Dreamworks Trolls... TROLLS led to this damn thing! How the hell did that happen?
Here's how:
On Pandora, one of my favorite "go to" thinking station's is How Far I'll Go, inspired by Disney's Moana (alot of Disney, as one could imagine). So, as I was diving into a project of mine, the song True Colors came on, which was featured on the soundtrack of this years animated film, Trolls. This version was sung by two of the films stars, Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick, as it features no more then an acoustic guitar, and lyrics so pure that you can forgive them for ever being used in Sex in the City 2.
This song has always been a joke to me. Now, that's more of a Cyndi Lauper thing, i'm sure, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that I have been neglecting the emotions of this song for many, many years. Before continuing on to the heart of this blog, I recommend, if you already haven't, having a quick listen to this newer version, and enter into a similar mindset that I was when I made my notes for this blog.
Click Here to listen!
Ok, We good? I assuming so. Let's get right to it then...
For whatever reason, these song's tend to sneak attack me from time to time, making me think of answers to questions I haven't even asked yet. That's not the first time that line has been used, but the truth within the context in which I choose to use it is original... and it can be, every single time you are honest with yourself.
Have you ever tried to be somebody you are not? In actuality, it can be kinda fun! For example, when I go to the airport, I like to pretend like I am somebody that I am actually not! Tricking the everyday stranger into thinking you are this "wild" figure is an interesting experiment in discovering your own communication skills.
Now, have you ever done this with somebody you care about? Yeah... not as fun anymore, is it.
Keeping up a charade to please another does extreme damage to yourself. This is something that we have ALL done. You drink when you don't like to, you say you like foods that you really hate, and you make up stories that never happened.
While this all rings true to my own beliefs, it is NOT what this blog is about. No. This blog is about giving yourself a chance. A chance to be BOTH yourself AND happy.
What are MY true colors? Well, My interpretation of true colors are not only the things that I like about myself, but they are also the things I don't like about myself. They are the things that make James James (or Jimmy Jimmy). When making this list, I did it like I would do in grade school; this is similar to making a list of your favorite animals, and your least favorite animals. So, with that being said...
Things I like about James: Creative, funny, easily inspired, "open-book", smart, family guy, friend.
Things I don't like about James: Prude, non-romantic, doesn't want to be a father, unsure of my faith, often lost, often afraid, perception of being "unlovable".
As you can see, I found more things I DON'T like about myself then things that I actually DO. Crazy thing? I believe that more people would follow this pattern then those who wouldn't. We are constantly looking at our flaws, and in doing so, we overlook the things that make us "special". Truth be told, ALL of these things are what make me special. These are all "Jimmy traits", and they cannot be duplicated in the same way that "Jimmy" does them.
Over the years, through experience, joy, laughter, heartbreak, and understanding, I have come to understand that my "True Colors" are the things that I CANNOT change. They are not directly connected to maturity, therefore they are something that will always be a part of me.
The people you surround yourself should not be the ones who simply "look at your positive traits" and can "overlook your negative ones". Uh uh, it should never work like that. Your true colors are every, damn, single, part of you. "So don't be afraid, to let them show..."
It doesn't matter if it is a friend, a girlfriend/boyfriend, or, eventually, a spouse; you hold on to that person who accepts every part of you, no matter in what capacity.
Finally, I want to ad this note:
When you are sad, pissed, or confused, WRITE! It's annoying, I understand, but it is so consequently true that the greatest interpretation of our emotions come through in our writing. ANYBODY can be a "great" (although I don't believe in a measurement of this) writer when they have the weapons of fear, anger, or even heartbreak. These things aim to do damage... so why not flip the script, and use them against their own intentions?
