Cherish the Day: A Reflection on Choosing Joy and Living with Purpose
Choosing Gratitude Every Day
The Joy of Watching Someone You Love Win
This past Friday evening, as I made my commute home, I reflected deeply. The hum of the road, the soft sound of music playing through my car speakers, and the winding down of the week created the perfect atmosphere to look inward. It was one of those moments gently reminding you: regardless of what happens, it’s always a good day.
That might sound overly optimistic to some, but it’s a life truth to me. Over the years, I’ve realized that being happy is a choice, and more importantly, my happiness is my responsibility. I don’t outsource it. I don’t let circumstances dictate it. I own it. That mindset didn’t come overnight; it came through years of learning, growing, and seeking alignment with what matters most.
The Power of Perspective
We often take the most precious gift we have for granted: the day itself. Each sunrise is another chance, another opportunity to live better, love more profoundly, and grow stronger. One of my favorite mantras comes from a song by the legendary Sade: “Cherish the Day.” It’s not just a beautiful song; it’s a reminder to hold close to each moment we're given.
There’s something powerful about waking up with a sense of purpose, gratitude, and intention. We still have a chance to make a difference no matter what may be happening in our lives, setbacks, frustrations, or unanswered prayers. That, to me, is what keeps the fire lit.
The Mastermind Principle
Every Sunday at 8:00 a.m., I meet on Zoom with a group of driven, purpose-filled people. Some call it a mastermind alliance, and they’re right. The foundation of our gathering is rooted in Napoleon Hill’s Mastermind Principle, a concept he wrote about in his timeless classic Think and Grow Rich.
Hill wrote that when two or more minds come together in harmony for a common purpose, a third “mind” is created, the Master Mind. It’s an energy, a synergy that cannot be duplicated in isolation. For well over 14 years, this circle has been a source of peace, positivity, and powerful accountability in my life. Some weeks we meet on Saturdays, others on Sundays, but no matter what, we show up.
This morning, one of the members asked me a simple yet powerful question:
“What’s the one thing you're most excited about right now?”
I paused. I could have talked about the recognition I’ve received, the goals I’ve achieved, or the platforms I’ve been blessed to be a part of. But without hesitation, my answer was my wife and her success.
The Joy of Watching Someone You Love Win
My wife has been my rock, encourager, and partner in every sense of the word. She supported me, pushed me forward for years, and stood in my corner as I chased my dreams. She celebrated every win and prayed through every setback with me.
Now, I enjoy cheering her on as she enters her light. From her beginnings in the insurance industry to owning her own travel business and now expanding into the real estate world, she is truly living her best life, and I couldn’t be prouder.
After our call, it hit me that I didn’t even mention myself in my answer. I didn’t mention that I had just been named one of the Top 22 African American Leaders in Radio or that one of my stations received two prestigious awards from the Louisiana Broadcasters Association. And that’s okay.
Because this season of life isn’t just about me; it’s about us. It’s about what we’re building, what we’re celebrating, and how we’re choosing to show up for each other.
Choosing Gratitude Every Day
Recognition is a blessing, and I’m genuinely grateful for it. But gratitude isn’t about spotlight moments; it’s about staying grounded in the everyday gifts. It’s about being thankful for the chance to try, the ability to fail, the joy of progress, and the people who walk the journey with you.
We live in a world where negativity is easy to find. You turn on the news, scroll social media, or even overhear conversations; there’s no shortage of complaints, criticism, or comparisons. That’s why we have to fight daily to protect our joy, peace, and mindset.
Make Every Day Count
So here’s what I know for sure:
Your happiness is your duty.
Your purpose is your responsibility.
Your joy is a choice you make every single day.
The day you’ve been given is not promised, so cherish it. Use it. Please share it. Make it matter.
If you have a dream, pursue it. If someone you love is shining, celebrate them. If you’re in a season of quiet growth, lean in and keep watering your soul.
It’s always a good day when you decide it is.