Nothing Lasts Forever: Breaking The Cycle

In my memoir, Change The Game, the chapter “Nothing Lasts Forever” was born from a moment of victory and transformation. Inspired by Nas’ song of the same name, this chapter speaks on the idea that everything—both the struggles and successes—has its time and place. It’s a chapter about growth, the inevitability of change, and the path toward self-discovery.

Finding Purpose in Parole and Perseverance

At this point in my life, freedom wasn’t just a concept—it was a fragile reality, tied to a system that seemed intent on dragging me back into the abyss. Between my parole officer, Miss Rodriguez, and the challenges of rebuilding my life, it sometimes felt like I was playing a rigged game.

But in the middle of this chaos, I held on to the seeds of hope I planted. I was writing again, putting my energy into completing my first book, A Drug Dealer’s Dream. Each word I typed was a small act of defiance, proof that my circumstances wouldn’t define me. I was also back in school, earning a 3.2 GPA and slowly regaining the confidence I lost to years of setbacks.

My first book; “A Drug Dealer’s Dream”

Nas’ Wisdom and My Journey

Nas’ Nothing Lasts Forever is a blueprint for understanding the temporary nature of life’s highs and lows. His lyrics speak to the reality that success will come and go, and that the real challenge is in finding meaning beyond the moment.

For me, it meant understanding that the struggles I faced—parole restrictions, financial instability, and the weight of my history—were temporary. They were just chapters in a larger story, not the story itself.

The Power of Creation

The moment I held the first proof copy of A Drug Dealer’s Dream in my hands, it was validation. It proved I had the ability to transform pain into purpose. The process of writing and publishing that book taught me that success isn’t about escaping the past—it’s about using it as a foundation for something greater.

That same year, I started to realize that my story wasn’t just mine. It was a reflection of so many others who had been caught in the same cycle of survival and struggle. Sharing what I went through wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about giving hope to those who felt stuck in their own battles.

Nothing Truly Lasts Forever—Except the Lessons

If there’s one thing this chapter embodies, it’s the truth that while circumstances may change, the lessons we learn remain. The pain of the past, the triumph of the present, and the uncertainty of the future—they all serve to shape us into who we’re meant to become.

As I think back on this chapter, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how much further I have to go. Like Nas said, nothing lasts forever. But the legacy we build, the impact we leave, and the lives we touch—those things do.

Join The Movement

This is just one of many chapters in my memoir. If you’re ready to dive into the full story, grab your copy of Change The Game at www.tmjefferson.org

For those looking to transform their own lives, explore Change Your Game, my self-help guide inspired by the lessons in my memoir. And if you’ve ever dreamed of sharing your story, the CTG Writing Mastery Course is here to guide you from idea to publication.

Let’s build something that truly lasts—together.