What A Feelin'
Art imitates life and without life, we are nothing...
Sometimes I wonder if waiting for the most opportune time to commit to your goals actually works. It may work for some, but it does not work for me. I have to get up, get out and get to it. I say this because whenever I mention that I’m self-published not too many understand what that means. Sure, it’s self-explanatory but at the same time, most people are confined to the hamster wheel and cubicle life with only hopes of getting out of the rat race but never fully taking the risks to do so.
I work a regular degular job like most people but unlike most people I am tired of waiting for certain things, so I went out and found a way to make things happen for myself. All business is slow unless you already have a clientele or fanbase but me? I have a pop-up virtual store and write and publish books. All by myself, no help whatsoever. And I won’t say that I’m a risk taker, however, I have noticed that there aren’t too many people around me doing similar things because they either have a good job or they are comfortable in their positions regardless of how much he or she may complain about it. But me? I know there’s more to life than clocking in and clocking out. And all I’m doing is trying to see for myself what life has to offer, and I believe that my artwork will grant me access to experiencing all of life’s fruits and undeniable beauty.
I work at my local bookstore and I love it. The money is booty butt cheeks, but I’m inspired all day, every day not only because I’m surrounded by books but also, I get to discuss them at length at any moment in time without consequence--so yeah, I love my job and I’m obviously damn good at it too!
As I sit at my computer and write these words, I can tell you wholeheartedly that my work is indeed one of the best things about my life! It is like a nonstop good movie, ups and downs may come but the good rolls on and the bad doesn’t last for too long. In the past week: I’ve had 4 different novel ideas, 3 poetry collection ideas [though I plan to retire my poetry after this next release] and 2 or 3 screenplay/movie ideas, so yeah, I’m inspired every day to create. And though I may not do so, still, the ideas never leave me. I even had the presence of mind to start writing music again but I’m not sure if I really wanna commit to that right now.
I say that because I’m working on book 8 which is set to release at some point this year, I also have several unfinished short stories that I wish to complete and possibly publish in a collection or I might just post them here on Substack, not sure yet. I’m also in the process of coming to terms with my debut novel and the concept behind it. I might start off in YA or junior readers because this type of book idea revolves around a personal subject and I want to make sure my point of view is illustrated properly by myself and all others who may be possibly involved.
Anyway, back to my original point of view: do you think waiting for the right time is worth it? I’m asking out of curiosity because if you had the ideas and capital to make changes, would you do so? Naturally your answer is yes but little do you know that in order to generate capital you first must have an idea! With no ideas, there will be no change and for damn sure no money. So, do you have any ideas? Do you have any ideas at all on how you’d go about changing your life for the better? I’m sure you do but family life and work and other things probably have you distracted. So here, I’ll offer you a bit of advice that helped me get to where I am today.
Start a journal, doesn’t matter if it is physical or digital but journal your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Do this consistently and over time you will notice what remains constant and what does not; doing this should assist in finding out what it is you like and wish to achieve for yourself. Most people do this through their faith but regardless of what you believe, you must first identify within yourself exactly what you want or if you want anything at all out of life. Finding yourself is key.
A sense of self works wonders regardless of how old you are!
I unfortunately lost my train of thought… so I will end this short but sweet message with a warm and loving sentiment.
Magic genie who grants 3 wishes or no magic genie, a billion dollars in your account or 12 cents and empty gum wrappers in your pocket… none of that matters without a working understanding of what makes you tick and feel alive. Every day may feel exactly the same because the routine never changes, one of the catalysts for change involves changing daily habits and other routines especially those that aren’t conducive to the life you envision for yourself. So you must ultimately pursue the version of yourself that brings true warmth to your heart and an infectious smile to your face.
If you need any assistance, I am happy to help. Peace!