All I really wanted was a simple, quick trip. No delays, disruptions or any of that other bullshit.

I grabbed a cup of coffee and made my way to the track. Down the stairs to the platform without looking back.

This was a trip that I desperately needed. If you're looking for me, in the café is where I'll be seated.

No time to waste, not a minute to spare. The doors were closed as soon as the platform was clear.

I plugged in my headphones and connected my charger quickly. Before I noticed, we had departed ever so swiftly.

I sat back and drifted as you led the way. With every turn and shift, I felt what you wanted to say.

I don't know if these moves were meant for me but I took it as this. I loved the way that you hugged every curve and met every station stop with a kiss.

Was I wrong for even thinking as much? Was I wrong for wanting you to prolong every touch?

I knew that if you could handle these rails with such precision that I couldn't be wrong with this rash decision.

You make it look easy to run this train correctly but I'm tired of speaking to the man behind the motor indirectly.

Just as I get the feeling that our connection is beginning to fade, you open it up as you went into this straight away.

The speed is increasing and so are the feelings. I'm calm physically but mentally, I'm bouncing off of the ceilings.

I'm not sure as to how much more I can take. You must've sensed my panic and decided to dump the brakes.

"Emergency, emergency, emergency!" You called for immediate assistance. We just had to reconnect, there was no chance of resistance.

You stepped off of the motor and out to meet me. No one could understand why you had to personally greet me.

I'm so glad that we're standing face to face, hand in hand. Somehow, the universe carried out our ultimate plan.

I'm satisfied with your efforts and the things that you do, I'll keep all options in mind as I work on our part two.

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. August 2015.

The anticipation and excitement may have caused you to forget to pack something that you thought you needed but the truth is, you've made space.

Space for you to appreciate your journey to this foreign place.

True, you've done this before but please take the time to really explore.

Explore the lows and soar through the highs.

Take notes of the crashing waves and the calming skies.

Become so engulfed in the different hues that you see so much more that just the ocean's blues.

Let the sand use you to spread its message across the land.

Become one with the wind, let it take your hand.

Even with shaken out shoes, you'll still feel grains in every step.

Well after your departure, you'll reminisce about the beauty that took your every breath.

Before this very moment, the world felt so much colder.

No relief in sight to take this weight off of your shoulders.

But now you're here.

No reason to be worry.

No reason to be scared.

Just let it flow.

Flow like the oceans and streams around you.

No longer letting the misery of the next person drowned you.

There's so much to see so step far and step wide.

You didn't come this far to just stay inside.

With delight and curiosity in your eyes, you rejoice.

So glad that you finally listened to that inner voice.

The reward for those dark nights and cloudy days appear to be filled with everlasting sun rays.

Chair reclined and a drink nestled in palm, you realize that this is what they meant by enjoying the storm's calm.

What happened to dreaming big and wanting more? Why are so many people so easily impressed? Throw some bullshit together that makes a couple of dollars, gets a few likes and everyone is satisfied. Where is the substance? What happened to being a person of substance? People are "inspired" by bullshit these days. Without thinking too much, I'm sure you can come up with a few "inspirational" people who haven't accomplished a damn thing. There has got to be more to life than designer and celebrity boyfriends. There has got to be more than bad bitches and hookah.What you glorify is what you become.

Be more than the pretty face and nice body with 100k followers and likes. Be more than the guy that buys stuff just to shit on people who don't have it as "good." When you have THAT great of an audience, you have to use it for more. Granted, you may not start a cancer research charity, become a social media mogul or CEO of a large corporation, but at least help set up and secure your future. If you aren't advancing from it, why bother?

It seems like people have lost sight of what is important. How can you have no real goal in mind? "THIS" can't be "IT." When I think about it, there are very few who we glorify for being positive influences and motivators. Social media makes it easy and hard at the same time. The majority of what you see are the reality stars and those who have a negative impact on the mind.

Why is there such a limited quantity of quality? We have the Karen Civils, Julia Beverlys, Zim Ugochukwus and Necoles but why aren't more in the spotlight for making a positive impact? For being a positive influence?

So many people have the "I can't save the world" attitude, but you fail to realize that the person who may, in fact, bring about change may be watching you. Thankfully, I've always had a positive role model in my life. My grandmothers are the best thing since central AC. They are both homeowners, parents, grandparents and women of substance. Classy women. There is nothing that I can ask either of them and not get an answer. They've balanced careers, families, and household. For that alone, they're awesome in my eyes. Della served 32 years with New York's Department of Corrections, and Sheila graduated from Fordham University while taking care of her children. Although I don't always follow their advice, I know that it came from a good place and is always available. Their perseverance has led me to believe that life is what you make it. It won't be perfect or a breeze, but it's worth it.

Honestly, all it takes is one. Each one, teach one. If you can inspire one person, they may pay it forward and start a chain reaction. It may not be a big change, but some are better than none. Not everyone has that positive person in their life. Where do you think the neighborhood mom and dad started? Someone stepped up and wanted to help.

Be the inspiration that you once needed.

Set the bar high. Come up with entirely unrealistic goals. Soar high. Line your goals up and knock them down. Your determination, dedication, and perseverance will pay off. When it does, don't forget to pay it forward. Let's all be great and aspire to inspire one another.

Always Remember That You Run Shit. You Are The One Who Determines Which Direction Your Life Goes In. Granted, There Are Many Unforeseen Events That May Throw You Off, You Are The One Who Has To Deal With It. Deal With It. Every So Often, Life Has A Way Of Telling You That You Need To Cut The Shit. It May Have Been Subtle Or Extremely Obvious, But The Same Objective Is On The Line. Pick That Shit Up.

For Me, Procrastination And Helping Others Too Much Is Usually My Downfall. That's What Seems Always To Cause My Setbacks. If I Can Put Myself First For Once, I Know That I Can Accomplish More.

As Far As Procrastination Goes, It Follows Me. It Goes To Sleep With Me, Wakes Up With Me And Follows Me To And From Work. I'm Sure I Have Enough Distractions Without Procrastination But It Is Always Waiting For Me Like A Butler. "What Can We Not Do Today, Chan?" Thinking Back To A Little Over A Year Ago, I Was So Motivated To Carry Out My Dreams And Goals. I Was Consistent. I Was Focused. I Was In One Of Those Happy Places That You Find "By Accident." It's Been A Roller Coaster Since I Left Miami. I Can't Say That It Was Horrible, But It Had Potential To Be Way Greater.

Maybe I Left Too Soon.

I'm Undefeated With Helping Others Before Helping Myself. I Build Everyone's Dreams Besides My Own. I Support People With No End In Sight. I Overextend Myself. I Make Moves With Others In Mind. Those Last Few Sentences May Very Well Me The Most That I've Thought About Myself In A While. Not Because I Don't Think Highly Of Or Love Myself But Mainly Because I Can't Stop Helping People. I Can't Say No Before I'm Up Shit's Creek Without A Paddle.

Time And Time Again, I Drop The Ball. Time After Time, I Dunk In The Opposing Team's Basket. Not That They Are My Opponent But, I'm Constantly Winning Games For Someone Else Other Than Myself. How Much Sense Does That Make?

Slowly, That Over-Extension Is Retracting. I'm Getting A Case Of T-Rex Arms.

2014 & 2015 Were Two Of The Best And Worst Years Ever.

Just As Everything Was Coming Together, It Began To Fall Apart. Being The Caretaker That I Am, I Felt Myself Drifting. I Can't Say That I Was Blinded, But I Somehow Pulled The Wool Over My Own Eyes. I Thought That Everything Would Work Itself Out. I Didn't. I Was Wrong. Bouncing Back Stronger Than Ever Has Always Been My Thing. It Came Naturally. I Would Have Preferred Not To HAVE To Do It, But It Was Just One Of Those Things.

My Issue Has Always Been Seeing The Potential In Something Or Someone. This Time Around, It Never Prospered. It Became A Bill. A Heartache. A Headache. A Mental Strain. It Was Everything That I Didn't Need At The Time. Before It Was Too Late, I Separated From It And Regrouped. It Didn't Take Long At All. I Took A New Higher Paying Job And Dedicated Most Of My Time To Work.

Somehow, I Convinced Myself To Leave Miami. I Ran. I Sold My Stuff, Packed The Essentials And Got The Fuck Out Of Dodge. This Situation Was All Too Familiar. Some People Are Just Prone To Moving, And I Was One Of Them. I'd Been Going Through This For As Long As I Could Remember. I Traveled For Work, And For Leisure, So I Guess It All Made Sense. I Was A Wanderer.

For Almost A Year, I Worked Close To 300 Hours A Month. Without Factoring In My Tax-Free Tip Money, I Was ON. Work Filled One Void But It Wasn't Long Before My Focus Was On Another. It Was Off To Another Great Start. Distance Played Its Roll, But We Made This Thing "Work." Soon After, I Was Floating Around In The Matrix. What Was Supposed To Be A Short-Term, One Time Setback, Now Because Constant. It Was Just Too Much. I Was Spending Way Too Much And Saving Not Close To Enough. My Lifestyle Changed. Things That I Normally Wouldn't Think Twice About Doing Became Real Life Debates. Everything Outside Of The Essentials Had Come To A Screeching Halt. Being At A Point In Life Where You've Made The Most Money Ever And Having Nothing To Show For It Was Tough. It Was Something That I Never Imagined. I Had So Much Planned And Nothing Accomplished.

All Of THIS For The Sake Of Helping Others. It Wasnt My Fault And Completely My Fault At The Same Time. It Wasn't Long Before It Took A Great Toll On Me. I Was Falling Into A Depression, But I Couldn't Walk Away. Why? Becuase I Believed In The Vision And Didn't Want To See It Fail. On the one hand, I Didn't Care And On The Other I Couldn't Stop Caring.

To Make Matters Worse, The One Person Who Was Supposed To Alleviate The Stress Made It Worse. I Started To Resent Them And The Entire Situation. Every day, I Wanted It To Be The Last Day. This Wasn't What We Discussed. There Was No Denying That I Cared About And Had Grown To Love This Person But It Was Draining. It Made My Blood Boil On Most Days. The Smile That I Woke Up With Faded Quickly. I Didn't Want This Anymore. I Was In Way Too Deep.

Nothing And No One Could Save Me At This Point. The Harder I Swam, The Quicker I Sank. It Took Everything Out Of Me But I Stayed Afloat. There Was No More Making This Work. Fuck Every Last Bit Of It. It Was Another Battle That I Barely Made It Out Of Alive. Being Chin Deep In The High Tide With No One Looking For You Isn't A Good Feeling. It's Something That I Never Want To Feel Again.

I'm Unsure Of What The Future Holds But I Do Know That I Can't Make The Same Mistakes Again. Dare I Say That I'm Learning How To Be Selfish? It Feels Better Than I Thought. Sometimes You Have To Do Things For Yourself. Focusing On Your Issues And Goals Should Be Your Priority. Don't Let Anyone Tell You Otherwise Because I Can Bet All Of The Lint In My Pocket Right Now That They Will Be Thinking Of Themselves. Let Your Life And Situation Take Precedent.

There's Nothing Like Seeing Your Dreams Become A Reality. There's Nothing Like Checking Things Off Of Your To Do List. No Matter How Big Or Small An Accomplishment Is, You Did It. Honestly, You Should Never Really Have To Explain Why You Want To Be Happy. You May One Day Decide To Quit Your Job, Move Thousands Of Miles Away And Sell Oranges. Guess What - You Have Every Damn Right To Do So If It Makes YOU Happy.

Be Happy.

Everybody Wants You To Be Happy As Long As Your Decision Doesn't Interfere With Their Happiness. Go Figure.

(By The Way, The Feature Image Isn't My Own. It Was An Instagram Repost)

Because all I've ever wanted was to be taken away by the music. Let the sounds infiltrate my mind; the beats touch my soul. The lyrics? Well, they no longer matter as we'll be making our own Luv Songs.These words will mean so much more. When I walked in, I had no idea it would go in this direction. I didn't care as long as you made me feel good. You've done this mix especially for me. Each song perfectly placed. Meticulously transitioned. You didn't do much talking, but when you did, it awakened my senses. Nothing can lead me to believe that you were talking to anyone other than me. No on else mattered.

No, I wasn't under the influence of Patron or anything else, I was just being myself.

This was a natural high. Nothing and no one could kill my vibe. And the beat goes on. I rock to the sounds of our body's songs. Put this playlist on repeat. I want to relive it over and over again.

I made my way towards the booth. It's only a matter of time before I'm face to face with the truth. I know this is your job, and I'd hate to interfere or overstep at a time like this but I have to take advantage as the opportunity seems fit.

Everything in me told me that it was me who you were checking for from across the room. When you gave THAT LOOK, I knew you meant for me to come over. The drunk in me wanted to say hello, but I made sure that I did this while sober.

Tonight, I have to shoot my shot. The worst you can say is no. I don't think that's happening tonight.

Your body and mind seemed to be telling me "Yes!". There is only ONE me and ONE you so let's make sure that we have TOO much of a good time. Don't make it a ONE-time thing. Don't be in such a hurry to leave unless I'm leaving with you.

As your set ends, the good tension grows thicker. The eye contact slowly becomes body contact. I imagined that you'd be good with your hands, but I underestimated the facts.

What a pleasant surprise?

You left me in a temporary trance. You're all packed up to leave, guiding me by hand.

What better time that now?

Valet must've known that we were on a mission because the car came out with speed. We hop in, and it continues. It seems as if the both of us will soon be on the menu.

We don't have far to go, and on a night like this, I can't complain. I can see you checking me as you check your side view mirrors before switching lanes. I play with your beard while you're gripping my thigh. We make our way to exit 2C with ease. Suddenly, I feel as though tonight will be a great night. Boy, was I was right?

As I type in the entry code, I feel you getting closer to me. These three floors seem like an eternity. Alone in the elevator with just the camera watching, we prepare for the after party.

Making our way down the hall, I know it's really about to go down. I could turn back but why wait until now?

Illuminated by the Downtown Lights, I lead you inside. Headed towards to third door on the left, we navigate through the darkness. Please, make yourself comfortable. I'll only take a minute but should you choose to go to the kitchen; you are welcomed to take anything in it.

Before I proceed to give you what you need, let me do what's best for me. Well directed and well protected, we begin to act out all of tonight's scenes. We continue to let each other know that all of THIS makes it impossible to complain as we explore these places that are no longer strange.

The connection is way more than intended. Who is this man that I've befriended?

I'm just hoping that we never end. We won't.

We've lost track of time and the morning's rays penetrate just as you did. It's hard to ignore, but we find a way to make it last longer.

These Love Faces don't fade. This isn't something of the ordinary. There's no rush to end this morning overtaken by lust. We rest. Rest peacefully. Let's take advantage one more time before you have to leave.

Here we go again. No sooner than I can walk through this wrought iron door, I find myself gripping yet another glass of your finest pour.

For some strange reason, I'm no longer enjoying this taste. At this moment I want nothing more than for you to give me some much-needed space.

I've been waiting for the day when my taste buds evolved. I guess that's the only way for this ongoing problem to be solved.

It was fun while it lasted but we need to go our separate ways, no more drunken nights together or hungover days.

There's no denying that this was some of the best and worst pain that I've ever felt, but it's time that I put you back where I found you, up on that shelf.

It's crazy how long I've been under your influence; I've been telling myself that I can't keep putting myself through all of this foolishness.

At first, you were fun and a good time. I continue to sip slow, telling myself it will all be fine.

Didn't want to rush it but I can't seem to stop. I won't be done until you take me to the top.

As my cup empties, the regret kicks in.

What am I doing? Why can't I put you down? This was supposed to be nothing more than a night on the town.

Now I'm looking for these answers in what's left of my cup. The ice and lime tell me nothing but lies, so I order two more of you and continue to turn up.

One for me and one for my innocent inner being. There's no way I can make sense of these double images that I'm seeing.

The blurred lines get stronger, and my focus gets weak. You can hear the slurring of my tongue with every word that I speak.

Dancing all crazily and talking all wild, there's no denying that I haven't felt this way in a while.

Something tells me I'll really feel it on the wake up. I hate to think about it, but we should probably break up.

See you, and I have this bond, this connection, something unexpected and not apart of the original plan. We both know It was supposed to be nothing more than a one night stand.

So as I take down the last few sips of your venomous drink, just take a few seconds for your mind to think.

Think hard, think long about what used to be. No more serenading me with the songs that you used to sing.

In one ear and out the other, my new found disdain for you is no longer hidden. No longer undercover.

The best thing for me to do is detach and separate, you no longer hold keys to the door which holds my fate.

Walked out just as I walked in, this isn't my best option. No longer a slave for you, no more picking your cotton.

Even with you being triple distilled and barreled to age, I'm over you and your deceitful ways.

No more sips. No more swallows. No more shots of your danger. Although I am upset, I can't let my heart be filled with this anger.

As I walk out of this bar in an attempt to leave, I overturn my purse and try to find my keys.

Patting down all of my pockets and retracing all of my steps, I pause to panic. I can't catch my breath.

As soon as they're located, I jump in the car. The last thing I'm thinking is the events that had taken place in the bar.

In and out of traffic, I bob and weave. Cutting lane to lane with no regards to speed.

I swerve into oncoming traffic, nearly missing a bus. Next thing you know, I stall out when my heels miss the clutch.

Cars are coming fast, these lights are starting to blind me. I pray before it's too late, that a higher power finds me.

The next thing I know, shit starts to get real. Lord oh Lord, please don't let me land in jail.

I regain control and start to drive fast, unsure of how long I can make this ride last.

Just as you'd imagine. I slowly felt myself crash.

It may be too late but it's worth it today. I Drop to my knees and begin to pray.

Lord, if you hear me, don't leave me alone. I pray that you safely get me home. I know I've fucked up and I haven't told the whole truth. No confessional today, this here sidewalk shall be my booth. I don't want to beg but you know my heart, I've walked away so please, won't you do your part. It's cold out here, and I don't want to die, Lord answer me, please. I'm begging you on the pavement where I rest on my bruised knees. I'm far from perfect, and I do much wrong, It doesn't mean I have weak morals, and I can't stand strong. More times that not, I've disgraced your name, Please, oh please let me get out of this lane. Not watching what was coming near, I had no idea that I wasn't completely in the clear. These lights are too bright; something isn't right. I never knew that would be the last thing I'd see tonight. Someone hit my car, and it slid on to me. If it wasn't enough, I was now pinned against a huge oak tree. As my life flashed before my eyes, I pleaded for the Lord to hear my cries. All of the bargains and quick deals I tried to make never made it though. The next time that we'd speak, I'd be face to face with you. I guess you've made your choice and made yourself clear; It's you and only you whom I should fear.

My body may be here, but my soul is long gone. I can't believe that I let Patron do me so wrong. As unfortunate as it may be, I'm so glad that my taste buds evolved. I'm so pleased that all of my Patron problems have finally been solved.

And here we are yet again, lips to the rim of a cup full of liquid sin.

I knew it wouldn't be our last time the last time, but it seems to be working out imperfectly fine.

I can't tell if I'm genuinely over you because as much as I want it to be over, I can't help but to lick my lips after every single sip.

Is it the first sip or the last one that you enjoy the most? If it's the first, then I'd like to propose a toast.

Attention! Attention! Everybody, please listen. I would like to make a toast to this drink at hand. It was never meant for me nor ever part of my plan. We just hit it off and continued to kick it. Even with a salted rim, I continued to lick it. What do we do now? Where do we go next? I'll think about it all night but anywhere with you will be best. We've had so many ups and down yet you never let me fall, so I'll be down for you until they make a "Last Call for Alcohol." Steady on my feet, focused on a win. When the lights come on, that's when our night will begin. Are you coming with me or am I going with you? I'm ready to show you all the things that you encourage me to do. Let me wind this on down and let it come to a halt because I'll soon be slurring my words and It will all be your fault.

Although overbearingly strong, You made it crystal clear what you came here to do. Now that I'm at the end, It makes you that much easier for me to consume.

Even when you're deeply diluted and watered down, its still not enough reason to not want you around.

Is it my tolerance that keeps me in line or the fact that I'm willing to let you take control that makes it seem fine?

Steadily getting closer with every taste, I know I should pour you out, but I've never been the type to waste.

Of course, I sometimes fight you, maybe even dislike you, but I'm still scared to find out if you leave, what I might do.

We go back and forth until I'm sober, but I keep pouring up because the separation feels worse than the actual hangover.

I'd much rather we get reacquainted than to try something new. I doubt they'd be able to handle me or have the same effect as you do.

I've come to terms with the fact that at some point we'll have to part ways and let THIS thing discontinue. But until that day comes, I'll keep ordering you as long as you're on my menu.

Respect my pour decisions.

On this journey to the greater good, it's almost impossible to avoid all distractions and temptation. They are around for a reason. It's up to you to decide what's a good detour and that will lead you on a path of destruction. As I'm nearing my next milestone, I see this vibrant, breathtaking vine in the distance. I know this place is unfamiliar, but I feel connected. I've always had an attraction to things that I should approach with caution.

They draw me in at rapid rates. Where is the pause button? Before I can blink, I'm already halfway to it. As I inch closer, the aroma awakens my senses. I can almost feel the heat emitting from this burning bush of lust.

The various color are becoming too vivid. The petals make smiley faces at me. Why are forbidden things so damn good?

No longer having to try, my body floats over as if it knows the greatness that could come from this. How do I always end up here? Just a few more feet before we make contact.

Should we be here? Do I want this? So many questions and not enough time to answer. Everything from here on out will be split second decisions.

I start to second guess your advances but fuck it. All we have is now.

If you should leave a bad aftertaste, I'll know better next time. On the other hand, maybe you'll clean my pallet. Maybe you'll be so refreshing that I'll keep coming back for more. Maybe I'll never find something so good to my taste buds, so why pass it up?

I'll put my money on it today. I have to win this one. Give me a barrel of your sweetest bunch. They told me that I should stay away but I couldn't. I had to have it.

Look at me now.

This grin has turned into a fully blown smile. It won't fade. It isn't going to erase. I smile because I don't care how forbidden you are to them. You're mine.

Even if only for a moment, It won't change what has already transpired. So as I sit here with the last bit of you, I hope that we can replicate this feeling and moment in time.

I hope that before we decide to end this, we figure out how to make it last forever. We're both pretty clever, so I won't exclude the thought. You've somehow become my food for thought.

The things that come to mind when you're inside is just something that I can't deny. Please stay with me and let's figure out how to do this thing right.

If we should cross paths again, we know what we're getting into. I'll know what you were sent to do. I know it will be fruitful.

As forbidden as they said you would be, you are seemingly the perfect fruit for me.