Don't...Get...Distracted. (Metaphors up the WAZOO in this post)

(As I write this blog from my desk at work, the title just seems perfect.)

Hey--hey, you guys: Don't get distracted.

I know, I know, you've got SO much going on. Work is kicking your ass, and your significant other is being such a dingbat right now, and one of your friends is being super dramatic about something or other, you're incredibly lonely, you're trying to figure out how you'll pay for that next bill without incurring a late fee, your school loans are piling up and you've got a zit the size of Tibet. On your ass. And it hurts.

But don't even fret. Mama Pens has you covered.

When things like that happen, hide. Hide under a really cozy rock, or in a deliciously inviting cave--one with a blanket, pillow and the tools of your passions. And don't come out until you feel satisfied with putting that passion aside for a moment to deal with your crazy life.

Life can have this fantastic way of pulling you away from what you'd like to be spending your time perfecting, tending, nurturing.  It can also have this really fantastic way of pushing you in that same direction, and there you are, face-to-face with what you love.  It's sitting on this shiny platter, piping hot, smelling oh-so-delicious, and you are absolutely famished.  How do you say no to that?  Easy--you don't.  And you don't deny yourself of it when it's out of reach, either. You're still hungry either way, right?

I recall a time when my producer and I were craving Popeye's (actually, we crave it ALL the damn time, but I digress.).  We had finished a really successful writing session, and wanted to celebrate with some chick'n legs, biscuits and sides. We drove around for 30 minutes trying to find one, and would not settle for anything less than Popeye's.  Our reward?  Good-ass fuckin chicken.
Why is it that we will go out of our way to find a good parking spot, fulfill a food craving, the best seat in a theatre without a second thought, but when it comes to our own happiness, the things that make us tick, that make us wake up in the morning feeling like we can OWN the world, we settle for less than we deserve? And boy, do we come up with some great excuses. Think about it. We could have easily applied excuses to the parking lot, the fried chicken, the seats, but we didn't. We Made it Work to get what we want, and felt so damn awesome once it was achieved.

If we can apply it to the trivial things like food and entertainment, why can't we apply that same determination to self-fulfillment, self-actualization? 

I have been making it a goal this year to line up my priorities and increase the fulfilling moments in my life.  This means dedicating a helluva lot more time to my Music and Writing. Yes, I'm stressed, busy and trying to figure out my budget to live more comfortably, but none of these things matter if I'm not progressing as an artist. Without my passions I am nothing. I feel like nothing.

No. I'm hungry, I'm starving, really annoyed and that platter is NOT in my face. But I'm going to make it work, because it's exactly what I want.

And when I get that steaming hot platter, I'm going to hide away with it until I'm stuffed. Then I'll come out and deal with the real world, full, energized and ready to Take life head-on.

I swear, you have so much more control of your life than you want to admit. When you hit that realization, your growth will increase at breakneck speed. Take the wheel again, my friends...because if you aren't driving, who do you think is?

~Pusher.Of. Pens.~