Derek Jackson @dqjackso

It’s wild how quickly language evolves! The phrases we grew up with feel timeless until suddenly, they’re outdated. “For real” had rhythm, emphasis, and nostalgia. “Real” is efficient, stripped down, and perfectly modern.

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Brittany and I are in the process of buying an investment property. And because we’re both naturally curious people, a small discovery turned into a rabbit hole.

There are moments when my own words feel strange, foreign, like I’m reading someone else’s thoughts. The spark I felt when I first started fades, replaced by self-doubt. I question every sentence. I want to delete entire pages and pretend none of it ever existed.

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The first time my son helped me gut an animal, he was just three years old! At first, it might sound shocking, even uncomfortable, but it wasn’t about him “helping” like an adult would. It was about curiosity, observation, and learning in the most fundamental way.

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When I was younger, I devoured On Combat and On Killing. I read about the psychology of violence, about how exposure could desensitize people. I came away believing violent video games were dangerous—shaping aggression, dulling empathy, creating risk.

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We live in a world that glorifies passion. “Follow your passion and everything else will fall into place.” It sounds inspiring, but it’s misleading. Passion alone is fleeting. It feels good in the moment, but it doesn’t sustain progress, growth, or real achievement.

If you’re juggling multiple income streams, don’t leave money on the table. Consider your structure, plan your payroll, and optimize your taxes.

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So, don’t delete the draft just because you hate it today. Give it time. Your opinion will change. And sometimes, the work you wanted to throw away is the exact thing that ends up mattering most. 👉 Creators: what’s one thing you almost abandoned, but are glad you didn’t?

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Here’s the thing: I’m not doing these things just to fill my calendar. Each role is a piece of a bigger puzzle. My work as a mortgage loan officer teaches me practical financial insights. Being a professor helps me explain complex ideas simply.

The more actively we engage with information, the less we are manipulated by it. Our choices matter not just in what we believe, but in what we amplify. Remind yourself to question, reflect, & think independently. How do YOU approach verifying information in a polarized world?

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Some days it feels like battle. Some days it feels like play. Most days, it’s both. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it.

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Maybe the divine isn’t about choosing sides but about opening our eyes to a reality that’s far bigger than us, bigger than any single story. 💬 What’s your take? Could all paths be pointing to the same ultimate truth? Let’s talk!

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The other day, one of our kids said Disney should make another classic where the princess needs rescuing. At first, I laughed. Then I realized — this isn’t just about movies. Kids are absorbing the narratives around them.

The difference between “good” and “great” is intentionality. If you want to go from “good” to “unforgettable,” you have to: 1️⃣ Ask how it serves the audience. 2️⃣ Step away and see it with fresh eyes. 3️⃣ Rewrite with impact in mind.

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Growing up, my dad often said: “The world is influencing the church more than the church is influencing the world.” It’s a statement that sticks because it’s not just about faith—it’s about awareness, intention, and alignment.

Every missed shot, awkward misstep, or unexpected setback carries the seeds of your next breakthrough—if you’re willing to look for them. Failure strips away the fluff. It shows you what truly matters, where you need to grow, and how far you’re willing to go for what you want.

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Most of us move through life on autopilot. Red means apple. Dog means loyalty. Yellow means banana. It’s efficient, and it keeps us from being overwhelmed—but it also limits creativity and curiosity. What if we paused? What if we questioned the first answer our minds gave?

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Sometimes the hardest lessons aren’t the ones we learn, but the ones we have to unlearn. Maybe it’s the belief that you have to be perfect to be worthy. Or that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Or that your dreams should fit into someone else’s expectations.

Empowerment isn’t just about skills or certifications. It’s about realizing that your future isn’t limited by your past. So, what’s something you once thought was “not for you” that you’re ready to explore? Tell me your “never thought I could” moment.

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Legal sex work is safer sex work. Because when people can be seen, they can be protected. And when they’re protected, they can advocate for themselves. It's not about whether you would do the work — it's about whether someone’s life is worth less because they do.

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