The Climb 🏔️

 The Solo Journey.

    Being an artist requires one to walk their own path. It requires them to move in a direction, when others cannot see where you step.

    The journey of an artist is one filled with people who doubt and disbelieve in what you do. They will mock, judge, and even disagree with the path. Yet one things remains true, above all else- it is not their path to take.

    I often think of the quote that ships are safer in the harbour, but thats not what ships were built to do. The idea that we as individual will always be safer by staying conserved and in line, rather than stepping out and putting ourselves out there. In a sense, it’s right. We are safer, staying in the harbour. We are guaranteed food, friends, family, and a good life. But that’s not what ships were built for, is it? That’s not what we as humans were given life for, after all.

    Being able to take risks is necessary. Being able to step out on your own, to discover your own voice, is a process. I’m not talking about risks as in staying up til 5am partying with strangers because YOLO. I’m talking taking risks, putting yourself out there, doing your best to become who you truly are. Most people end up living a shell of a life, because all they ever do is follow the crowd. All they ever do, is wake up and do exactly as they’re told. They’re great soldiers. They follow orders and commands, and never step out of line. And then one day, when the hour of dusk draws near- they wake up and realize what a waste of a life it’s been.

    I mean no disrespect to soldiers. In fact, I salute them. Godspeed. However, I believe that each and every individual has something unique that they can offer. Something deep down, which was gifted to them upon birth. We all have gifts. We all have powers. The true secret to succeeding with them, is willing to discover them on your own. Willing to step out of the crowd, and experiment. Willing to no longer conform and fit yourself into a specific box which society has given you. Understanding that this life is one you live on your own.

    Human psyche is fascinating. One of the reasons why I enjoy studying it so much. We truly are a brain-dead species. At least, most of us. The herd mentality, following us around 24/7. Grown men and women, afraid to stand out from the crowd. Afraid to risk it all. Afraid to step up and claim what is rightfully theirs. We have been programmed to view outlines and rejects. As failures. We are forced-fed this idea, that success is all about colouring within the lines. That we must do as we’re told, and become just like someone else. That is the key to success, apparently.

    The truth is- why would you ever listen to anybody else? Why would you ever take advice from somebody you would never want to be? The idea itself just doesn’t make sense. The thought of moulding your base and understanding of the world from somebody else’s point of view. When you take a step back and examine it, you realize just how insane it truly is.

    One of the most interesting facts I ever learned was that your eyeballs are literal extensions of your brain. Not some separate organ which is sending signals to it- a literal attachment. That blew my mind, the first time I heard it. What that means is, we literally all perceive reality differently. We all absorb our surroundings, through lightwaves, and take in different thoughts. Think about an individual who is colour blind. Their eyeballs, which is basically their brain, absorb light differently than somebody who is not colour blind. That means they both experience different realities, despite looking at the same thing. Now take that example, and amplify it over your entire life. Two individuals, living in the same area- yet experiencing it completely different.

    Different is good. Different is unique. Different is what separates you from everybody else. We are taught that different is something to be shunned, to be ignored or cast aside. Yet, when different grows beyond what we can control, we are taught to embrace it. We are taught to celebrate it and admire at its beauty. Then, as soon as we’re done- back to fitting into a box. Back to doing exactly as you’re told. Back to becoming who it is the world wants you to be. The hypocrisy is insane, to say the least.

    Maturing is realizing that life is a do-it-yourself project. Others may chip in their 2 cents, give your advice and even try to direct you- but in the end, you are the master of your own ship. You are the captain, who bears the responsibility of what you reap. The average individual doesn’t figure that part out, until it’s too late. They wait until their final hours, to finally understand. The two biggest days of your life are spent alone- when you’re born and when you die. There are people who come and go in between. Some who help create meaning and some who create pain. Regardless, your journey is one you must walk alone.

    The secret to being alone is to find yourself. Find your inner child, and feed it. Find who you truly are, at the centre of your being, and embrace it. Do whatever it takes, to bring them out into the world. Everybody has their inner child, buried down under. Some drown it with alcohol. Others smoke and consume to keep it at bay. Regardless of your method, he still exists, way down under.

The journey of an artist is a path one must walk alone. One must cast aside their baggage, and embark solo. 

However, just because someone is alone- doesn’t mean they are lonely.

        Glory Be,

                    Amen.