Life's critics

Happy Friday! And it's sunny!

It's a gift and a curse but we live in a world that is full of unique people - different goals, different approaches, different attitudes, different personalities. In this world, most of us have to work. We have to work jobs where unfortunately, we work for other people. Because we spend so much time at work (and because we're not robots), regardless of your field, it's near impossible to not bring some of who you are into your work. Is it a bad thing - no, I think it's a beautiful thing. But herein lies the problem, when people don't know what "constructive criticism" really is, are they critiquing you or your work? Is there a difference - maybe or maybe not.

This week I have been reading the infamous February issue of Vibe on my afternoon train rides (in hopes of finishing it sometime this year). In the article, Sean Fennessey asks Kanye about his work and what the critics have said about the turn he took in making 808's and Heartbreak. Brilliantly, he responded:

"When you make a record like Love Lockdown, it's like you're not
even trying to pass a test. You just do a Basquiat painting over the whole
test. And sure, every answer is wrong, but look, it makes a beautiful
picture."

Work is hard because it's work. But you don't have to change who you are to complete a task. Do what you have to do to live but don't lose who you are in the work. Artists like Basquiat were great because they lived and worked in their own greatness - not because of what someone told
them. So, go forth - work to pay your bills - but live and thrive in the greatness in and around you!

So many ideas, so little time to blog

Since my last blog post, many days ago, I have thought about blogging every single day. Not so much what to blog about, more what to blog about first. I have been reading and have gotten 2 Real Simple's off the reading list.

But I'm still reading this damn Vibe from February! The high class problem is that (1) outside of the fact that Kanye is on the cover, (2) it also contains an article on The-Dream, who is also one of my favorites and (3) the writing is SO GOOD! I hadn't read Vibe in a really long time and the writing has evolved incredibly and I just don't want it to end.

I can say that I have at least started the article that is actually about Kanye West (starting on page 59) and my new high class problem is that not only is the writing phenomenal, this is one of the most introspective interviews with Kanye that I've ever read. His responses to each question are mind blowing and each line prompts a hundred thoughts for me. In my ideal world, I anticipated reading the article and blogging about it but because it's my blog and it's a free space, I guess I can write about any and all of it! Seriously, I believe there is a lot of richness to this article that has been inspiring to me and maybe it will be for you too...

The article starts with a full page, black and white headshot of Kanye with an Andy Warhol quote laid out over it: "They always say that time changes things. But you actually have to change them yourself." Besides the fact that Andy Warhol is a genius in his own right, this quote summarizes the story of my life.

Let me explain - I have this unrealistic fear that I'm always running out of time so I have to do as many things as possible to make sure that I'm prepared no matter what. Dangerous thinking - sure. But I think I'm in the minority of people who actually benefit from this thinking. When I started my Master's degree in Psychology, I wanted to be a therapist. I wanted to help people. I wanted to help people find solutions to their problems. About 6 months into the program, I realized that I don't have the patience to do therapy - and freaked out because I thought I had made a $40K mistake. I just couldn't see myself, seeing patients, week after week, month after month, year after year, trying to help someone.

I am not insensitive and don't want to appear that way. It would just be frustrating for me to see insurmountable potential and strength in someone that they can't see in themselves to overcome obstacles and make the changes necessary to have the life they want. I love people and I still want to help people. But I guess I take the stance that time is a divine gift that we're given to create and live the lives we want. At the end of the day, you decide how you spend your time.