The only constant in life is change. As
soon as you think you've got something figured out, here comes a
variable you never expected. You can plot, and plan as much as you
like, but something is going to catch you off guard. I used to never
be late to things, and I'd always do everything I said I was going to
do regardless of how difficult, or time-consuming. Lately, I've
noticed that I go back on my word far more than I ever intended. Not
because I've suddenly become flaky, but because the unexpected
arrives grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
The fabled monkey wrench grinding into
the gears that comprise your life. The sound of steel, and iron
scraping together to cause an unholy uproar inside your head. The
fury, and fervor combining to generate a grand distraction, keeping
you from the things you truly want to do with your days. Work,
school, relationships, and everything else keeps chipping away at
your sanity until one day you either breakdown, or begin cutting
things out.
Of course you don't want to neglect
your loved ones, but there's always that thought that you'll see them
later. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Sometimes goodbye
becomes permanent, and you're left to pick up the pieces of your
shattered reality. I wish I could tell you that things get back to
normal after a while, but once a significant change is made, it can't
be undone. Adaptation is the cornerstone of an effective life.
Over the past few months I've
experienced things that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. In fact,
I've given up on having enemies altogether. Sure, I still get
irritated with people sometimes, but the rage I've held for people
who've wronged me in the past is gone. We all suffer to some degree,
and we can never be certain of another person's motivation. People
tend to project their own pain onto others, and our first instinct is
to react defensively. It might be natural, but that doesn't make it
beneficial.
Some people can afford to talk out
their problems with someone who has a degree in listening, and asking
the right questions. I'm fortunate enough to have everything I need
to be my own therapist. For a long time, I neglected my greatest
asset in order to keep myself numbed to the world. When I was
younger, I threw myself into music when I was struggling. Once
alcohol became readily available to me, it became my go-to problem
solver. Counter-productivity at it's finest.
I can't say that I'd be doing any
better in life if I stayed as obsessed with creating music as I have
been lately, but I know I could've avoided a lot of heartache. Then
again, some of the greatest art is inspired by the worst moments. One
funny thing about life is that the hardest times often bring out the
best in you. Sink or swim, as they say. Some birds are taught to fly
by being pushed out of their nest. Trying times are indeed a part of
nature, and can't be avoided. The key is figuring out what gets you
through those rough spots, and that's a question only you can answer.
Today I want you to do that one thing
that really brings you joy. I know you've got obligations, and you
feel like you don't have enough time, but you owe it to yourself to
make the time. You may be so tired you just want to binge-watch
television when you get home, or you might have kids that won't leave
you alone, but you need to connect with your passion. Don't do it
because I asked, or because you think it might get you some sort of
fame, do it for that part of you that's still unscathed by the world.
Do it because your spirit needs it. Even if you're only working on
your pet project for twenty minutes at a time, that twenty minutes
can mean the difference between peace, and madness.
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