step and send out a simple note to the employer letting them know how interested you are in being a part of their company. If you decide you want to go to school and take the time to start looking into schools in your area, take the next step and apply for the school and go see a counselor at the school you are interested in. If you decide that or you are thinking you may need help for a personal problem, addiction or other matters that you are overwhelmed with, seek that help through counseling or outreach programs offered in your area. Be sure to provide supporting documents to anyone who requests them once you apply for services of any kind. For instance if you apply for a scholarship and they ask for transcripts, essays or reference letters be sure to get the information to them in a timely manner so that you will not be disqualified.

What we are saying to you is that you cannot just start the transitioning process to independent and productive living but you have to follow up and complete the process of any task you start in order to be successful. Success comes with believing in yourself, setting goals, pursuing your goals and obtaining the desired outcome you are looking for. No one can do these things for you and you have to be diligent in your quest to live a complete and successful life. Remember a successful life is what you believe it is so don’t compare yourself to anyone, just look into your own soul and discover what self-satisfaction is to you and strive to obtain that self-satisfaction. Independent living requires that you be able to sustain yourself in your society. That means you must be able to provide yourself with food, shelter, medical care, entertainment and any other needs you may have. Set goals that will get you to that place in your life where you can fulfill all these needs, don’t forget to follow up and complete task you begin so that you will never have to say to yourself that “I should of, could of or would of.” Remember we at Ed’s Place believe in you and look forward to all that you have to offer society. So get out there, do and pursue and "Don't just start a task, complete it."

Ed's Place/edsplacetoo.com

Tomorrow is a new day...

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:03:00 -0600

Tomorrow is a new day...

No matter where you are in this world tomorrow will be a new day that you live and it will not be the same as yesterday or even today. New opportunities arises on a daily basis and you have to recognize them and take advantage of them. If your yesterday or today is not a good day it is okay because you should always remember that you have tomorrow. It is always good to look toward the future while living in the present because it allows you to set goals and dream. If you are transitioning and you are trying to find your niche take time to explore all the avenues your society has to offer. In the United States there are options such as school, work, the military, job corp, the peace corp and numerous other avenues one can choose that will help you get on your feet. When transitioning the main goal should be to find a means of sustaining ones self, meeting ones needs such as housing, food, clothing and social satisfaction. Don't get caught thinking that you do not have a niche or a place in your society. You do, you just have to find it. Explore by googling, using ask.com or other search engines to read about and learn about things that interest you and careers and jobs that may be in your area of interest. Don't be afraid to volunteer, non-profit organizations such as ours need your help and are always looking for volunteers and while you are volunteering you will be gaining experience and an opportunity to network. So go ahead look toward tomorrow, it's a new day waiting for your to explore it.

Ed's Place/www.edsplacetoo.com

THE WORLD IS IN YOUR HANDS...

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:41:00 -0500

It is important to know what is going on in the area where you live along with what is going on in the world. Get familiar with the political structure in your area first and know who your local representatives are and the agenda in which they gear toward. In the United States the President is Barack Obama and each state has its own Governor and within each state most cities have a mayor and city council. Take a moment to get to know who represents you in your area and what programs they support. Next pick up a newspaper and read beyond the sensational news on the front page and see what is offered in the area in which you live and in other areas around the world.

Did you know that today many newspapers throughout the world are found on-line and you do not have to go to a newstand if you have access to the internet. Try performing a Google, ASK or network search on the area in the world that you are interested in learning about and enjoy reading about not only the politics of the area but what the people in the area are doing. Expand your mind, think outside of the box, explore and enjoy. Did you know that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to President Obama. Click on the link below to hear why the Nobel committee felt he was worthy of this prestigious award. Click here to learn more about the Nobel Peace Prize.

Here are some other news throughout the world that you may want to read about. Don't make you world limited to your area, reach out beyond your comfort zone, explore, learn and share with others what you find out. Remember "The world is in your hands."

09.10.2009 12:43 Berlusconi says only he can lead Italy
09.10.2009 12:14 Top Indian diplomat in Afghanistan after blast
09.10.2009 11:46 Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize to mixed reviews
09.10.2009 11:44 Iran to "blow up heart" of Israel if attacked - official
09.10.2009 11:30 Czech president wants Lisbon opt-out on rights: Buzek
09.10.2009 11:22 U.N. experts concerned Colombia fighters in Honduras
09.10.2009 09:30 Rain, floods in Philippines kill over 100
09.10.2009 08:51 Diplomats downplay immediate hopes on Bosnia talks
09.10.2009 08:44 French minister clings to post in sex tourism furore
09.10.2009 08:42 Myanmar's Suu Kyi meets Western diplomats
09.10.2009 08:09 German race row reveals splits over integration
09.10.2009 05:21 South Korea, Japan press North Korea to return to talks
09.10.2009 05:07 Hillary Clinton to talk Iran, Afghanistan on Russia trip
09.10.2009 04:12 U.N.: little pledged aid paid up for Somali security
09.10.2009 00:32 North Korea to send nuclear envoy to U.S. - report
09.10.2009 00:21 Honduras talks grapple with issue of Zelaya return
08.10.2009 22:46 Czech president makes new demand over EU treaty
08.10.2009 22:35 Father of New York bomb plot suspect is indicted
08.10.2009 20:40 Grim omens as U.S. envoy pursues Mideast relaunch
08.10.2009 19:48 Son guilty of stealing from NY socialite Astor
08.10.2009 18:53 Alleged "Toronto 18" leader pleads guilty
08.10.2009 18:25 Supporters praise Stalin at Moscow libel hearing
08.10.2009 15:28 I taly's Berlusconi vows to stay, tension worrying
08.10.2009 10:43 Blast kills 12 near Indian embassy in Kabul
08.10.2009 09:07 Pacific quakes stir panic but tsunamis tiny

Ed's Place/www.edsplacetoo.com

Go to edsplacetoo.com for additional information or you can contact us at edsplacetoo@live.com

Domestic Violence

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:25:00 -0500

Violence in the home can occur anywhere and is not limited to woman. Domestic violence can affect both man, children and the elderly whom live with an individual who is violent and abusive.

Any time anyone physically or mentally abuses an individual that individual needs to begin a path toward removing his or herself from this situation with an urgency. Most professionals agree that most abusers will continue to abuse once they have started if they do not get help.

You are worthy of all that the world has to give you. You are worthy of love, respect and compassion and no one has a right to treat you or give you any less than that. If you are in an abusive relationship, leave. If you do not know how or you are afraid to do so, seek help.

Below are some resources that you can go to for help. We at Ed's Place ask that you do so immediately. We believe in you, love you and know that you are worthy and we look forward to the greatness you have to bring the world we all share. You do not have to live in fear. You do not have to be abused. You do not deserve to be hurt. You have the power to seek help.

Click on the links below to find resources that can help you transition to independent living away from abuse:

Listing of Crisis information numbers for all abuse (Domestic, sexual, rape, incest, runaways, elder etc...

National Domestic Violence

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Go to edsplacetoo.com for additional information or you can contact us at edsplacetoo@live.com

Dream, Do, Believe

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 10:47:00 -0500

How many times have you caught yourself dreaming about something you want or want to achieve and just doing that dreaming. Well it is time to move your dream forward. We believe that all should dream because dreams allow one to set goals and goals allow one to achieve. It is important that you do not get caught in the realm of dreams and that you have the courage and wisdom to move beyond that dream and become a doer and make your dreams reality. Even if a dream may seem impossible you will never know if you could have achieved it if you left it as a dream. If you don't know how to achieve a dream start researching, ask somone to help you. Click on "Diamond Help," at edsplacetoo.com or ask your teacher, counselor, parents, friend, or church to help you. Find youself the nearest library, sit behind a computer, get on the internet and start googling, use ask.com or any of the other search sites. Never let yourself leave a dream in the wind and look back and say I should of, could of or would of. It is so important that you not only be a dreamer but be a doer and a believer. We at Ed's Place believe in you and we look forward to your greatness as you fulfill your dreams. So have faith, believe in yourself and work towards your dreams.

"...faith by itself if not accompanied by action is dead."

-James 2:17

Go to edsplacetoo.com for additional information or you can contact us at edsplacetoo@live.com

Where do I start from here?

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:08:00 -0500

Where do I start from here? That seems to cross my mind every time I want to venture out and try something new and that should be what you are asking yourself when you are beginning to move toward independent living.

Take a moment to think about what you want to do and what obstacles may be in your path to prevent you from doing whatever it is. For instance if you want to go to college do you have the requirements to attend or do you even know what the requirements are? If you want to go to work how do you begin serious job hunting and what tools do you need to make it successful? If you have a drug problem you need to kick before you can move forward, where can you go to get help so you can transition to independent living successfully? Want to be a singer, dancer, writer, artist or actor; well how do you find out what to do or where to begin? We are here to help you figure out whatever path you are considering taking-all you have to do is ask. So go ahead click on "Diamond Help," and just ask.

There is not limit to what you can ask us, we are here to help and we will do our best to help you find resources. We believe in you and know you are worthy.

Go to edsplacetoo.com for additional information or you can contact us at edsplacetoo@live.com

Are you ready?

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:20:00 -0600

Time flies and before you know it you won't be mama's little baby anymore. Are you ready to deal with all that the world has to offer you?Think about it... The day you turn 18 and everyone congratulates you for being an adult will you have the mind of a child or one of the adult that all are transitioning you into? Are you ready? Just wondering... If not stay tune because we have something special in store for you; so get ready to receive it.

Click on "Find an E-Mentor," and begin networking with one of our many volanteers who have found success as adults. We look forward to working, networking, and growing with you.

Go to edsplacetoo.com for additional information or you can contact us at edsplacetoo@live.com