I was born 35 years ago at 12.20 pm; at 8 weeks premature and weighing just 4lb, 8oz. My grandmother doubted that I'd make it, but I've had a fiery, spirited, and loud fight in me from day one.
In 35 years I've met thinkers, makers, and doers; jesters, moguls, and humanists. Spiritualists, scientists, and stoics. Conservatives, liberals, and outliers. Engineers, entrepreneurs, bar tenders, and janitors. I love each of them wholeheartedly and respect them equally.
The common thread uniting me with such lovely people are the layers of love, insight, and magic in our souls.
On my 35th Birthday, it’s only appropriate to share the gifts my wonderful friends and family have imparted through the years.
Before I share these nuggets, my gift to you is this: remember that love triumphs, friends are gold, and fear is a beautiful thing.
- Alfonzo Collazo
1. Mike Bord - That being a friend is unconditional. Everyone gets open arms and a smile.
2. Neej G - that you can be intense in business and tender with loved ones. Showing is as important as telling.
3. Indah Lane - Life's a party, laugh through the stumbles.
4. Brad E. - You can always come back to a safe and warm place. Everyone deserves kindness.
5. Ashton Miyako - Lead with spirit, forgive your ego.
6. Brandon McKee - Life is the beauty you see and the magic you create, savor both.
7. MDD - Don't assume. Always explore more. Be unapologetically you.
9. Amanda V - HOW TO TAKE NAMES AND KICK A**
10. Chris L. - Leadership means listening
11. Darlene D. - Communicate, include, execute
12. Charles Higgins, MSP - Close your eyes, and breathe
13. Idi C. - Collaborate, win together
14. James Moran - how to make your loved ones FEEL the love you have for them - create beautiful moments
15. Jon Vargas - People are not transactional, when they are doing business with you they want a friend.
16. Brad Butler - how to make a proper cold call, the art of negotiating. How to adjust my blazer and eat standing up
17. Carlos Kronen - How to bring old world details to everyday interactions, the art of finessing.
18. Bolen Gordon - how to give genuine praise and build someone up
19. Aram B - the problem is never what you think it is and always hidden in plain sight.
20. Scott K - All scotches are whiskies but not all whiskies are scotch
21. Ben Brandin - Think beyond your privilege - be a gentleman.
22. The Badlanis: Shawn, Rupa, Arjun, Jay, Neil, Jayshiv - have fun, be silly, help people.
23. MM - tranquilo
24. Carmen M. - PIVOT PIVOT PIVOT
25. Eric Mercer - how to PROPERLY listen to an album
26. Kenneth Lane - how to let go of my karaoke anxiety
27. Pat Uland - How being a mentor works (he's my mentee)
28. Eli Collazo - my romantic dreaming spirit
29. Araceli Collazo - my work ethic
30. Claudia M. - the art of being a good friend
31. Eric Collazo (D.) - how to be brave when you are actually scared sh**less
32. London Rae M. - say what's in your heart
33. The San Francisco Bar and Liquor Rep Industry - how to drink like a fish, swear like a sailor, and live like a king.
34. Patick Wang - How to network with influential and wealthy people
35. Me - how to forgive myself