ideas

I’ve been working extra shifts at work to earn and set aside some cash to fund future creative explorations.  It’s thrown me off my rhythm, but it’s served as a good reminder of why I left my former life of seventy hour work weeks laboring for someone else’s dreams.  And it’s helped intensify many of the lessons I’ve learned since I made room for learning by leaving that life behind.

I’ve learned that possessions can become prison walls if you find yourself endlessly striving to hang onto them.

I’ve learned that no amount of stuff will ever be enough if you measure your success by the amount of things you have gathered around you.

I’ve learned that trophies and awards can become substitutes for authentic achievement.

I’ve learned that approval is something people will sometimes dangle before you as a means to control you.

I’ve learned that if you’re willing to give it, some employers and even some friends and family members will take everything you have to give, even if it includes your dreams, your desires, and your soul.

I’ve learned that people can only make you feel small if you let them.

I’ve learned that you can enjoy a job, even if it’s not your passion,
as long as you place it in perspective, understand how it serves your
greater vision, and recognize the ways it never can.

I’ve learned that if you show up and do your job as best you can, you’re an exception to the rule.

I’ve learned that doing this and knowing you do this gives you leverage to negotiate for better conditions.

I’ve learned that purpose, meaning, happiness, and inspiration aren’t things you wait for; they’re things you create.

I’ve learned that goals are not always clear and can sometimes only be made so by moving towards them.

I’ve learned that you don’t have to explain what you’re doing to people who aren’t really interested in understanding it anyway.

I’ve learned that crude beginnings are the only paths available to find your way to greater things.

I’ve learned that mishaps can become masterpieces.

I’ve learned that joy and laughter don’t cost much.

I’ve learned that love doesn’t either.

Shared Treasure – A Song to Set You Learning

Beck is one of those artists I love most: the kind who transcend categorization, hopping about from genre to genre.

Here is a beautiful performance of the song, Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometimes.

Beck – Everybody’s gotta learn sometime

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