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!