Category: Gabriel

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Gabriel Inside My Head

If You Could Fly, Would You?

I don’t know how many people have gotten the opportunity to see Michael Keaton’s new film Birdman, but it is, to say the least, interesting. With a stellar cast that includes Zach Galifianakis and Edward Norton, the film follows washed-up actor Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton), who, after turning down a fourth installment of his well known superhero role “The Birdman,” tries to re-launch his career by putting on a Broadway play which he writes and stars in. You can imagine how much heat he receives for even attempting to do this. Throughout the movie, it seems as though Riggan, constantly taunted by the voice of his Birdman character, has been blessed with telekinesis and the ability to fly. None of the other characters are ever around to witness this. This little motif struck me to be a representation of the internal battle we all have with our past selves.

Attempting to do something new and different can be scary and intimidating in the beginning – like all new challenges. However, in many cases, we can be our own worst enemy or obstacle when trying to move forward on a new path. From then on, a battle incites within. Like Riggan allowing all the critics and his fears to dictate his performance, we let outside distractions block our way and then may use them as excuses not to continue. But sometimes listening to the voice inside is just what we need. When Riggan ultimately gives in to the Birdman character, his “larger than life” movie star persona is revived. After his psychological transformation, Riggan puts on an opening show that turns each sour critic sweet and gains him the respect he sought so earnestly.

In the final scene of the film, we see Riggan’s daughter, Sam, find her father flying outside of the window. Riggan finally decides to let his inner Birdman fly. Hence, my title. If you have the opportunity to take that stomach-turning leap into something potentially awesome, do it. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from trying to fly. Who knows? Maybe you’ll just soar.

– Gabriel Oigbokie

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Gabriel Inside My Head

Karate Choppin’ with Your Head Up

As this technological engagement continues, my passion for movies and television will become very apparent, starting now. I’ve been in sort of a rut lately about where I’m headed in this crazy thing we call life, but recently I was flipping through the channels on the tube and came across a favorite movie of mine. Before we get too far into this, I have to give a short history of my love for martial arts movies. High flying kicks, lightning fast fists, and tons of harnesses and cables couldn’t create a more beautiful picture. Who doesn’t want the strength to break stone slabs with an open hand?! I’ve always loved the greats like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan (a god amongst men). But this particular film stars the very talented Jet Li, who may be in a class of his own.

Jet Li’s Fearless tells the story of Huo Yuanjia, a martial artist who lost everything due to his aimless greed and ambition. But after this tragedy, he rises from his lowest point to become a peaceful, wise, and confident man. Through his hardships, he understands the fervor and confidence with which he fought his enemies is just what his country needed to save its identity from being washed out by British colonies. This simple moral truly spoke to me at the time. From watching one man’s journey, I learned that even in your worst moment it only takes that tiny spark of courage to pick yourself up and make a change. Hopefully you don’t have to hit rock bottom in order to realize that it only takes a bit a confidence to inspire millions or even pitch that idea you’ve been sitting on for two months. Telling yourself “just try it” can take you from zero to hero before you can turn around. With all that in mind, I hope you feel as if you can take on the world, level by level, one karate chop at a time. And remember inner strength is the strongest of all.

– Gabriel Oigbokie

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Gabriel New Friends

Introducing Gabriel Oigbokie

Gabriel Oigbokie came into my life a few years ago as I was setting up a new location for John Fluevog Shoes and I quickly became a fan. While Gabriel is younger enough than I am to officially be of a different generation, he’s a wonderfully old soul who has clearly put in the time to figure out what’s important to him and who he wants to be in life. Time and circumstances may change how we look at the world, and while Gabriel is flexible and open to new adventures, he remains solidly rooted in his values. One of the things I admire most about Gabriel is his genuine enjoyment of life. He is great about being in the moment and looking for what’s right about whatever is happening at that point in time. While we’ve never actually done improv together, Gabriel would be a partner I’d want. His positivity and ability to be in the moment means he’s all about the “yes, and…” He will hear an idea or concept and jump right in there with you to build on it and make it better, stronger or funnier. During an afternoon with one other person, we created a fictional company that specialized in security and Nicolas Cage. And while I don’t necessarily know what specializing in Nicolas Cage means, we knew it would be amazing. That’s the spirit of “yes, and…” and the spirit of Gabriel.

So without further ado, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to the wise and talented Gabriel Oigbokie.

Gabe
Graduation celebration fun with Gabriel and his lovely lady, Brae

Blogging became an interest of mine that never really took any form of physical execution. Yet when my former colleague, Catherine, approached me with the opportunity, I jumped at it. There’s always been a small part of me that believed I could be a philosopher or psychiatrist, or at least use my love of words and chatting to help others. The way I see it, a little southern swagger can always be appreciated. Growing up in Memphis, TN, I had always been ahead of the curve. Well at least slightly more than most. This posed a pretty large problem for me because there was no one I could truly look to as an example of what I wanted to be or what I could eventually become. On top of the general self-loathing that stemmed solely from this dilemma, my polar opposite immigrant father and spunky southern mother were there to make it all the easier. Such a fruitful and cultivated experience brought me to this conclusion: know yourself.

Knowing yourself is the first step to greatness. Think about this: how can you sell anything to anyone if you don’t know the product? Figuring out what you know and are capable of can only make you more valuable. And who says I’m getting it right? No one. But I know myself, what I can do, and what I want to do. For me, that’s good start.

And finally, after all the introspective mumbo jumbo, it’s time you all come to know me. I don’t even know if this was even supposed to be in this post. But hey, when I’m in the mood, there’s no stopping it. Now back to the good stuff. I’m a recent college graduate (Go GW Colonials!) whose passion for writing and people come across almost instantaneously should we ever become acquainted. I’m not as interesting as Libby just yet, with her living in Switzerland and whatnot. But I definitely have something to offer and maybe a little bit more. I thank Catherine for the platform to be heard and you all especially for listening.