Quid Pro Quo

Some pills I've had to swallow lately.

I spent the first round grilling some of you (and roasting others). But what goes around, comes around. There's no escaping the hot seat, even if you're usually the one strapping people to it. If you're going to dish the heat, you better know how to take it and learn from it.

Since last Tuesday, I've learned several things and I'm going to try to put them into the simplest words possible for you, okay? (Bet ya still don't know what quid pro quo means) Just follow along,.

one

as an artist, if there isn't a balance, it's up to you to find one.

Sometimes being a creative sucks because there can be so much that you want to devote to your art but there's also just so much other shit that demands so much time and attention. And you get sucked into a vortex. You're trying to get stuff done at first, but then you kind of just get swallowed by everything else and before you know it, you're too drained too do what you really want to do. So sometimes you have to sacrifice an hour (or so) of your pre-work nap to finish that piece. If there is no balance presented before you, make your own. Nobody is going to (nor are they responsible to) make sure you're following your passion. It's your passion.

two

people don't really know you.

People create pre-misconceptions. It's what we do. We see something (or someone) and form an opinion of it before we delve any deeper into it. Whether it be through social media, stories we've heard through others, or the particular setting they may have encountered you in. We paint these rosy (or not so rosy) images of each other and run with them; until the illusion at one point, or another, is snatched away and reality sets in. For better, or worse. But even then, people don't know you, they know the the version of you their mind allows them to know. Don't find yourself lost in the shuffle of their fantasy, trying to play the part.

three

this is your shit (life), do what you want with it.

I've loved the color black since I was a little girl. Something I picked up from my dad, I guess. But it's seen as rebellious and in turn, people who love it are stigmatized as weirdos (until it becomes trendy, of course). So I shied away and became a chameleon, following the trends just enough to fit in. Sometime during the fourth quarter of last year, I just stopped caring. I started wearing less and less color, and now I wear black practically everyday (and if I am wearing color, there's probably a reasoning behind it). I've been happier and more comfortable since I started doing the things I want to do, big or small. Every choice I make for myself makes me feel more like me.

four

sometimes that rut you keep getting stuck in is your fault.

What you water will grow. Your mind included. So if you water your mind the first 3 days and then just completely neglect it, like some sad house plant, you're going to get sad house plant results. Light a fire under your own ass and keep moving up (or forward) so your pants don't catch fire. Not only to save your ass, but so you can get to where you want to be. It's not going to happen overnight, but if you keep moving, the sky is the limit. Don't look back, don't slow down. Everyday isn't going to be easy, or the same. You have to bend, not break, re-examine the situation and attack it from a new angel. Even boss level is beatable.

five

sometimes the unknown/unfamiliar is exactly what you need.

Sometimes the answer to your problems is a clean slate. And with a clean slate, you have to leave old things behind; especially things that don't serve the you that you wanna be. In the past 6 months, my life has done a 180-degree turn. Though it hasn't be all rainbows and sunshine, I'm happier, getting back into my interests, and learning a lot more about life & myself. I've been submerged into a whole new world with new people, experiences and inspirations, and I think it's safe to say I've found my tribe. (Shameless plug-in: Shout out to my friends (you know who you are) you all keep me entertained, on my toes and inspired to be more. So thank you, seriously.)

I hope you all learned some things of your own this past week. Don't forget to reflect on them and really learn the lessons placed before you. The funny thing about life lessons is, they'll be thrown at you over and over until you learn them. Don't be a repeated offender if you don't have to. There's still so much other material to learn, don't get stuck in the same loop. I hope everybody has a great rest of the week. Keep an eye out for Thursday's topic, we just might be starting a bonfire.

talk soon.