They say life is not a race, but a marathon. It takes training, a solid will, the tenacity to keep going, especially as all around you begins to disappear. The Runner’s High is said to be one of the most intoxicating feelings to exist within. It’s where the pain of running lifts and you reach a state of euphoria. I sat down to ask Terence about his race long enough for him to catch his breath. Read our exchange below.
1. If ambitions were bricks, what would you build, how would you build it and why?
If ambition were bricks, I would build a Homeless Shelter. My desire to succeed is something that keeps me up at night & constantly motivated. I have big dreams & desires & want to make the biggest impact possible. I grew up in a city with no homeless shelters, so if using my ambition to build it were possible, so be it! I would use my ambition to help impact the lives of others in the city I grew up in. I would build it big enough to fit all the homeless in. I believe that our ambitions are used to motivate & challenge ourselves while impacting & inspiring others.
2. How is the writing process different from the speaking/mentoring process?
The writing process is different from speaking & mentoring because it allows me time to process internally what I am going through & experiencing. I can write whenever I am feeling down or simply just have the urge to do so. Writing allows me to see my feelings on paper whereas speaking & mentoring challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone. Mentoring allows me to do something that I always wanted to do, which gives me the opportunity to have a sibling, which is something I always wanted growing up. Writing gives me a sense of freedom & speaking/mentoring gives me a sense of impact. Both give me a feeling of release.
3. Describe your marathon.
My marathon consists of me simply running my race, chasing my dreams, & breaking generational & family curses. No matter the hurdles that come in life, and they will come, staying focused on my goal and seeing it through to completion describes my marathon. My marathon consists of me living my life & not allowing others to make decisions for me. In my marathon, I stay in my own lane. I have no desire to think or be like anyone else. My marathon is impacting the younger generation to achieve greater things, by being accessible and a role model to look up to. My marathon is unique & MINE. No one can run my marathon better than ME.
4. What does love sound like?
Love sounds like smooth waves in an ocean; peaceful & impactful. Love sounds like my grandmother calling my name in the morning to come & eat breakfast. Love sounds like correction & accountability from those who care about me without judging me. Love sounds like the sound of the water hose nozzle, of me & my grandfather sitting on the front porch & watering the lawn. Love sounds like a good laugh that brings tears to my eyes, peace to my soul, & makes my stomach hurt. Love sounds like me telling myself “I can do it”, during times when I don’t feel or think I can. Love is the sound of my 12-year-old son calling me “Dad” & my 2-year-old daughter calling me “Daddy” & my Queen calling me “Bae”.
5. You have the mic. You could say anything to the world right now as it stands. What is your first word and why?
LOVE! During the times we are currently experiencing, showing love to one another is crucial not only to us as a country, but the world. Helping & assisting someone who may be struggling, sending words of encouragement, praying for someone, all are signs of love (If done correctly & from the heart). Love is an action word, so standing still & doing nothing forces that word to not see its full potential. Use this time to show love to one another & once our storm as a world is over, continue to do the same. Now is not the time to be divided. WE NEED EACH OTHER! Let’s look out for each other, take care of our planet & animals, & do it with love in our hearts. The actions we currently exhibit in a time such as this will forever be remembered. So, the question then becomes, how do we want to be remembered? With love in our hearts or selfishness in our veins?
6. Did you indeed get those dollars?
YES, I DID! Every day is a new day & blessing to continue to learn more about myself & grow. My happiness means the world to me & I can honestly say that the happiness I’ve been experiencing recently has been overwhelming. Yes, some days aren’t always the best but my foundation of who I am & who I believe in sees me through. Even on days where I need some time to myself or need to shed a few tears, I know & believe that my happiness will be on the other side. Every day I wake up with the goal being to collect as many dollars as I can. My dollars represent my happiness. Not from a materialistic standpoint, but from a mental, spiritual, & emotional standpoint. I want COMPLETE HAPPINESS, not the façade. When I smile, I want it to be genuine. Many days, my cheeks would hurt from fake smiling. I aim to make those days a memory, as I strive for self-care & growth. I’m getting my dollars, slowly but steadily.
7. What do you have in the works that the world should know about?
Continuing to plan events & programs & mentoring youth within my community (which is a MUST). I’m also currently working on a book tour for my debut book, Please Give Me A Dollar. Also, currently working on completing my degree in Counseling - which has been a work in progress FOREVER - but must get done. Continuing to obtain & receive speaking engagements that inspire & impact the youth.
Terence Doctor is a Husband, Father, Mentor, Motivational Speaker, Youth & Community Advocate, & Author.
Follow his socials below:
Personal FB: Terence Doctor
IG: pharaoh_doctor
Official FB Page: Brother A.P.
For bookings/outreach: Brothera.p.86@gmail.com