I have a friend who is, as far as i can tell, the wisest man that ever lived. And any time I have anything on my mind, be it good or bad or otherwise, he is always there to discuss it with me. And i cannot say that i have ever left one of those discussions without feeling a sense of understanding and calm.
The most recent of such talks was in reference to a possible job opportunity. Essentially I have the opportunity to take a steady job that pays significantly more money than anything I do now. It's work I'm quite capable of doing and it's certainly not an exceptionally difficult job. The catch is that this job requires a greater commitment than any job I've ever held before and it means having everything else lower on my priority list. It seems like an irresponsible decision for me NOT to take this job, and yet I can't seem to console myself that the sacrifices would be worthwhile.
And as I discussed this with my friend, an idea started forming in my mind. I really started to question whether I would ever be ready for a "real job." It was one of those moments where my self esteem really plummeted, and I felt like such a child for not being able to make the responsible decision. So, the friend in question being one of my most trusted confidants, I spoke of my concern.
"I just wonder if I'll ever be ready to have a real job with those kinds of commitments."
And my friend responded:
"Artists never are."
And he said it with a smile and a light-heartedness that showed he didn't even have to think about it. He wasn't trying to choose his words tactfully. He just spoke the truth. And it changed everything for me. There wasn't a moment of judgment or reasoning. It was simply a testament to my character and it worked only to reinforce my belief in myself that I am an artist by nature and I am bound for a life of art and creative pursuits for as long as I wish to live that way. And i want to live that way forever.
so i propose a toast:
To artists everywhere who would much rather be broke and happy than secure and unfulfilled.
Cheers
The most recent of such talks was in reference to a possible job opportunity. Essentially I have the opportunity to take a steady job that pays significantly more money than anything I do now. It's work I'm quite capable of doing and it's certainly not an exceptionally difficult job. The catch is that this job requires a greater commitment than any job I've ever held before and it means having everything else lower on my priority list. It seems like an irresponsible decision for me NOT to take this job, and yet I can't seem to console myself that the sacrifices would be worthwhile.
And as I discussed this with my friend, an idea started forming in my mind. I really started to question whether I would ever be ready for a "real job." It was one of those moments where my self esteem really plummeted, and I felt like such a child for not being able to make the responsible decision. So, the friend in question being one of my most trusted confidants, I spoke of my concern.
"I just wonder if I'll ever be ready to have a real job with those kinds of commitments."
And my friend responded:
"Artists never are."
And he said it with a smile and a light-heartedness that showed he didn't even have to think about it. He wasn't trying to choose his words tactfully. He just spoke the truth. And it changed everything for me. There wasn't a moment of judgment or reasoning. It was simply a testament to my character and it worked only to reinforce my belief in myself that I am an artist by nature and I am bound for a life of art and creative pursuits for as long as I wish to live that way. And i want to live that way forever.
so i propose a toast:
To artists everywhere who would much rather be broke and happy than secure and unfulfilled.
Cheers
VIEW 6 of 6 COMMENTS
niobe:
I agree with you! 100%
nova_:
Who is the best Lexulous player in all the world? 