Happy 2009
What’s up Everybody.
I hope this finds you blessed and well, and that your 2009 (can you believe the sound of that?) allows you nothing but the most satisfying, healthy life. I also hope you are ready to get involved in your new life of service. That’s right, it’s 2009 and you need to make ‘09 what it needs to be – healthy, vital, lithe, lean, mean and green — that is you in 2009 – because by visiting this page you are on your way to becoming a SAMURAI and a samurai is one who serves, and our world is in so much trouble and we are in so much danger that we all need to do whatever we can. How’s that for an extended sentence. But you can still have the most exhilarating life by getting healthy and giving back!
The good news is that I’ve never seen people so activated, and I’ve been in the struggle one way or another for a long time. I see people ready to work, get involved. Produce tangible change by our own minds and hands. What we have to do is get ourselves energized through specific action leading to measurable results. Specific steps with achieved benchmarks reaching larger and larger goals. Resist polluters and planetary destroyers, specifically work on healing ecosystems, our bodies, our waters, our relationships, ourselves, work diligently and with great care with children, allowing them the Socratic method of self-discovery which unlocks their creative, incisive potential.
Every truly beneficial action you take is a breath into the next 5,000 years. I simply refuse to believe that we are a nation of millions that’s just happily and sloppily waving as we go over the cliff, taking the whole Earth down with us.
20 years ago, it was “It takes a nation of millions to hold us back.” Now, it’s gotta be: “It takes a nation of millions to move us forward!”
OK — we can talk more about the movement stuff later.
My 2008 was a lil rough. But I aint complainin, because of course I could be in Gaza or Darfur or any of a thousand hells, so I know I’m blessed. But I had my (still a little new) faith shaken in people — can you believe I let a few “false prophets” come into my life where I must’ve been sleep for real and I trusted them, only for them to try to wreak damage. And I am the last person who is naive, so I don’t know what happened. I remember the past life where I used to trust no one — can’t go back to that now. Gon work on this.
Anyways — Happy New Year ( yeah I know it;s a little late but you know .. non-profit mugs are BUSY!) Stay tuned for a lot more activity and interaction in 09! We’re gearing up for some big advancements forward.
PEACE
P.S. I got a question: Why are most dudes crazy? It’s funny — I was once the most wretched, messed up, self-destructive person, but now Im just a regular, well-adjusted dude. All I do is work hard and work out and take care of my son and his ma. Why is it so hard to find somebody who ain’t crazy — esp when they ain’t seen half the shit I have. Hey I’m just askin.
GHETTO PLAINSMAN is a "tough, beautifully written and deeply spiritual story of redemption and healing through America's underbelly and soul, from a rural childhood to the inner city streets to the even more violent outback of the American West. With comparisons to such classics as DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS and MANCHILD IN THE PROMISED LAND, GHETTO PLAINSMAN is not only a new literary classic, but has survival implications for everyone and our endangered Earth." 
28. January 2009 at 1:55 pm
Just wanted to drop in and let you know how inspired I am by everything that you are doing
I first read about you in Yes! Magazine, and I have since checked out your blog & the GPRC website as well, and I am just blown away by your story. I have just written about you on my own blog, right here:
http://www.globalmama.com/2009/01/28/global-mama-hero-jarid-manos-the-ghetto-plainsman/
Thank you for doing what you do!
12. February 2009 at 6:08 pm
Jarid I do want to commend you for following God’s path for your life. As you now (well) know that when we do, God’s plans for us are bigger and better than ours. I also use my time for the benefit of a non-profit organization. God’s plan has led me to assist African-American gay and bisexual men with their struggle for inner-peace and to escape internalized homophobia which has lead many of them to abuse alcohol, drugs, and sex, because of the guilt and hate they turn inward, most subconsciously. They are just seeking to escape that pain and guilt. When we do not love and respect each other, then we do not protect each other. An example is the strong hold AIDS has on us. Another example is short term relationships. I will tell you why I think most dudes are crazy. It’s because their internalized homophobia keeps them from truly loving each other, or growing, so the best they can do is lust for each other. Not a solid foundation for relationships. Be good baby boy.
13. February 2009 at 10:39 am
Kurt, those are some resonant words. You are so right… That self-hatred, pain and guilt are so deeply embedded in so many men, esp men of color. I was one of the worst offenders, hating myself so much, and for so long, with so much fear somebody would find out, that I wanted from early on and for a very long time to destroy myself. There were other issues going on, but coupled with the fact that inwardly I knew I was doomed to a life sentence of being something I hated so much, I was unable to escape anywhere, except into death. Now I’m just a regular dude who works a lot, and who is able to and wants to give a lot. And it def seems most dudes are crazy – I guess for the reasons you mention. It’s exasperating.
I think I’ll do a youtube video blog about this.
Thanks for commenting man.
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And Laura, above, thanks for the write-up on your blog.
Jarid