Creative Power From Within

A young James was very quiet and less social. My dad was a little strict and would want me to come home right after school so he knew where I was. This right before everyone had a cell phone so it made a little more sense but I wasn't making much friends. Being bored in a house originated my best power; my creativity. In a way, I have to thank my dad for being overbearing with how he raised me because my ability to make anything up on the fly is truly my greatest power. I would make home videos of my action figures saving my sisters Barbies from peril. I was overjoyed with how I made a video all by myself to share with my family so they can see the story instead of me explaining it them.

As I grew older, my dad became stricter. He was becoming less and less of a fan with my videos and stories. He wanted me to be as manly as possible. The plan according to him was to play as much sports and eventually become a cop but that route was just not for me. It was upsetting that my father wouldn't be more supportive of my decisions and it led to disagreements. My strength was with my mind and not my hands. It was a hard pill for him to swallow but eventually he knew what I was going to apply myself to and it had nothing to do with his plans. 

The best way to get better at anything is with practice. I would just keep writing as much as I could and just pump out stories. I would get so frustrated rereading my stories because I thought they weren't good enough but now I realize that they were just rough diamonds that needed to be polished. So I'm trying to perfect my power so one day it can bring me amazing opportunities.  



When I Was a Limitless Child

When I was a limitless child
I dreamed of the impossible

To be the impossible

Fly so high nothing can hurt
come crashing down
realizing it's only fantasy

wishing to wake up
different from everyone

yet I am different

I am unique

I am a superhero
just small scale

I run but not like a bullet
I jump but not over buildings

I do help others around me

Like a real hero
Like my heroes

A Open Letter to My First Teacher

Dear Mom,

I am writing this letter to you to say thanks. For everything you have ever done for me and taught me. You are probably at work as I write this, making sure there is a roof over our heads. You showed me so much and have done your best to prepare me for life. I wanted to write this to show you I appreciate you. Almost everything good that has ever happened for me has somewhat come from you and I can't thank you enough. Hopefully this helps you understand how thankful I am for what you have had to go through to give me a better life.

When times are tough I can always count on you to say "It will get easier." You were always right and you always knew it too. I remember when I broke my arm and the doctor put my arm in a cast and then I said thank you.The doctor was shocked that I said that after he painfully set my arm and he turned to you then said you we're a good parent. He was absolutely right. You taught me manners, how to drive, pay taxes and a million other things.

I just want to say thank you. Like you taught me to hold the door open for people and say thank you when I'm given anything because the little things matter the most to people. I wish I could repay you for everything you ever have done for me but it would be impossible. I think to myself everyday how a woman helped shape me into a man. I like the person I've become to be and it's all because of you. I love you mom.

Sincerely,
James



A Ode to My Mentor

Teaching to live,
teaching to thrive,
teaching me how to survive.

You guided me
to be good.
Helping others,
like I should.

Give respect
to get respect.
Full of love
you never neglect.

Because of you I am breathing
and can be my own person.

Avoid those who are deceiving
and be a better version.

Thank you for everything
and never forgetting.

The Beginning...

My name is James Gates, but sadly no relation to Bill Gates. I was born at Melrose Wakefield Hospital to Jim and Beth who were already parents to my older sister, Nicole. Both of my parents, along with  my sister and I, have lived in Chelsea our entire lives. When I was one month old we moved to a house on Central Ave and haven't moved since. And now, twenty-one years later, I'm finally going to college to figure out what I want to do.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I absolutely love music. How a song can connect people and yet have a completely different message to them. I'm slowly trying to learn how to play the guitar but would also really like to learn the piano. I'm mostly just hanging with friends, joking around or with my amazing girlfriend. We usually go to the movies or sometimes we go bowling. She's still pretty upset that I won by one point but she is nothing but wonderful. I'm an extremely lucky guy to have her.

My friends have described me as the most immature matured person ever. We all are always clowning around and are never serious but recently my dad became very sick and I had to grow up. My mother really needed a lot of help to take care of him and it was a really difficult time for me but I think it made me a better person for manning up and helping as much as I can. My mom always said to be honest with people and I always have. I've just always thought that lying won't really help much in the end of things.


Affirmation #9 I Trust Myself

I find
Trusting yourself easier than others.
Realizing you need more,
Ultimately faith too. Having the
Sense to follow your inner
Teacher but also your
Master. No longer
Yielding for insecurities.
Surprising the person in the mirror with
Excitement to
Love and trust yourself,
Finally.