Author, speaker and former news videojournalist Preston Mitchum, Jr. is announcing the release of his new must-have motivational book, POSITIVE VIBES 2 in the wake of the world-wide pandemic. Drawing from reflections, challenges and inspiration Mitchum experienced and witnessed during the pandemic, he channels his own personal, positive, motivational lifestyle to navigate the challenging isolation while raising and educating his young boys, plus running a small business. He is now eager to share the fruits of that positivity he strives to infuse into his daily routine with everyone through his new book.
“This past year or more have been extremely challenging for all of us across the country, dealing with the unknown, social isolation, loss of support systems, absence of visits from family and friends, working remote jobs, and facing economic distress. However, each day so many of us had to look for the brighter blessings in life and get ourselves up, dressed, and tackle remote learning with our kids or get to work,” says author Preston. Mitchum, Jr. “I lived with intention each day and made sure I was reaching out to family and friends and reflecting on what I was going through and feeling, while often sharing through forums on social media and beyond, to power through my day with positivity and hope, rather than living in constant fear,” he added.
Mitchum spent his early career covering breaking news on the streets of Baltimore as a young African-American videojournalist at WMAR-TV, the city’s ABC affiliate. His first book, POSITIVE VIBES, has been a positive asset for many of his followers on social media who often hold small forums to share his upbeat messages and positive mindset.
“For 18 years, I worked what we call ‘Nightside,’ the 3-11 p.m. shift. From uplifting human-interest stories such as feeding the homeless, to a diabetic girl who designs bracelets to raise money for research, and the heroics of the men and women during 911, to the tragedy of fires, the Baltimore riots, murders and poverty, I witnessed the best and worst of the human condition in America. Frankly, I got tired of the negativity and wanted to give back to the community,” said Mitchum. “When my father died of a heart attack, I began writing as therapy to process my grief. Now, as a father of two wonderful young sons and owner of a small family business that my father launched, I embrace the power of positive thinking to make the world a better place for all of us and encourage everyone to make meaningful investments to uplift lives across the country as we move beyond this pandemic.”
POSITIVE VIBES 2 reads like a daily devotional but goes beyond the occasional scripture quote to summon a deeper exploration of each person’s journey of discovery to fulfill their purpose in life. In the book, Mitchum finds solace and strength in the beauty of nature, the bounty of family and friends, and the bottomless well of his own (Christian) faith.
Known for his perpetual and wide grin, Mitchum is the founder of the Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation (www.pmjfoundation.org), a non-profit organization designed to create change in the Greater Baltimore community through investing in at-risk youth, providing back-to-school resources, funding after-school and career programs, offering holiday donations, and beyond. His vision is for the Foundation to empower families through programs and services that foster growth and kindness and combat violence.
“I’ve lived my whole life filled with purpose and serving others in need. I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing role positivity can play in the lives of others. As I share this powerful message on social media and through my book, I am confident each person who undertakes this kind of introspection and mindset pivot will become happier, more self-aware and intentioned,” Mitchum noted.
“Each day, we need to make contributions for the betterment of our society, and for all families. Together, we need to join forces to support each other through these troubling times, and we can only do that when we understand our own ability to be at peace, happy and committed to uplift each other.”
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the book funds the Foundation enabling Mitchum to influence more young lives in a direct, meaningful way. POSITIVE VIBES 2, and POSITIVE VIBES are an imprint of Erin Go Bragh Publishing, are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and wherever books are sold online.
For interviews or to schedule an appearance or a book signing by Mitchum, contact Lucy M. Gnazzo at 717-979-0692 or visit www.facebook.com/authorprestonmitchum. You can also follow Mitchum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.