I Rose All Odds Against Me

[DISCLAIMER]

My transition from living in Amarillo, Texas to Aurora, Colorado in the late ‘80s was difficult. I was made fun of for my southern accent, teased about being overweight, and physically battered by other boys simply for not fitting it. Day in and day out, I was shown how little my life meant.

If you would’ve asked me about my thoughts on existing in fifth grade, I’d likely have expressed displeasure. In fact, I made myself downright miserable! Back then, I knew nothing about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the unhelpful process of self-disturbance.

In particular, REBT uses the ABC model to illustrate that when an undesirable Action occurs and one Believes an unhelpful narrative about the event, it’s one’s unfavorable assumption and not the occurrence itself that causes an unpleasant Consequence.

As an example, a group of Crips in my grade class frequently jumped me after school (Action). When this occurred, I unhelpfully Believed, “This shouldn’t happen and it’s awful when it does, because I can’t stand getting rat-packed! Worse, I’m worthless, because I can’t defend myself.”

When subscribing to those unfavorable Beliefs, I then experienced unpleasant Consequences of a cognitive, emotive, sensational, and behavioral nature. For instance, my mind raced, I was sad, my body felt heavy, and I cried in my room at home. (There were many tears shed back then!)

Addressing how people upset themselves with unhelpful attitudes, the ABC model incorporates Disputation of these unproductive assumptions in order to explore Effective new beliefs. Without use of this helpful tool, I hated life when concluding that odds were stacked against me.

For context, when expressing that odds are stacked against a person, this phrase implies that one has a low likelihood of succeeding, due to unfavorable circumstances or conditions. It further suggests that one’s situation isn’t in one’s own favor and the person faces significant challenges.

Aside from the ABC model, REBT uses the technique of unconditional acceptance (UA) to relieve suffering as perceived odds aren’t in one’s favor. Explicitly, this tool uses unconditional self-acceptance, unconditional other-acceptance, and unconditional life-acceptance.

Without knowledge of REBT, I spent the summer between my fifth and sixth grade years changing how I presented to others. Specifically, I carefully recited words pronounced by local newscasters to alter my accent and I used anorexia nervosa techniques to lose weight.

By the time I entered junior high school, I fit in with the Crips who once bum-rushed me. Even though I was never quoted into a gang, I earned the friendship of boys who were once my adversaries. Along with that companionship came protection from others. My odds improved.

While in sixth grade, a cousin-by-marriage (“G-Money”) moved to Aurora from Texas. According to him, youth at his school dressed up to impress one another. “That won’t fly here in Aurora,” I told G-Money, “because the Crips will jump you if you’re different.”

“Nah, I’ll be all right,” G-Money replied, “I’ll show these Aurora people how we do it in West Texas, like MC Hammer’s style.” At that time, rapper MC Hammer had recently released his second studio album Let’s Get It Started (1988).

The entertainer was known for his energetic dance moves, enthusiastic rhymes, and unique take on both business casual and formal attire. G-Money came to Aurora with a history of selecting his affordable outfits from the JC Penney catalog, resembling a pragmatic MC Hammer style.

On the ’88 album was a track entitled “Pump It Up (Here’s the News) (Radio Edit)” which featured multiple samples from other artists. Personally, “Pump It Up (The I Rose Mix)” was a superior version of the song. Lyrics include, “I rose all odds against me.”

Because MC Hammer’s lyrical content was radio-friendly, G-Money and I could play the rapper’s music around our parents. As well, the uplifting message of MC Hammer’s music, such as expressing one’s ability to overcome odds, was acceptable to our caregivers.

Approximately halfway through seventh grade, I left Aurora and moved back to Texas. The ability to adapt to my surroundings when in Colorado for two years prior served me well.

Although I could’ve un-disturbed myself regarding unhelpful beliefs, had I known of REBT at the time, radical measures taken to fit in were repeatedly applied thereafter in my life. As such, I meandered back and forth with anorexic behavior for many years.

Of course, I wasn’t the only one who experienced significant challenges from my self-narratives when adapting to my surroundings. Not long after I left Aurora, G-Money was said to have formally become affiliated with the Crips. Last I heard, that decision didn’t bode well for him.

In any case, I appreciate MC Hammer’s encouraging words about raising above oneself the odds which an individual faces. That’s a message of empowerment! Moreover, I acknowledge that there are many ways in which a person can overcome adversity.

One could become anorexic in order to lose weight and fit it with others. As well, a person can ally with a violent criminal organization. Still, an individual can use helpful techniques such as the ABC model and UA in order to effect change.

How you choose to raise your odds will matter. Short-term methods of improving one’s life can have harmful consequences, even if effective at attaining a desired goal. Alternatively, long-term practices, such as REBT, may ultimately prove more beneficial to one interests and goals.

One needs look no further than the case of MC Hammer to understand this psychoeducational lesson. According to Blue Tree Savings, “He ended up with $13 million in debt! Essentially, MC Hammer’s net worth went from over $70 million in his prime down to -$13 million.”

Per a separate source, “By 1996, his excessive spending would land him in bankruptcy. MC Hammer had more than $10 million in debt and only $1 million in assets.” Still, the entertainer again rose all odds against him after losing his fortune, as Blue Tree Savings states:

He changed his life around. He used his legacy to do concerts to start earning again but he didn’t start spending again. He learned about saving and investing. He now invests in technology companies (such as Twitter). He also discovered new ways to earn money such as helping executives prepare for presentations or important interviews.

As he started earning more, he started investing more […] MC Hammer now has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Whilst this might be a lot less money than he had before, how he manages his money means this money is likely to grow rather than end up losing it all (again!). He is now WEALTHY!

MC Hammer could’ve self-disturbed with unproductive beliefs, equating to psychologically jumping himself, though he instead un-disturbed through empowering long-term methods of pursuing his goals. Please, Hammer, don’t hurt ‘em, indeed! (You’re an inspiration to me.)

Now, I use the rapper’s success to inform you of how raising all odds against you isn’t a one-and-done process. Sometimes you’re up in life, sometimes you’re down, and this cycle can continue meandering as you travel your individual path.

Irrespective of what challenges are at hand, or before you in the future, I invite you to use healthy tools (such as that which REBT has to offer) rather than short-term beneficial strategies with long-term negative consequences. Yet, the choice is yours to make, as the odds remain.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit (edited), fair use

References:

Dia2008. (2007, February 10). Rat pack. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rat%20pack&page=1

Hollings, D. (2024, November 15). Assumptions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/assumptions

Hollings, D. (2024, August 7). Awfulizing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/awfulizing

Hollings, D. (2024, October 29). Cognitive continuum. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/cognitive-continuum

Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation

Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2024, December 30). Empowerment. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/empowerment

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2023, September 13). Global evaluations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/global-evaluations

Hollings, D. (2024, April 13). Goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/goals

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2022, December 2). Low frustration tolerance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/low-frustration-tolerance

Hollings, D. (2024, September 27). My attitude. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/my-attitude

Hollings, D. (2024, June 2). Nonadaptive behavior. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/nonadaptive-behavior

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2024, March 14). REBT and emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rebt-and-emotions

Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Sensation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/sensation

Hollings, D. (2023, September 6). The absence of suffering. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-absence-of-suffering

Hollings, D. (2025, January 2). The choice is yours. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-choice-is-yours

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2025, January 9). Traditional ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/traditional-abc-model

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Hollings, D. (2023, March 11). Unconditional life-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-life-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, February 25). Unconditional other-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-other-acceptance

Hollings, D. (2023, March 1). Unconditional self-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-self-acceptance

Kennylavish. (2010, August 24). MC Hammer - Pump It Up (Video) [Image; video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9sZVcXzSE3M?si=iCYLQzyARybD8QOu

Patghnx. (2014, August 19). MC Hammer - Pump It Up (The I Rose Mix) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ZIkHDyU0PCo?si=Xm_CWkYCuBj0RLks

Rainey, W. (2022, October 9). M.C. Hammer: From rich to poor to wealthy. Blue Tree Savings Ltd. Retrieved from https://www.bluetreesavings.com/post/m-c-hammer-from-rich-to-poor-to-wealthy

Rodgers, J. (2024, June 17). How MC Hammer went from bankruptcy and losing it all to becoming one of Silicon Valley’s most respected tech investors. Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mc-hammer-went-bankruptcy-losing-232425377.html

Saggy Sammy. (2008, July 11). Bum rush. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bum%20rush

Shnar. (2006, September 16). Quoted. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=quoted

Smavie. (2003, September 15). Jumped. Urban Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jumped

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Crips. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crips

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Let’s Get It Started (album). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let%27s_Get_It_Started_(album)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). MC Hammer. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC_Hammer

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Please_Hammer_Don%27t_Hurt_%27Em