"You are not your experiences. You are greater" Dr. Gary Simmons

There is so much more to me than being James Brown's son. Being a part of a very loving and warm family, as well as having someone like Julie, whom is so patient so with me and forgiving me for most of my outrageous behavior. I think that trumps fame and notoriety.

I'm almost 42 years of age and my fame from being "The Son of the Godfather of Soul" is gone. Some know me as the same ole Michael Brown, and others know me by my Swahili name, "Bakari".

The truth of the matter is that I have not been a very nice person. I do not think I have ever gotten over the fact that my father rejected me and hurt me very deeply, and I in turn, have also hurt others deeply. I have a lot of regrets and I have really tried to make amends to those whom I have wronged.

I have to unlearn a lot of behaviors, which seem like, some very ingrained and what is quote, unquote" normal behavior" for me. Thankfully, there is a lot of research going on about brain mapping and I have the capacity to exercise free-will and "re-map" my brain. My distorted outlook, my perverse perspective and my self-centered behavior still rears its ugly head a lot. The good news is I can re-train my brain. I have to be open and truly willing and my attempt at change needs to be authentic and genuine.

However, sometimes, I end up getting frustrated and repeating the same selfish behavior that initially leads to my downfall and then, I end up right back here and mourn my perceived failure. However, just because I am "41" doesn't doom me to anything. If I apply myself and legitimately pursue change, I can learn or unlearn certain behavior patterns. And I pray, if I am separated from my loved ones yet again, it will be in an environment amenable to true rehabilitation and behavior modification, so I can be a better person rather than just angry and resentful after being subjected to solitary confinement for months on end, which affect my interpersonal and coping skills. I know I will be challenged to maintain my persistence to do what is difficult, as in changing my life and being an asset to society. It won't be easy; however, this will be a test of perseverance and tenacity. And if I can demonstrate/maintain these skills and persevere and not to automatically retreat to that which I know and for which I am comfortable, then, that in and of itself, will be the first in a long string of victories.