Category: Helpful Conversations

Contemporary Romance, featured, Helpful Conversations, Life, Parenting And Relationships, Romance

Love is forever

Anthony Dixon

Excerpts from my next Book:

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Forever
Introduction: The Gift of Forever Love

Love is one of life’s greatest mysteries—a force that transcends time, space, and human understanding. For those fortunate enough to discover true love and nurture it across decades, the experience becomes nothing short of a divine blessing. This book celebrates such enduring love, drawing on the profound journey of staying married and deeply in love for 45 years. It is not just a testament to romance but also to resilience, faith, and the art of choosing each other every single day.

A Prodigy of Love

When I was twelve years old, Millie professed her love for me in a way that even Romeo could not explain to Juliet. She was only eleven, and in her young, unwavering voice, she declared, “I will always love you for the rest of my life.
I will I never give my heart to anyone
else.” At twelve, what did I know about love? What did she? I often ask myself that question, but then I remember a passage from the Bible: A child shall
show them the way. Could it be that
love, like music or art, has its prodigies—those who understand its
depth before the rest of us do?
I didn’t think much of it at the time. My mind was occupied with baseball, riding my bike, and dreaming of one day being older. But Millie? She knew something I didn’t. Her words were the last thing she said to me when my family packed up and moved from the house we rented from her father. I still remember how she stood on the sidewalk, her arms crossed, biting her lip as if trying to hold back tears. She wasn’t the kind of girl who cried easily. She had a toughness about her that I admired. But that day, she looked fragile, like a dandelion whose petals were about to scatter in the wind. We drove away, and I didn’t look back. I should have. Maybe, in her own way, she truly meant what she said. Maybe it wasn’t just the fleeting emotions of a child. But what could I do? I was twelve, and life was carrying me forward whether I wanted it to or not.
As the years passed, I often wondered if Millie remembered that day. Did she hold on to those words? Or was it simply a moment in time, forgotten like so many childhood promises? The thing about first love is that it leaves an imprint, one you don’t fully recognize until much later in life.

Contemporary Romance, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, Helpful Conversations, Life, Romance

Excerpts from my next Book

Anthony Dixon

“Love is forever/ With the right one”

: Learning to See Beyond Myself

If there’s one lesson Laura taught me that changed the trajectory of my life, it’s this: the world doesn’t revolve around me. I’ve always had a quick wit, a penchant for humor that bordered on reckless, and a tendency to act first and think later. While those traits might make for amusing anecdotes in hindsight, they often came at the expense of other people’s feelings, especially Laura’s. She had the patience and wisdom to teach me how to temper those impulses, turning my rough edges into something smoother, more considerate, and better attuned to the people around me, Emotional intelligence.

There were countless moments where my lack of consideration could have driven a wedge between us, but Laura’s approach was always one of love and guidance. Take the incident at the doctor’s office, for example. That ill-timed joke—referring to her as a “miserable woman”—might have been amusing in my head, but it didn’t land that way for her. Her reaction wasn’t just a defense of her own dignity; it was a lesson for me to be more mindful of how my words impacted others.

Laura didn’t just tell me what I was doing wrong; she showed me what right looked like. Through her actions, I learned the value of kindness, thoughtfulness, and the power of empathy. She had a way of seeing people—not just what they showed on the surface but what they carried inside. Watching her interact with others, from family and friends to strangers, was like witnessing a masterclass in emotional intelligence. She taught me that being considerate isn’t just about avoiding hurtful words; it’s about understanding and anticipating how your actions might affect someone else.

Over time, her influence rounded me out. I started to think before I spoke, to consider the impact of my jokes, my decisions, and even my silences. Laura made me realize that humor, while a gift, is best used to uplift rather than tear down. She taught me that thoughtlessness, even when unintentional, can chip away at relationships if left unchecked.

But more than that, Laura showed me that being considerate isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about actively choosing to bring joy, comfort, and understanding into other people’s lives. It’s about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and recognizing that their feelings, struggles, and triumphs matter just as much as your own.

Learning these lessons wasn’t always easy. There were times when my stubbornness got the better of me, and moments when I slipped back into old habits. But Laura’s love was unwavering. She didn’t give up on me, even when I gave her every reason to. Instead, she celebrated my progress, no matter how small, and encouraged me to keep striving toward becoming the best version of myself.

Now, I look back on my early years with Laura not with shame, but with gratitude. Gratitude for her patience, her strength, and her ability to see the good in me, even when I couldn’t. She didn’t just round me out; she reshaped the way I see the world and my place in it. Because of her, I’ve learned that being thoughtful and considerate isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life, and one that I strive to embody every day.

Ambition, America, Empathy, featured, Helpful Conversations, Life, Self help, Weather the storm

Human Trafficking: Modern day Slavery

Anthony Dixon

Human Trafficking: The Modern-Day Slavery

Opening Verse: The Weight of One Life

If you could save just one life, would you?

This question has haunted me through every word of the 509 blogs I’ve written. It all began with a simple, 60-word post on Facebook—an unassuming message about the misusing of social media. Safe travels and the nuances of parenting were the theme of my Blogs. I didn’t anticipate the ripple it would create, nor the path it would set me on. But that small act ignited something within me, a realization that words carry power, that they can reach into the void and touch souls lost in the shadows.

The night I shared that first post, I stared at the ceiling, sleep elusive. A storm of thoughts swirled in my mind. Was anyone listening? Could a few sentences make a difference? The glow of the screen had faded, but its afterimage burned behind my eyes. I felt a pull—a calling—to dive deeper, to use my voice to illuminate the darkness that many choose to ignore.

I began exploring stories that others shied away from, peeling back layers to reveal the harsh realities of predators lurking in plain sight and the insidious web of human trafficking. Each blog became a beacon, a flare shot into the night sky, signaling to anyone out there that they were not alone. I wrote about safe passages, the importance of vigilance, and the silent cries of those trapped in unimaginable circumstances.

Then came the message that changed everything: “Your words gave me the courage to leave.” A survivor had found solace and strength in my writings. Her story was one of unimaginable hardship, but also of resilience and hope. In that moment, the weight of what I was doing hit me. My words had transcended the digital abyss and reached a real, beating heart. The abstract became tangible. The question I’d been asking wasn’t hypothetical anymore.

Could I save just one life? The answer was unfolding before me.

But with that realization came a heavier burden. The stories I unearthed were not just tales; they were lived nightmares. Children manipulated by those they trusted, individuals sold and traded as commodities, lives crushed under the weight of others’ greed and perversion. The more I learned, the more imperative it became to continue—to shout louder into the void.

I recalled a fundamental principle rooted deeply in my faith and echoed across religions and moral codes: saving one life is akin to saving the entire world. It’s a reminder that every soul carries infinite value, that our actions, no matter how small, can have profound impacts.

This book is the next step in my journey—a commitment to delve deeper, to shine a relentless light on the darkest corners. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about confronting uncomfortable truths and urging collective action. Through vivid narratives and unwavering honesty, I aim to not only inform but to galvanize. Predators and traffickers thrive in silence and ignorance; by exposing their shadows, we strip them of power.

I invite you to walk this path with me—not as a passive observer, but as an active participant in change. Feel the urgency, the fear, the hope. Let the stories stir something within you, a call to reflect on that pivotal question.

If you could save just one life, would you?

Because in the end, it’s not about grand gestures or sweeping movements. It’s about individual choices, small acts of courage, and the willingness to face the darkness head-on. Together, we can create ripples that turn into waves, waves that can wash away the stains of indifference and inaction.
So, turn the page. Let us begin this journey. Lives are hanging in the balance, and each one is a world unto itself. Saving one is saving all.

Introduction: A Silent Epidemic

Ambition, Empathy, Helpful Conversations, Inclusion, Life, Parenting And Relationships

Walking in your shoes

Anthony Dixon

Walking in your shoes : Walk in your shoes

Available on Amazon

https://a.co/d/em0wwD7

The Ebook is live on Amazon The Paperback is soon to be Published. Walking in Your Shoes: A Children’s Story of Following in a Parent’s Footsteps Chapter 1: Walking in Their Shoes Book description This Book is for every young person who wants to make something of their lives Learning from the Best In life, we often look up to someone who inspires us and sets a positive example for us to follow. This person could be a parent, a teacher, a friend, or even a famous role model. By observing and learning from the best, we can gain valuable insights and skills that will help us grow and succeed in our own lives. Parents are often the first and most influential role models in a child’s life. They teach us important values, skills, and lessons that shape who we become as individuals. By watching our parents navigate through challenges and achieve their goals, we can learn valuable life lessons that will help us in our own journeys. Whether it’s learning the importance of hard work, perseverance, or kindness, our parents serve as guiding lights that show us the way forward. Filling the Void – Walking in Your Shoes Growing up without someone to look up to can feel like navigating a vast, empty landscape. It’s a void that can deeply affect your sense of self, your education, and your overall upbringing. When you don’t have that guiding star, it’s easy to feel lost, like a ship adrift at sea with no clear direction. This void can shape the way you view the world, the decisions you make, and ultimately, the person you become. Parents, ideally, should be the first role models in a child’s life. They are the ones who should guide you, not just through their words but through their actions, living their lives in a manner that teaches you the right way to be. This guidance isn’t just about telling you what to do; it’s about showing you through their own choices and behaviors. When parents live with integrity, kindness, and responsibility, they lay down a path for you to follow. They become the first examples of how to navigate the complexities of life. P.S. When my kids were teenagers, my Wife and I would argue in the Basement, not in front of the Children. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have parents who fulfill this role. Sometimes, through no fault of your own, the people who are supposed to be your guides are absent, either physically or emotionally. Maybe they are caught up in their struggles, unable to provide the support you need. Or perhaps, they never learned these lessons themselves, and so they have nothing to pass on. In these situations, the void can seem even larger. But even if your parents are unable to be the role models you need, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed to wander aimlessly. The beauty of life is that it offers countless opportunities to find inspiration, even if it’s not in the people closest to you. If your parents don’t provide the guidance you need, it’s up to you to seek out someone whose life or lifestyle you admire. It could be a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, or even someone you’ve never met—an author, a historical figure, or a public figure who embodies the values you aspire to. Finding a role model is like finding a map in that vast, empty landscape. It doesn’t fill the void completely, but it gives you a direction, a path to follow. When you admire someone’s life, you’re not just admiring their success; you’re admiring the steps they took to get there, the values they held onto, the choices they made in the face of adversity. By studying their journey, you can start to see the path they followed and begin to chart your own course. Walking in your shoes : Walk in your shoes https://a.co/d/aAxTXUv
Ambition, America, Black History, Dr King, Emotional Intelligence, Helpful Conversations, Inclusion, Life, Motivation, Parenting And Relationships, Self help

Individual thinkers

Anthony Dixon

The Silent Curriculum: What I Wasn’t Taught in School

Introduction

The powerful lyrics of The Cars’ song, “You can’t go on thinking nothing is wrong,” resonate with me now more than ever. These words echo the sentiments I’ve carried for decades, especially when I reflect on my own educational journey. Fifty years have passed, and the realization has dawned on me: the education system failed me. This isn’t just my story; it’s a narrative shared by many who felt that their schooling did not prepare them for the world in all its complexity.

The Shortcomings of Traditional Education

Albert Einstein once expressed similar frustrations, famously noting that his teachers never taught him what he truly wanted to learn. He wasn’t alone in this feeling. In many ways, my experience mirrored Einstein’s. The curriculum was rigid, focused on rote memorization and standardized tests, rather than fostering curiosity and critical thinking. History, in particular, was sanitized, with key parts of our past either glossed over or omitted entirely.

Slavery, for instance, was a seldom-referenced word in all my history classes. The horrors and implications of this brutal institution were treated as a footnote in a textbook rather than a significant part of our nation’s history. If it hadn’t been for a real educator—one who saw beyond the curriculum—I might never have understood the importance of continuous learning or the value of the knowledge that wasn’t readily provided by the system.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning

This educator offered me a piece of advice that has stayed with me: “Even if you decide not to go to college, never stop learning. When you stop learning, you begin the process of dying.” These words, echoed by the wisdom of Einstein, have guided me through life. They motivated me to seek knowledge outside the confines of formal education, to question the narrative I was given, and to discover the stories that were left untold.

It was through this self-directed learning that I came to know about the great Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia, a leader who successfully defended his country against colonial powers. I learned about Enoch, a biblical figure who is often overlooked in mainstream teachings. And I delved into the life of Hannibal, one of the greatest military commanders in history, whose story was barely mentioned in the classrooms I sat in.

The Need for Open Dialogue

Education isn’t just about the transfer of knowledge; it’s about fostering an environment where ideas can be discussed openly, where grievances can be aired, and where uncomfortable truths can be confronted. In a marriage, if there’s a gripe, it must be discussed. Ignoring a problem is like ignoring a tumor—it only grows, eventually becoming malignant. The same principle applies to education and the way we address our history.

In high school, it wasn’t until 1971 that Black History began to be taught, and even then, the subject matter was vague, superficial, and often sanitized. The silence around slavery and other uncomfortable truths spoke louder than words. This silence was not just an oversight; it was a form of complicity. By not addressing these issues head-on, the education system showed a level of indifference that left many students, including myself, searching for answers outside the classroom.

Silence and Complicity

When it comes to subjects like slavery, silence is more than just a lack of information—it’s a powerful statement. Silence in education amounts to complicity in the perpetuation of ignorance. It shows an indifference to the suffering and struggles of those who came before us, and it denies students the full picture of the world they live in.

The curriculum I experienced was more about maintaining the status quo than challenging it. It was about creating obedient citizens rather than critical thinkers. This is why it’s so important to continue learning, to seek out the stories that weren’t told, and to ask the questions that weren’t asked.

Conclusion

Looking back, I realize that my education didn’t end when I left school; it only began. The gaps in my formal education led me to become a lifelong learner, constantly seeking knowledge that wasn’t readily provided. The words of The Cars, “You can’t go on thinking nothing is wrong,” remind me that we must be vigilant in questioning the world around us, especially the narratives we are given.

Education should empower, enlighten, and challenge us. When it fails to do so, we must take it upon ourselves to seek out the truth, to learn, and to grow. Because when we stop learning, we stop living. And in a world where silence still often speaks louder than words, we cannot afford to be complicit. We must continue to ask the hard questions, to confront the uncomfortable truths, and to learn from the past to create a better future. This type of thinking should overlap our efforts to protect and prolong our great Democracy. Making America great should mean, creating a Nation of individual thinkers, not a Generation of Sheep.