The Essence of Masculinity

"A real man is a warrior; He fights for those who can't fight for themselves. He is a Leader, who isn't afraid to challenge the system, to bring about change he knows the world so desperately needs. He serves a cause greater than himself and he is lovingly compassionate and he is a romantic. His heart yearns both to love and to conquer and he is not ashamed to bow his head and take a knee before the God he so passionately serves, for he knows full well the essence and origin of his true masculinity and strength."

Bobby Ozuna | November 2011

A Father's Right and Duty

"Fathers: Dare to love your children today. Dare to defend their right to be free-loving spirits. Dare to defend their right to the best education possible, at any cost necessary, to inspire them to learn. Dare to defend your sons' rights to be weak, as they aren't animals, but rather, reflections of both you, as their father, and their mother. Dare to show them by example, when to be strong. Dare to defend the virtue of your daughters and nurture the importance of defending and protecting their virginity, and lastly, dare to show them how to be a man and what a man should be. Don't fear to fail them, because that is the bain of our existence, the spear that penetrates our hearts, which was born first in the men who have failed us previously, stretching forth to the very fall of Adam, but instead dear Fathers,  fear more, who or what will teach them what you aren't willing to show them in your walk, by living example."

Bobby Ozuna | November 2011

Who Shall Lead True Educational Reform in America?

There have been some great responses and a collection of private emails sent to me regarding my recent post, both here on this website and on my Facebook wall. (See Question: Why Impose an Educational System, That Has Limits On Its Ability to 'Educate'?)

Below is my response and further argument.

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It is imperative [that] people--our society--is forded the opportunity to hear perspectives from each of the three (the three essential pillars for appropriate societal education of our children)...the school system (representatives), the educators themselves and the parents. If a consensus could be reached between the three, we would have, I believe, created the ideal and most appropriately functional basis for an appropriate educational 'system.' Now, how we go about that is the general issue I believe. If we are to properly educate our children, it will take efforts on all sides to cooperate together. Now, its no easy task, that we know. But I think, and I am fond of teaching, self-awareness is the key to growth. We as a society must first realize, our system of education IS broken. Then, relieving special interest and primarily, money, we need to embark on a journey to discover a better means of offering an education to our children. Someone must take the reigns and someone must lead, and that leader must follow the council and direction, requests and passions of the people he/she leads. Apathy I believe will be the very cause of the decline of such an ambitious endeavor.

I think, historically, we are doing the right thing by first discussing it. There are people who care, but don't know where to begin. There are people who wish to care, but aren't sure of the 'facts (which are and should be contested). There are also people who could care less and see the system as a functional tool for processing drones, as you say, in efforts to keep cash-flow running smoothly. I see as a vision a new system, born by a combination of what has worked in the past, and what can be applied for the future, mixed with traditional and nontraditional methods. Who shall lead the charge is open to public determination. Whether or not that leader can bind Apathy, well, that is another fight altogether.


~Bobby Ozuna

Why impose an educational system, that has limits on its ability to 'educate'?

With the dramatic decrease in employees & staff in our school systems...I wonder, should we, as parents and community members...cease to send our children to school? If we are 'failing' with full staff, what will we become with a severely limited availability of resources? What's the point?

If the system is already designed to "tell" not insight "free thought"...then why can't we just tell them what to do already? Why can't they read and study books on their own, without fear of being judged by "minimal test scores"? Why not encourage them to think freely and prepare them, as a parent, as a community, for a college system that doesn't "tell them what to know" but rather, encourages them to "think for themselves?"

Apart from "having to go to school" because its "the way we do things in America"--why do we really have to (or why would we want to) send them to school?



~Bobby Ozuna

Is Freedom physical or simply a state of mind?

Would you say FREEDOM is something tangible, something physical, something you can touch, taste, smell, hear or would you say FREEDOM is mental, something that exists within the "reality" of your mind--a state of being?

What is your stance on the 'concept' or 'illusion' of FREEDOM?

Can you possess it or perhaps only live within its realm?


Feel free to share your thoughts...

...serving the soul of humanity...


~Bobby

The subtle and pervasive reality, of Reality Television.

The irony and the aspect of "reality" TV that should scare us the most is this: First, that TV producers consider the nonsense as "reality" and secondly, by not being overly critical, we are (seemingly) allowing these (types of) shows to instill a new set of values in our community, family and children, which then in turns becomes OUR "reality."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matter.

~Bobby

The Cycle of Patterns: Introduction

‎[This is the first part in a series of articles which are draft forms of the new non-fiction booklets I am writing to help bless, edify, encourage and mentor the soul of humanity]

The first critical step in implementing change in your life is confession. Self-awareness is the key to growth and development. You can't change unless you first realize a change is required. To believe you need to change is one thing, to confess is another altogether.

I've heard it countless times before. How do I know I need to make changes in my life?

The response: Simply thinking about the notion of implementing change in your life is the first indicator. Your soul is the spiritual representation of your true nature--your true self. When your spirit is at conflict with your physical and outward actions--the life choices you are making--there is conflict. That inner turmoil, that 'tug-of-war' you feel within your mind, when you're happy one minute and unhappy the next, is the clash between your mind--your Ego--and your Soul--your true identity.

You can't buy happiness. It can't be purchased in a book, it can't be found in a store, in another person (male or female companion), you can't find it in your own children or grandchildren, it can only be discovered. To discover happiness is to land on its shores. It's a journey, a trip, a symbolic road trip away from the mundane routines you are already implementing in your life, which must be altered, like a course down the wrong path to the right location.

The Cycle of Patterns, as I call it, clearly defines the steps to implement change. You have to first be aware that a change is required. That is where confession comes in. Secondly, after making the outward verbal confession you must then replicate that action by verbalizing the belief that you are (or are not) what you are at the present moment.

Do not be afraid to come to terms with your short-comings, hindrances or mere necessity of change. Change is great. Change is a wonderful breath of fresh air on a muggy, humid day. Welcome it. Look for it in expectance by creating it with the power of the spoken (and written as you will see) word.

Spend some time along and identify first, the desire and necessity to change. Verbalize it. Say it out loud. Tell a friend, tell a loved one, a stranger, a pet or simply look yourself in the mirror and say, "It's time for a change." This is the first step towards discovering true happiness and changing the present life course of your life.

(to be continued...)

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby Ozuna

The Serving Soul--May 22nd, 2011

"The Serving Soul"--May 22nd, 2011

When does the world end?

In light of the comical following to a fanatical belief [that] the world was supposed to end yesterday, May 21st, 2011, I thought I'd interject with my own poetic rendition to this possibly historical event, by sharing a tale that was relayed to me when I was a child.

There is a passage in the Book of Matthew (first book of the New Testament) where Jesus is asked point blank by his disciples when the world will end. I remember the first time I read this particular passage because as I was spending more time dissecting the scriptures, I couldn't help but ask myself: Why doesn't someone ask the real questions!? Then, ironically, I ran across the scripture myself. I remember feeling justified in that, yes, it seems these disciples were human after all.

I remember asking my father this same question when I was young. I thought it was harmless and my father must have seen in me, the same inquisitiveness stirring at an early age that has since defined my life path--my approach to all aspects of life. His answer was simple and it has been the very response I share to the multitudes of people who have posed the same question to me over the years.

When does the world end?

Simple.

It ends the day you die.

That was the response my father gave me and looking back, I realize it had a very powerful implication in that one, it did answer the immediate question and secondly, it offered some sense of peace to an inquiring soul like myself. It is no doubt obvious that people can spend so much time tending to the details of this possible known event [that] they put their life on hold and almost quit living altogether. Worse still, if you aren't careful you can find yourself spending a vast majority of your time judging or scaring others into following particiular religious processions because of their own indecision. I think the response is enlightening because it offers a sense of tranquility that says: You only have to worry about what you can control, while you are living, and because of this, your only real obligation to the fear that the "world is going to end soon" is [that] you fulfill a life of purpose until that day.

I have no doubt there are people and groups or organizations who dedicate every resource available to determining a solid answer to this common question: When is the world going to end? But I ask this particular question in return: Is the purpose of such a discovery to help offer a greater sense of life, for the rest of humanity, while we yet live? If not, then there is no reason to chase this illusive tail (or tale for that matter). I see this research and study (or worry) no different than someone who says, "I know which team is going to lose the game!" Then, during the entire course of a sporting event they chant, parade around the house and interrupt other spectators to share their own conclusion on what the final outcome will be. Yes, there is always a 50% chance they might be accurate in their hypothesis. Then, if they are, the euphoria is telling everyone "I was right!" And yes, if they guessed (or somehow evaluated correctly) I think they missed the greatest treasure and reward: They missed the entire game and in focusing on the end result, they caused others to miss the game as well.

Life to me is similar in pattern to a sporting event. There is heightened enthusiasm leading up to the event, then the announcement--the birth of the life participants. Then, the game is commenced and we watch, we look for mistakes, we celebrate the small victories and then we almost die with the hero as they fall short. There are break periods, for the hero's and for all the spectators. There is advise, counsel and coaching along the way. Support is rallied and faith is lost. Then, as the game comes to a close, there are multitudes of professionals offering insight and in time, the hero is forgotten, remembered only on special occasions. We honor their attempt over time and we try not to focus on the losses, but rather the victory their game offered us in mere entertainment--entertainment that pulled the rest of us away from our ordinary, mundane sports of our lives.

I say celebrate the life you have been given, and the time you are aware of, now, as it matters. Because, at the end of the day, what else truly matters, when the game is over?

...serving the soul of humanity...


~Bobby Ozuna

The Serving Soul--May 11th, 2011

What does it take to live a life of reason? A life of value? A life of purpose?

You have to assume that service to others, the unselfish act of living, does NOT come naturally...therefore...to act on behalf of others, selflessly, without concern for your own needs, is a miracle in itself to perform...small miracles, yes...but miraculous  nonetheless. The notion [that] others would heed the subtle whisper of the spirit, to be keen to the sensitivities of others and their necessities and thereby offer it up freely, without consideration for what you (they) need, is a rare and seldom gift. I am a firm believer that when you bless others secretly, God rewards you openly. It is one thing for a man to brag of his own abilities (the egoist) and another to serve for the sake of others without consideration of receiving (the altruist). The altruist is a man I believe, after God's own heart and God loves a cheerful giver and thereby, when you do for others, God opens doors, windows of opportunity and chance happenings that make your life better, not always easier, but better in the sense that you have chance opportunities to do things others work and slave an entire life to hope to experience. As Paulo Coelho says (in summation),  when you are living your personal legend (the life of your soul and your calling) all the Universe conspires in your favor. We all secretly want to see others succeed...as we believe in the possibility of our own successes. Keep steady...even when it gets hard...and know, you ARE making an impact and influencing lives the way we were called to: as Men...as Leaders...as Pillars...as Strength...as Light...as Warriors, Companions, and mostly, as Friends and Brothers.

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby

"The Serving Soul"--March 29th, 2011

"A teacher should never be afraid to push the students beyond the expectations of their culture."

...serving the soul of humanity...

Bobby Ozuna

Help Fund a School Project with "DonorsChoose.org!"

I found a GREAT way to help support the efforts of teachers in the classroom--donorschoose.org! This organization helps connect with schools, based on location (state, city, city, etc) who are in need of funds for their school and classroom. You can scroll through the list of "projects" needing funds and even see the dollar amount requested and receive an email from the requesting teacher or school staff member.

I am happy to say I have connected with DonorsChoose.org by placing their banner and link on my website (scroll down) and I also donated $25 to "Mrs. H's" class at T.A. Sims Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas!

If you consider the "budget crisis" we are facing in our school systems across the US, this is a GREAT way for you, as an individual, to be proactive and help fund money where it matters most--in the classroom!

Happy Donating!

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby Ozuna

"The Serving Soul"--March 21st, 2011

"It is my job to teach them whatever it takes, to teach them whatever it takes for them to learn."

~Bobby Ozuna

"The Serving Soul"--March 2, 2011

"I would rather fall, standing for something, than stand by to watch others fall for nothing at all, or worse, fall for something I could have prevented, if I had only the courage to stand my ground."

That is how I feel when I look the children in the eyes or listen to the concerns of the hundreds of parents I communicate with (regularly) regarding America's approach to education.

~Bobby Ozuna

The Serving Soul--February 26th, 2011

"Be happy with what you have in this world or find the courage to go after what you want. All the talk in between either validates your true desires and passions to make your dreams a reality, or proves your indecision. Life is too short to second guess yourself and life is too precious to spend one moment in regret. Period."

~Bobby Ozuna | 2.26.2011

How Do You Know You Are On The Right Path?

You want to know how you're on the "right path?" When people come into your lives, on parallel and similar paths, who are doing and sharing a vision similar to yours...and without effort, your visions come together to bless the masses. There is no easier validation than that.

We are meant to serve a greater purpose, greater than fancy purses, fancy shoes, fancy cars or homes, or credit scores...none of this means anything at the end of the day, when compared to what you can offer the world, or a single person in relation to helping mentor and council others to better their lives. And when people come into your life, with the same heart and desire, the same passion to help others, it is, by all means a divine appointment of greater cause...and it is your validation that you are truly living the life you were meant and purposed to fulfill.

Faith is an action word and it is not bound to a particular religion or philosophy or ideology, but instead, a word used to describe the action you take on behalf of a thought or belief (system). Having the courage to abandon all fear, knowing you may make a fool of yourself, oftentimes is the first act of genius.

As I tell my students...dare to be different...dare to dream...dare to do the impossible...so the rest of us can dare to dream the impossible.

...serving the soul of humanity...

~Bobby Ozuna

Writer. Speaker. Teacher.

"The Serving Soul"--January 31st, 2011

"Dare to be different...dare to dream...dare to do the impossible...thereby making the way for the rest of us...possible to dare to dream."

"The Serving Soul"--January 28th, 2011

"Every man has a vice. A man without a vice, is a man who has no need of a god."

"The Serving Soul"--January 26th, 2011

"Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel you are working so hard to find, is the very light you bear in your soul. Have the courage to show your light, to be your best, to represent your passions in the name of Love and Service to others and I guarantee you--you will find your way out of that dark place all on your own, by the light you naturally resonate."

"The Serving Soul"--January 10th, 2011

"The epitome of sample is a living example."

Dare to lead the way for others to follow...Dare to take the unbeaten path...Dare to discover what lies beyond comprehension, for the sake of the world's higher learning.

~Bobby Ozuna

Writer. Motivational Speaker. Teacher

Not Everything Happens For A Reason

I've never been a fan of the adage, 'Everything happens for a reason.' I believe this statement condones acceptance more than it fuels the fire to fight for what we want in this world. I prefer instead to say:

"Sometimes, things happen because you aren't sure of your reason."

No one is immune to struggle or adversity, they are a desperate part of life, critical I believe to the growth and development of our character. Accepting certain struggles however, is dangerous. If you are unsure of what you wish to obtain, or what you want to accomplish, or overall, what you want from Life, then it is easy to fall victim to the notion [that] when bad things happen, 'they were supposed to happen to you.' Worse still, if something doesn't happen the way you wanted it to, you immediately believe 'it wasn't supposed to' or 'wasn't meant to be.' I believe this attitude only hinders your ability to ever fight for what you want and end up where you want to be. Accomplishing a goal is hard work. Creating success is possible for any one of us, not just a few limited people. I believe the people who accomplish more in their life are simply people who appreciate adversity and have a clear vision, or overall direction, for their future. Knowing what you want from Life is essential to personal accomplishment and adversity is the critical component to helping you change. Change is necessary because we cannot appreciate what we work for, being the people we are when we set sail on our quest. The Hero in a story doesn't return home the same as they did when they first set sail to embark in the unknown; just the same, we should expect to develop and grow during the course of our life quest. The only thing however that truly brings about a change in character is adversity. 

The next time you face struggles or are set back from accomplishing a goal in your life, don't be so quick to give-in because you believe the adversity, struggle, setback, etc., "happened for a reason." Instead, make sure you are clear on what you wish to accomplish and determine whether its worth fighting for. For those who have a limited picture of what they want from Life, it will be easy to quit when struggle arrives at their doorstep. I believe, had they known more about themselves and what they wanted to accomplish, they wouldn't have given up so quickly.

Be sure you have a clear picture of what you want from Life. Protect your dream and be willing to fight for it, at any costs, contrary to what you face in your life journey, because not having a reason, value or purpose, sometimes, can only force you to accept pathways that were never intended for your life.

...serving the soul of humanity...

Bobby Ozuna

Author | Motivational Speaker | Teacher