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No Matter What!

NO MATTER WHAT! Motivational Poems & Inspirational Stories

A Sample Version Copyright

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

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Derrick Nowlin (703) 989-8277 www.DerrickNow.com www.Facebook.com/DerrickNow1

©- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

Table of Contents A Short Memo From Derrick… ...............................................5 THE MINDSET… ....................................................................6 NOT EVEN "NOTHING"* ........................................................7 ULTIMATELY .........................................................................8 NO MATTER WHAT! ...............................................................9 STAIRWELL ..........................................................................11 THANK YOU ........................................................................12 ABOUT THE AUTHOR ..........................................................13 CONTRIBUTORS ..................................................................14

©- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

A Short Memo From Derrick…

This little volume is not a text for living, nor is it an instruction manual. It isn't the path to enlightenment, and it certainly isn't Shakespeare. But if it speaks to someone’s soul, or puts a smile on the face of someone who is having a "not - so - wonderful" day, then it has served its purposes. It is oxygen for the soul. Have an open mind, Turn the page, and... Breathe. Photo Courtesy - Steve Parke Photography

©- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

THE MINDSETâ€Ś Did you hear that Abraham Lincoln was born in poverty, failed twice in business, lost 8 attempts at public office and suffered a nervous breakdown before becoming one of the greatest presidents in American history? Is it true that James Earl Jones, known for his amazing speaking voice, was a severe stutterer? Or that motivational speaker, talk show host and radio personality Les Brown was labeled "slow"? How about Olympic Hurdler Gail Devers winning olympic gold after battling back from a severe disorder that had her on the verge of having both feet amputated? Did Luther Vandross really lose at amateur night at the Apollo? Was Lee Iacocca really FIRED from Ford Motor Company? And one of my favorites, I have heard stories that Bruce Lee had ruptured disks in his back, he had terrible vision and one leg was about an inch shorter than the other! Need more? Fitness guru Jack Lalanne was a weak and sickly child, Beethoven was deaf, and Whoopi Goldberg was a drug addict and on welfare! Yes, these stories are true! Yet these people were wildly successful in spite of their obstacles. They are extreme examples of the power of "will". But if we look very closely at our own lives, we can often find examples of this same phenomenon in ourselves and the people around us. When I took stock of my own life, I began to notice that even the little successes that I have had seemed to come when I was in a particular frame of mind - thankful, determined, focused and confident. It is as though my attitude created an environment for positive progress to be made. This "environment" created a series of events that looked like what people often refer to as "good luck", when it's not really luck at all! I began to jot down my feelings about what I was noticing, and this little book is the result. If this book can in some way make someone else do a similar self examination, and perhaps find that power within themselves, then it has served its purpose. For me it is a reminder of the fact that my potential is limited primarily by my mindset. Hopefully it will inform or remind you of that same fact. Enjoy. Photo Courtesy - Steve Parke Photography

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

NOT EVEN "NOTHING"* Beyond our skies, I wonder what The eyes of man have not yet seen. He's walked the surface of the moon, And maybe Mars on some day soon. But is there just a void beyond; Our universe a drear expanse? Or are there lands as yet unseen With pleasing pastures, lush and green? “ What is Infinite?” we ask; The mind of God? The dreams of man? The nebula so grandly swirled? Or could there be a spirit world? Explain to me the soul of man. The soul; the mind; are they the same? Did man, through centuries, forget? Or has he not discovered yet? So often I am quite confused. At other times I question not. The mysteries of day and night, I just observe, in sheer delight. We understand the orbits, yes. We circle round about the sun, And yet, great minds cannot agree on what it is, this "GRAVITY". The mysteries will always be. By man's own ignorance and hate The dialectic was destroyed. The answers loom within the void. Of what though, can this void consist? Not even "NOTHING", Trefil says. * So grand are all these things I see, I must conclude that God must "BE". * Theoretical Physicist Dr. James Trefil once asked a college Physics class what they thought lied beyond the universe. One student replied “Nothing!” To that, Dr. Trefil responded, “ Some say it’s not even that!”

Photo Courtesy - ganesha.isis Photograpy(Flickr)

©- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

ULTIMATELY Don't believe in me? That's cool. I don't need YOUR faith to fly. You stand still, and cast your doubt, Then, watch me as I touch the sky. Think that I'm a fool? OK. Your opinion seems so dry. You continue to critique, But step aside when I go by. Think my dreams cannot come true? What a foolish thing to say. Tell the world that I "cannot", Then watch me as I lead the way. Laugh at me when I explain? Think my dreams are simply jokes? Watch in awe as I display The power that my faith invokes. Try to block the path I walk? Better duck, cause I can swing. I'm too bold for you to stop. I can accomplish ANYTHING. Joke about me to your friends? That's ok, it doesn't sting. That can't even dull the notes Or rhythm of the song I sing. Wonder why I still push on; Why I haven't given in? Well, If I can't complete the race Then how can I expect to win? May as well accept the truth. Folks like me can never fail. We believe, and never quit, And ultimately, we prevail Photo Courtesy - Fotolia.com

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

NO MATTER WHAT!

I was 3000 miles away from home, in a somewhat unfamiliar environment. I had dreamed about it, but reality is very sobering at times. I went to Los Angeles to try my hand at acting. The naysayers had given me all of their reasons why I was going about it all wrong. I had no head shot, no SAG card, not much money, no car, no agent and no resume, but here I was in Los Angeles determined to get my foot in the door. There is a real sense of urgency to a dream when you are 3000 miles from home without a safety net. Homelessness and starvation become topics of deep examination. Considering that I have a very strong survival instinct, homelessness and starvation were not acceptable options. I had to get that foot in the door relatively quickly NO MATTER WHAT! When the money that I had taken with me from my comfy Virginia home began to run low, an overwhelming sense of urgency overtook me. Now was the time to be bold and get something done or pack it up and go home with my tail Photo Courtesy - Steve Parke Photography

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

between my legs like a frightened dog. No. I have been fighting all of my life and I was not about to run from this one. It was a dream that I was not willing to quit on. Armed with determination, and a healthy dose of fear, I went on a mission to get as much information as I could as quickly as I could. I had been in LA for a month, and I wanted answers. Now, I NEEDED them. When I had visited Hollywood before, I had noticed a large newsstand on Las Palmas Blvd, which seemed like as good a place as any to start. So I caught a bus to Hollywood and walked to the newsstand. After a few minutes, a small yellow book jumped out at me. It claimed that if its instructions we're followed carefully and completely, I could be a working actor in one month. It even had a money back guarantee! So I decided to take a chance. A few pages into the book, I encountered a problem. The book listed some great local photographers and suggested getting a good headshot, which is an essential tool of the acting trade. I knew that, but I didn't have one, or the money to get one. The book also recommended agents who worked with relative beginners, so I knew that now was the time to be bold. Without a headshot or resume, I set up a meeting with an agent. When I arrived, she asked for my photo and resume. I told her that I did not have any. All that I had was a small snapshot that my mother took of me just before I left VA for California. The agent informed me that it just would not do. "Fine! I am 3000 miles from home, and I did NOT come out here to starve. If YOU won't help me, then I will go find someone who will!!!!" I said, as I grabbed the picture and turned to walk out. “Wait a minute..." she said.” I like your attitude. If I get you an acting gig, will you promise me that you will take your first paycheck and get yourself some professional pictures?" I promised, and by the time I got home that evening, the agent had already called and gotten me a booking on an infomercial. I kept my word, and with my first check I got my photos. From that point forth, I was very busy. From working as an "extra", to bit parts, to bigger parts. There is always a way. Even if you do not have everything that you think that you need, determination and “a made up mind” can bridge the gap between where you are, and where you want to be. They can fill in for those things that are missing, and they can cut through opposition like a hot knife through butter. If you are determined to succeed no matter what, then success is likely waiting patiently for you right around the corner. Copyright

©- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

STAIRWELL

Type to enter text

I slowly climb the steps of life. With care and caution I progress. I hold the rail to brace myself. I fear a fall I must confess.

And up ahead I see a choice. My flight of stairs is split in two. I’ll choose the path I think is best, And pray that God will see me through.

The only thing that makes me fear, Is looking back to where I’ve been; The things that made a menace of This stairwell that I’m climbing in.

I need not ask advice from you. Your point of view is fine to see, but now’s the time that I must do The things I THINK are right for me.

I think that I should focus now, And watch the step I’m stepping to. While looking back, I could mis-step, And all my fears would then come true.

I’ll keep my nerve and sense of risk If up these stairs I dare advance. For I could never take a step, If I declined to take a chance.

The steps are filled with cracks and warps, And much attention must be paid. I fell before, and thus I’ve learned, And grown from the mistakes I’ve made. Photo Courtesy - d K arjadiFrom (Flickr)

So now I’ve reached a brand new step, That up till now, I’ve never known. I grasp the rail, and say a prayer, And forge on forward... On my own. Copyright

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

THANK YOU Once again, thank you for Sampling this ebook. I hope that in some way it has inspired you and put a smile on your face. If you would like to get the full ebook version, you can find it right here: http://derricknow.info/products-page-2/ Stay tuned for Volume 2 & 3, they are coming soon! If you enjoyed reading it and you are interested in more of my work, please contact me at www.DerrickNow.com or come over to my Facebook page at: www.Facebook.com/DerrickNow1 . My Facebook page is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring you to always will become more! My focus on the Facebook page is primarily Health, Fitness and Self Defense. However, as this collection of stories and poetry hopefully conveyed, I strongly believe that success begins with our thoughts. Sometimes it takes a little effort, sometimes it takes a lot, I just hope to do my part in helping you to be inspired and pushed enough to reach for your goals, whether they be your fitness goals, or your personal or professional goals! Stop by my facebook page and join in the conversation! I look forward to hearing from you! Photo Courtesy - Steve Parke Photography

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Derrick "Rick" Nowlin has over 20 years experience in Martial Arts and Fitness. As a Martial Arts instructor, group fitness instructor, and personal trainer he has designed and taught several innovative Martial Arts, Self Defense and fitness classes, Rape Prevention seminars and Weapons workshops for various organizations including The Fairfax County Police Department, The Jhoon Rhee Institute Of Tae Kwon Do, Key Fitness, various health clubs, on campus at George Mason University and for several private organizations. He has been hired to train police officers, bodyguards, military personnel, and other security professionals. He has also had several celebrity clients. He has studied various martial arts including Okinawan Karate, Thai Boxing, American Kick Boxing, Kung Fu and Escrima. In addition to teaching, Rick has appeared in several feature films and performed live Martial Arts Demonstrations throughout the Washington DC area and in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City at community events, celebrity functions, and on national television. He has also been featured in the Washington Post and The Washington City Paper, and various other publications. Derrick has also been used as a quoted source and had several articles published in Men's Fitness Magazine.

ÂŠ- 2011 by Derrick Nowlin

www.DerrickNow.com

No Matter What!

CONTRIBUTORS Author of Poetry: Derrick Nowlin Designed & Published by: Kristy Chase

Photography provided by: ~ Photos of Derrick Nowlin taken by Steve Parke Photography ~ Photo Images for poems by: www.fotolia.com (All legally purchased) * www.flickr.com (All royalty free with (CC) Creative Commons license ** Swift Publisher 3 (All royalty free images purchased)

* Fotolia’s standard license allows unlimited print runs and never expire for: Websites, blogs, newsletters, web banners and illustrations, Press articles and magazine illustrations, Print advertising (magazines, urban displays), commercial documents, packaging, Slide shows and videos for presentation and broadcast, Décor design elements, including framed images for personal use. ** All royalty free images were carefully selected using ONLY images with expressed permission from the photographer or photographs with Creative Commons (CC) license - to include permission to use, share or modify, even commercially.