In many ways, this fallacy (Independence aka being Self-Made) becomes an armor we wear, like Dean Todd in the Magicians. The armor prevents us from being hurt by BETRAYAL of people we loved or trusted. It protects us from being seen as weak or dependent on others.

Now people are being held hostage and left in the wings of the unknown to trust and hope that tomorrow this thing will come to an end because of their loyalty to the colors. How do we know this ain't some ploy to get votes to get some more mealymouthed dumb-asses in office to further fuck us? Or to get a bill passed into law that will ultimately screw us all?

It's fairly simple for me to inspire hope and positivity in other people. I can sit and listen and just KNOW the right thing to say or share. I live for that shit at times, to see and know people around me are doing well and are happier given my contribution or efforts, no matter how small. But internally, it can be a brutal struggle to believe in the hope of the desired future. When all is going well, it's easy for me to believe positive narration I've listened to or have w

It hurts when life causes us to crumple into debris in every aspect of our lives. We lose jobs, loved ones, we're thrust into change we don't want, get into vices that take away a bit more of ourselves each time we execute or indulge in them. But that is one part of the Life experience. We're not here to just suffer and die. We are also here To CREATE...to REBOUND... TO BUILD Your Home Within, Brick by Brick.

Dean Todd is in his office and is approached by Etta, his tailor. This is right in the midst of the memory spell kicking in. Etta mentioned how it made her sad that he could barely stand himself, but it also made him her best customer. He questioned this, to which she replied: "The bespoke suits, the hand-sewn shirts, its Armor - it's an armor to keep the world away. A disguise so that nobody can see what a truly loving heart you have."

The voice says: "The Balance of all is at risk. Stand your ground. Your niche is tied to your purpose. Unorthodox thought. It is your art and your birthright. Use it not to be seen but to spread a message that those ready to receive will receive. Yours is not for success or to avoid failure... But to spread what you know from within... A truth only you know."

"Do you know why you can't look away from a car accident? Instinct. It triggers something in your brain. You have no choice but to look, to question your own mortality. That is what we will put on a screen. America won't look away. And if you own the eyes of America, then you own the world." What makes this quote so impactful is the truth behind the words that many of us will brush by for the sake of entertainment.

We say time matters when we're doing, because if we're not doing we are wasting time. But in a time where instant gratification is the language of the world, and people are deemed poor and losers for standing still or taking their time, I'm here to say those that take no pause are quickly racing to nothingness. Their sprints will eventually kill them all, with nothing to celebrate in the hereafter.

Many of us wanted change so bad that we decided left was the way to go. To get someone that better aligns with our views which of course are ALWAYS right and better than the other person. We point the finger and say this person is weak, but vote in someone who is morally questionable and weak in other aspects....and no I'm not talking just about Mr. MAGA either because all candidates and persons in power have questionable traits. We all have questionable traits. 

One of the toughest questions many of us are asking ourselves is: Why Do I Exist? Regardless of theory, we have the power to choose our WHY. I believe that in each of us we have natural traits and talents, as well as acquired traits through trials and error that we can use to truly better ourselves, our families, and our communities...should we choose to use them in that way. Key word...Choose.

But here's what they don't tell you about the Normal way. Normalcy can change at anytime. Its all about perception. There's always going to be an opinion that defines Normal. A new wave, a new trend, a new standard or explanation.

When you think of the phrase "The End" what comes to mind? What emotions are you filled with? Does it fill you with joy knowing that you had a chance to gain experience and embrace the highs and lows of the journey? Or are you fearful of it, because you've struggled or made countless mistakes and the end means you failed?

As I scroll through Threads from time to time, trying to spread thoughts and positivity to those that need it... I can't help but see and realize how many people out there carry heavy hearts, fractured minds, hurt spirits... The collective as a whole is suffering inside, even if it's masked on the big algorithm machine.

I'll start by saying that I am married...colorless...odorless...black and white with ink and typewriter. A choice... A decision... Expectations pushed away, twisted, turned, disintegrated. And now, I wear a scarlet letter because I believe in love and mutual energies. Something that goes against the grain of the norm because I am against it's grain. A catalyst for change.

Because Connections Make a Difference. How else can we relieve the pressures we carry from society and our preconceived endless laundry list of responsibilities and duties, without being shunned that we are copping out? That we aren't Man Enough? That we're weak and need to bottle up our emotions and show some damn grit? We have to have some sort of support.

Physical effort, at a subconscious level, reinforces what we've been taught to believe as "our truth," based on someone else's guidance and interpretation. Or better yet, based on societal standards that are never really questioned, just accepted so that we fit in and look the part. We reinforce the beliefs and values stored in our minds through physicality - and yet, we PUSH OUR MINDS TO THE SIDE!

Anger, Revenge, and premeditated Violence became his strange bedfellow when he went to sleep at night. Days bled to Night, Night phased into day. His eyes would never rest neither would his body. Thoughts of winning danced in his head while trauma punched at his chest. A sadness, a regret he couldn't express. Because no one would understand. How a man so strong could be a boy so weak.

Brother, you matter! Your story matters! Your legacy matters! Why? You heal as you tell it. Yourself, but you also can heal and awaken others. You can inspire others to dig deep, to get the help even with tears in their eyes. Even with the feeling of pins and needles. When you heal and safeguard your mind, you energize your soul and communicate better to your heart. You feel lighter inside, and your body learns to respond in kind.

Mental Health over the past couple of years has become an increasingly important part of our overall wellness as human beings. However, there are several reasons why people opt-out of ongoing therapy sessions: The imbalance of need vs number of practitioners, heightened costs due to the need, lack of empathy and down-to-earth understanding of therapists, and the fear of being JUDGED. 

To hear and feel the emotions of people as we played. To strategize and crack jokes as we ran through the stages together. Thats teamwork!