A couple of week ago, a dear friend and I had an emotional conversation. She told me she felt like I'd been judgmental of her lifestyle — one which, on the outside, society might consider "normal". (Even though I don't believe in normal, and I think she is spectacular.) Hearing this absolutely broke my heart. I never want to make anyone feel like I think my lifestyle is more or better than theirs. Each of us have different wants, purposes, needs, and dreams. That's what makes this world so different and awesome! In addition, growth that results in our differences is always present in each one of us. In fact, I am vocal about new chapters of life because I feel that change is an exciting part of experiencing life. I have learned the hard way that creating a space for myself and my creativity is a crucial part of expression. But my goal has never been to convince any one to live on the same road. I share my thoughts, and creativity as much as I can because I simply must get all these emotions and experiences out of me. Many creative people I know simply exhaust themselves working extensively on what they are specifically good at. It is a confidence booster, a self assurance in itself that validates the importance of the work of that person, in a world that says otherwise. In that note, I will say that no one has it figured out. There is no such thing as "figured out" in this life. Everything in this material world is a big question mark in which we try to figure out. Even in our best works, we feel uncomfortable to own up our progress or accomplishments. We question our work, our art, and ultimately ourselves. We are in constant need of attention and approval and once we feel like we don't have that, we feel like a missing puzzle piece. There is a constant circle that goes around the idea of being content and living by our own terms and conditions. We often feel that we should follow procedure, copy others, or change ourselves to fit in. Just to feel like we belong or to get the experience that we never had before. This deep existential feeling mixed with nothingness is what delays our growth. And if we allow others or the society to govern our comfort , we must realize we are in danger. After the initial pain, this conversation with my friend ended up being super inspiring because I actually really admire her for being upfront about it. So I want to just say that your life doesn't have to look like mine (or anyone else's) for it to be wild, adventurous, creative, and spectacular. You can be the most adventurous person you know and never leave the country. You can be super creative and never pick up a paint brush or a drawing pad. Wildness, creativity, they are states of mind and being. What truly inspires me is a person who is actively seeking to creating a life they love. Whatever that means to them. That's it! As much as we are different in the ways that we look, we are also different in who we are. Life for all of us and the meaning of it is completely different. On ending this note, I would like to say as long as you preserve who you are or the things that make you feel alive, you have found the key to a life that is inspirational.
