Billione R(e)volution

For years, I noticed the words “do not refill” on the labels of bottled water. I always wondered why that would be neccesary to add to a label. I tried to find the logic in it. I thought, perhaps, if you refill the bottle, the company loses money because you didn’t buy an additional bottle from them. This made no sense to me since water is so easilt accesible for some of us via the tap. It would make more sense for the label to read “do not drink tap water.”

I thought there had to be another reason for the labeling. I then began reading articles about plastic bottles leeching chemicals and toxins. I began to believe that the makers of bottled water know this and want to prevent us from consuming these chemicals and toxins, but want us to continue buying there water. (I also learned that the longer the water is in the bottle, the more dangerous it could be.)

After reading the online articles Five Reasons Not To Drink Bottled Water and The New Taboo: Bottled Water, and seeing the film Flow: For the Love of Water, I realize I need to make better decisions about what I put in my body. I am going to refrain from buying and using bottled water. I an also going to ask others to do the same whenever possible. I will, however, not go on a crusade  against bottled water. I am simply going to be an example, and ask people to accomodate me whenever possible. For example, on speaking engagements, people quite often have bottled water available for guests speakers. I am going to ask that instead of providing bottles of water, plan to have an eco friendly plastic or glass bottle available for me.

In addition to drinking water from a non-bottled source, I am also going to limit my beverages to 1) herbal, non-caffenated teas 2) 100% pure fruit and vegetable juices and 3) straight alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor- not mixed cocktails). No sodas, sugars, or artificial sweeteners. The only sweetener I will use will be Truvia. (However, the jury is still out on that product.)

Starting with beverages will allow me to gradually R(e)volutionize my diet and make healthy lifestyle choice that will stick and maximize my health.

Since my first post, two very important people in my life, and many others, died unexpectedly. Though they were not people I actually knew personally, they made an impact on who I am as a human being and artist. I want to take this moment to officially remember them and express my feelings for them.

Legendary entertainer Michael Jackson and author E. Lynn Harris both passed over the last month. I had no idea that it would affect me the way that it has.

I have stated in newspaper and magazine interviews that as a child, I wanted to be Michael Jackson “when I grew up.” From the moment I saw him, Michael was an icon. He inspired me to want to sing, dance, write, and act, all of which I do to this very day, in some way, shape, or form. I thank him for being the inspiration that he is and for allowing me and others the share in his creativity. I will miss his individuality and passion.

I met E. Lynn Harris on a few occasions at book signings and he was as down-to-earth as a person could be. On at least two occasions, when I met him, I gave him a plush teddy bear from my personal collection. He emailed me once and told me how one was sent to his New York appartment and that he really appreciated it. He would tell me how I needed to finish up some of the projects I was working on, telling me “I can’t tell all the stories of our community,” and “Your energy is strong; I expect to see big things from you.” My sister and I have ALL of his books and enjoyed meeting him, talking about his books, and being inspired by him. I am thankful to have met him and learn from him how to be comfortable with my identity, both as a Black and Gay man. I will miss his energy and encouragement.

Though I did not start this blog to discuss things like this, I wanted to take this moment to tell you why I have not updated yet. So much is going on, and as things come to some sort of order, I will return better than ever!

Stay Strong.