Adulting Ain't Hard!

Somewhere Only We Know

"Hashtag Adulting" reads the meme above.  It's a popular turn of phrase about the inter-webs and in various conversations these days.  The idea of having to do the day to day life struggles in a manner that fits the image of what an adult would be all the while pining to return once more to childhood.  It is an oddity that we spend a great deal of our youthful childhood in the naive state of "when I grow up" and yet when we reach the stage of "grown-up-ness", we simply want to propel ourselves back to our younger days.  Perhaps, it is humanity's deeper issue of always wishing for, longing for what we do not have, looking outward rather than inward, and glorifying the past as somehow simpler and easier, not quite recalling the struggles that were so real in those times.  Because the truest statement is that all times of our lives have their struggles and their joys, the journey is in finding the peace within whatever state we find ourselves in and the gratitude to live a life full of inner joy despite the external circumstances.  For to be in a state of happiness is not solely based on outward reality, but when the internal maintains a state of peace despite the outward storms that may rage and rampage.

Increasingly, I have stopped viewing "adulting" in terms of being a grown-up but more as the notion of growing up.  Life is a journey of which we never fully arrive, there is always more to learn, more 'growing up' to do along the course of our existence on this blue marble we call our home.  Turning our view point not to the chores of the daily tasks, stepping back from being an "a-dult", but rather to see the journey in life in the act of being, the process of growing up.  In that way, I have found, the day to day tasks and toils do not become something to be dreaded but an adventure, a joy to discover, a puzzle to figure out, a step forward in the next phase of our evolution.  

In my life, I have started making daily lists of tasks both personal and professional to cross off as I accomplish, not needing to finish all but knowing the end goal for my days, weeks, months, and so forth.  In this way, not only do I feel a sense of accomplishment for reaching even the smaller goals each day and find myself daily moving towards fulfilling the larger ones, but the joy in living as a 'grown-up' is present as well.  It has become a little game as it were, even the details of managing my money inward and outward flow, paying the bills, is seen in that way.  

Life has become a joy and so even in times of turmoil, I find a sense of inner calm and centered awareness.  The routine of my life is one that I actively choose and ordain for myself.  I do my best to be mindful of all aspects of what I consume, both physical and spiritual, to spend time each day reading and journaling, exercise, yoga, meditation, getting out in nature (thankfully I am a dog-walker so my survival job affords me the ability to play outside, paid hiking as it were), which gives me the sense of balance needed to have sustainable focus from day to day. 

I cannot claim to be an expert at "hashtag adulting" or even that I have officially grown-up, as it were.  I am in the process of growth, the journey onward.  I still have days of weakness, where I find myself screaming "Why?" at the universe when all things feel desperate.  But focusing on mindfulness daily helps me return to that sense of inner peace which is a guide to help navigate forward despite the pitfalls which may seem to hinder my path.

We would sing and dance around
Because we know we can't be found
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus's garden in the shade

We would shout and swim about
The coral that lies beneath the waves
(Lies beneath the ocean waves)
Oh what joy for every girl and boy
Knowing they're happy and they're safe
(Happy and they're safe)

We would be so happy you and me
No one there to tell us what to do
I'd like to be under the sea
In an octopus's garden with you
In an octopus's garden with you
In an octopus's garden with you

Octopus's Garden

Did you find this article interesting? Have a response, comment below.  I do my best to respond to all comments and welcome all points of view, as long as they are not inflammatory.

The Thriving Artist blog is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company striving to raise awareness for  a variety of social issues and to effect real change.  Support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions 

End Is A Beginning

The End Of The World

In my young impressionable youth of a mere twenty, I traveled on a study abroad program to Florence, Italy.  In one of my classes, the teacher spoke about the fall of nations and societies.  "Just as in Rome," he said, "throughout history all societies and nations find their end, so to will America."
As a young naive twenty year old, this thought of my country dying, all that I knew as safe and comfortable, was petrifying, to say the least.

But, now that I am ancient, nay I should say wiser and more mature, I see this reality with less horror and with more of a sense of hopeful comfort.

Many of the world religions believe in some form of 'world ending' philosophy in their theology.   In addition, there are many a novel written about the end of the world as we know it replaced by a dystopian society, as it were.  Hollywood has in itself gotten into the thread of the story by producing films and TV shows with a world-ending, dystopia theme surrounding the characters and story-lines.

Why is this 'end-times' notion such a popular and relatable theme? It seems as if all people, on whatever the spectrum of spiritual belief or not at all, have some sort of understanding that the world as we know it will cease to exist, in some way and fashion.

In high school, I thoroughly enjoyed the assigned reading texts of Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and (my personal favorite), 1984.  The characters' living through the existence of a present dystopia was intriguing and fascinating to my hyper active imagination.

In my fun-die days, I, hungrily, ate up the bible studies the pastors taught through the book of Revelation as well as the Left Behind novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.  These lessons and stories offered me some semblance of comfort that I could never truly explain, perhaps as if my future was already planned releasing me from some sort of worry or anguish.  Added to that, there is even a crazy and dark crime scandal in Idaho (of all places) shrouded in the mystery of a dooms-day Mormon cult.  (Google: Lori Vallow Daybell for more info!)

So, why then was I so worried when my college professor declared the ending of America, way back in the shockingly innocent times of 1999?  I think I can explain why---

I have come to believe that the end of the world is not necessarily merely a corporate reality, but even more so part of the individual journey we all must venture.  The reason for the universality of this belief is because we all have births and deaths throughout our entire lives.

At the age of ancient wisdom that I have now reached, I have had many a death, a destructive ending, as it were.  From heartbreaking good-byes of lovers and friends, to a bitter divorce, a shattering diagnosis of bipolar, all brought me to a deeper appreciation and love for myself, my abilities, in the wake of such despair.  My twenty year old self, sitting in that classroom in the beautiful ornate building in down-town Florence, Italy, had yet to truly experience any of these losses, pains, and deconstruction of self that I have now.

On the other side of all the pain and anguish I have experienced, I find an inner calm and peace, a light that guides the path of which I'm to follow.  My life today is far from perfect, nor do I wish it to be.  I still have days of struggle and sorrow, but deep within lies the belief that I will make it through, if only because I have done so before.

So, dear reader, as you look upon all the insanity, tragedy of this world's current events, from the persecution of racism against African Americans to the rampage of the global pandemic, causing its own turmoil in a variety of ways, know that the end is not in and of itself, a loss of hope, but the birth to a new chapter of your life and that of the whole world.  Together and individually we are in the midst of pains of spiritual and emotional birth, an upheaval to shake us out of our comfort zones, bringing us closer and closer still to our truest purpose, to live in complete wholeness as we progress further in our journeys toward evolutionary enlightenment.

Thus, with Jesus we can say, "This sickness is not unto death," because, my friend, it is not.  Take heart, for darkness shall not prevail and we will not toil here long, out of the shadows we shall emerge, new, refined, healed, and truly alive.

It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine

Its The End Of The World

It's the end of the world as we know it

It's the end of the world as we know it

Whether you agree or disagree with what is written above, please comment below.  I welcome all opinions and thoughts.  I do my best to respond to all comments.

The Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company with the emphasis on bringing quality entertainment to the world that raises awareness and understanding to a wide variety of social issues.  Support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

Who Are You Without, Who Am I Without---

https://blacklivesmatter.com/news/

I'll be perfectly honest, I'm not sure how to start this blog.  Over the last week, much like the rest of the country, I've been under a deluge of hate and bewilderment, a hatred I have never fully experienced and never shall, merely because I was born under the banner of white privilege.  Being born white has afforded me the luxury of not having to fear unwarranted violence and attacks against myself or my family.  I've never once felt threatened by the police, instead have always been greatly helped by them.  

I realize that being a woman I have had my own style of abuse that all women, regardless of color, race, creed, relate to and agree should not be happening.  But, this blog is not about women's rights, the women's movement, or even more so about me.  

A white female friend of mine from my fun-die days, who is still a very active member of that worldview, posted on Facebook her response to the current events dealing with the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmed Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and also the ridiculous behavior of Amy Cooper.  She was raising her voice against the injustice in a way that I believe was false by bringing up the notion of "reverse racism".  She and her husband were missionaries in Africa some years back and ended up adopting several African children.  She spoke of the discrimination and backlash she felt because of this, saying that they were accused of child trafficking or would be using these children as their personal slaves.  I believe she was feeling defensive and not only showing her white privilege but also how her limited beliefs left her ill-informed and on the defense.  (A side note: fundamentalists are taught that the world hates Jesus, the world hates Jesus in them, which boils down to "the world hates you", so with that logic going through your head wouldn't you always feel on the defense? A sad way to live indeed!)

But, what she missed was these deaths, these protests, the BLM movement was not at all about her, nor is it about me.  She, like I have done and I can imagine all of us have, failed to see beyond her own self and situation. If I had deemed take the time to respond to her post, which I did not because I fear she would not want to hear, I would have asked her simply, "Why do you think these people were afraid of your trafficking these children or using them for your gain?  Why, as American citizens, why ever would they think that?"

Face it, white folks, the United States of America was founded on white supremacy and privilege, slave labor and black racism.  Admitting that is the first step to healing the gaping wound that plagues our country's soul and will hopefully enact real change.  

You've got to be taught to hate and fear

You've got to be taught from year to year

It's got to be drummed in your dear little ear

You've got to be carefully taught

Of people whose eyes are oddly made

You've got to be taught to be afraid

You've got to be carefully taught

And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade

Before you are six or seven or eight

You've got to be taught before it's too late

To hate all the people your relatives hate

You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be carefully taught

You've Got To Be Carefully Taught

It has been said that babies are born into this world with a clean slate, no ulterior motives of judgment or violence against themselves or another. Another notion, that I find myself leaning towards, is that before our birth we choose to be re-incarnated into the lives we come into for the specific purpose of healing and evolving to whatever comes beyond. Whatever the belief or thought, the same truth seemingly applies and my thinking being that children are not born with hatred or racism, that, as the song states, 'has to be taught.' We are programmed on what to think by our families of origin, the society we live in, the school system, what sources of media we take in, and on the list goes. We may not be surrounded by sources that are trying to be negative, racist, or full of hatred, but these sources have also been brought up in similar backgrounds. Whether we like it or not, we all carry a sense of subtle racism. Like I mentioned above, admitting is the first step towards healing, not to condemn, but to embolden to take action, be a better person, and do what is needed to make that change, not for our personal validation but for the world.

Despite the incidents of the last week, I believe there may be small improvements, very minute. Now, remember I am viewing this from my 'white girl' lens. But I see these small improvements merely because of the outpouring response to the protests and marches in themselves, not the looting and violence that followed. Many Americans, including whites, standing for their black brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, fighting for a change in bitter shock that we are still having to overcome this battle. Yeah, that's a slight improvement. But, why does it occur in the face of such public scandal, why isn't an ongoing battle we wage alongside our black brethen?

Why is this? Why is this still a reality, or rather why has this form of racism never died as even others are losing their ground? I believe, as the song says, "you have to be carefully taught", by your family, by society, by those around you on the playground, by the media. It may be slight, we may think of ourselves as woke white folk, but within there is that subtle racism such as pointing out the color of someone's skin when you see them approach, you may not mean anything about it, but why do we have to acknowledge it? Do you ever see a white person approaching and say, "oh here comes a white person?" No, why would you? Well, why must we inform ourselves "oh here comes a black girl, a Hispanic boy, a lesbian,"? Why must we differentiate based on our differences? I think individuality is important and vital on a personal level, but the influence of enforcing these differences causes the breakdown in communication which results in separation, leading to an "us against them" mentality.

For my part, I chose to withhold from joining in the protests in my local area, not because of any threat of violence (I live in a small area), nor because of the continuing spread of COVID-19, nor even because of my issues with large crowds due to my PTSD trauma, no, none of those. I chose to refrain because I did not want my protest to be from a place of "FOMO" (as the kids say) or about how righteous I look when I share a photo of myself protesting on social media. Social media is a valid tool but too often it becomes a source not just of social interaction but internal validation. In the last several months, perhaps years, I have found myself stepping back and limiting my interactions on social media to business related and/or funny jokes, choosing to deal with my personal life on my own, with my close friends, and therapist. As an actor, you would think I crave external validation and, I think, surely all of us do, but I am choose to actively work against that norm.

So, I stayed home from the protests to reflect on what I need to do to be better at supporting and helping to raise awareness for such issues like the Black Lives Movement and about bringing an end once and for all an end to systematic racism. I find it horrifying that as we have advances and real change in such issues surrounding LGBTQA+, Trans Movement, even mental health issues, there still is oppression, violence, murder against the black community. It is a true fact of our country that a black individual does not feel altogether safe wherever they may go, does not feel supported by law enforcement, fears for their lives on a daily basis. All of these things I can never truly imagine living with or ever really know.

In attempts to lend my support and help make the change needed to end racism against blacks, I choose, not just to cast my vote, donate when I can, but to begin within to heal the ways I was taught, the ingrained lessons of subtle racism. I choose to do that work inwardly, without needing the attention therein, because this fight is not about me. Its the first step and one that is valid as I move forward to raise my voice and actions to fight against injustice. Believe me, when I say, I won't stop at my inward beliefs, but use it to embolden to take the right steps toward healing my nation and the world of the plight of racism, that should never have been.

But, still, I believe, real change begins within and only within. For it's when the doors are closed, no one is around, nowhere to run to, that we have to face ourselves and our true natures are revealed, that of which we cannot hide from, with no one else to shame or blame.

So, I ask you, who are you when no one is around, who are you without, and even more so, who am I without?

Donate to Black Lives Matter at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019

The Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company with the desire to bring real change by raising awareness for social issues through the usage of effective media. Support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

Have thoughts on what I wrote? Feel free to comment below. I respect all opinions and feelings and desire an open, honest, non-hurtful dialogue. Thank you.

Fear, Itself

Anger, Avoidance, Disbelief....these are all frequent emotions that are seen in our lives today, due to the external realities and events conscious in our current world situation.  I am not immune to this, nor am I saying that I have perfected the ways to rise above because of the thoughts I will express in the paragraphs to follow.  It's only to offer comfort, encouragement, and an alternate way to view the situations and relationships you find yourself therein.

The world today is racked with political strife, racial injustice as well as other forms of discrimination, thus conflicts are abundant between all differing viewpoints.  Both sides want to believe that they are both right and on the side of good.  Both sides have their claims as to the validity and facts to back this up.  But, from what I can tell, no one really takes the time to listen to the other, they are already armed with their reaction to the response given, to defend, belittle, and silence.

What is the real reasoning behind these behaviors of anger, violence, avoidance, such emotional strife?  I believe a simple four letter F word: FEAR.

Fear: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

As I look outwards at the reactions to the current pandemic of COVID-19, I believe the root is caused by fear.  We, as humans, well, as American citizens, have grown comfortable in our creature comforts, in wanting things to say the way they are, normal is seemingly a synonym for safety and security.  When something whether internal or external threatens that, we react with anger, disbelief, avoidance.  On both viewpoints of the COVID-19 pandemic, we see the emotionally violent reactions such as the protests against in defiance and those upset with those protesting in fear of being put at risk but both stem from the discomfort caused by fear.  Fear may be irrational at times, not built on a real external threat, but it is valid, no matter the belief or stance.  For all people have a reason for being on this green and blue little marble of which we abide, all for our personal and global uplift.  

This fear stems from the belief that something is being taken from you, something that you feel requires your personal well-being and safety.  But from what I have found, having our security shaken causes an inward shift to reveal the need to not rely so much on the external but our own inner guide.  In this discovery, we find we truly can persevere, we heal, transcend, and evolve.  

I, myself, have been a long since sufferer with fear and anxiety.  2020 has been a year of discovery in just how deep my fear dwells, that of trauma issues from my childhood and more recent past, becoming in itself post traumatic stress.  This has caused my inner beings of both masculine and feminine to either be reactive in defense or to be suppressed, undervalued.  In my local little world, I often have friends and colleagues confused about why I don't attend their events or am as social as I "should be".  They mistake this lack of connection and reciprocity as a lack of support.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  In actuality, it all stems from my trauma issues in that for years now, perhaps my whole life, I have deemed certain people and places as either safe or unsafe and have acted accordingly therein, separating or excluding myself from relationships and events based on these underlying beliefs.  So, when I failed to attend an event, it was a reaction to my own self's logic that perhaps I would not be safe at such place or with such people.

I can now proudly admit that I have started the slow process through therapy and my own self work to heal this tendency and move forward to a better, more complete life.  

I believe fear to be the precursor to all our decisions in life, negative and even perhaps positive.  It could be the underlying reasoning behind why we choose certain relationships and avoid others, why we attend certain events and not others, as it is with me.  

I do not mean to discredit the actual reality of abuse or those people or circumstances that can cause harm, but the underlying root of all is FEAR.

So, what's the next step? To overcome and truly thrive, we must go inward, dwell deep within our pain, cherish, nurture, heal the inner wounded child, and allow him or her to know that all will be well.  That despite the external circumstances of the world, you can and will persevere.  Life is not based on the external, but is an inward journey towards wholeness and healing.  

Furthermore, after doing this self-work and healing, you can begin to see the reactions of others, whether you agree or disagree, as stemming from their own pain and fear.  In that, despite the fact that your personal viewpoints may differ, you can begin to have compassion and that will begin the course toward healing for yourself, for others, and for the world.  From there, true evolution of soul, both singularly and universally, will become a reality.  I believe the events of the current world situations are for that reason and that reason alone.  A crumbling of our own false comforts and securities meant to disrupt, then to heal, finally transform.

The world is being cleansed, my friends, by rain, by fire, by a shaking up, internally and externally.  

Allow the fear, embrace the fear, do not run or react, just dwell within and know all is being made right.

Birth control, Ho Chi Minh, Richard Nixon back again

Moonshot, Woodstock, Watergate, punk rock

Begin, Reagan, Palestine, terror on the airline

Ayatollah's in Iran, Russians in Afghanistan

"Wheel of Fortune", Sally Ride, heavy metal, suicide

Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz

Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law

Rock and roller cola wars, I can't take it anymore

We didn't start the fire

It was always burning

Since the world's been turning

We didn't start the fire

But when we are gone

Will it still burn on, and on, and on, and on

We didn't start the fire

The Thriving Artist blog is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company with the focus of raising social awareness to the needs of society to impact the world to change into a better place.  Support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

Thoughts on what you read? Comment below.  I try to respond to all comments with thoughtful replies.

Why We Fall For Romantic Comedy

So, I was scanning through my twitter feed yesterday, specifically on the account reserved for the webseries, Nate & Laura & How They Met, and I came upon a post in honor of Nora Ephron, the writer and screenwriter responsible for a plethora of romantic comedy films of the last century, films such as Sleepless In Seattle, You've Got Mail, and When Harry Met Sally.

I thought how coincidental that I would come across that post when I was deep in the throes of post-production editing for season two of the aforementioned web-series until I realized that I was active on the Nate & Laura twitter account, which due to its romantic comedy theme is connected to a wide array of other accounts with a similar theme.  However, if we cannot see the coincidental synchronicity of life, how can we be aware of the magic?

It spiraled me downwards through my own mind as I pondered the effects of those films and romantic comedies alike on my own psyche, development, and creative endeavors.  For you see, the initial script and season one of Nate & Laura & How They Met came out of my own little mind, season two being co-written with my friend, Erin Rose.  I wondered why I had been so drawn to such a creation and realized that it was the effect of the films watched in my youth, the Hollywood-Mass-Produced love stories that had such a large impact on my life journey and relationships therein.

Whether we care to admit it or not, we all have been influenced by the writings of such films by Nora Ephron and the like, but where did such inspiration come from for her and others of her ilk?  I believe there is a natural instinct within all of us to not only connect but to escape, perhaps even to be rescued.  It could be why Disney has been so widely successful, giving us romance, fantasy, adventure allowing us to escape from the dullness of everyday life

Romantic comedies do that as well.  We cheer, laugh, and cry with our heroes and heroines as they move through their journeys before our lives.  We relate to their inquiries, struggles, self discoveries, and sometimes find insights for our own life and relationship issues.  But, in the final result, life is life and movies are fantasy, we cannot resolve our issues in an hour and a half.  Our journey keeps unwinding itself, in one seemingly pathway forward, bumpy and windy as it may be, the forward movement is therein where we learn and grow, not in the denouement found in a funny flick.

As I look back on the romantic comedies of my youth, I notice a pattern with the talented actresses, such as Meg Ryan, that played in them.  As recent as the eighties and the nineties, actresses in Hollywood were relegated to a certain type of role.  It was the male actor who had the juicy, more dynamic roles and women were left to ponder for the rescue of a male lover.

Today's story-lines for women are shifting and its actresses like Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock that have fought to bridge that gap through the long span of their career.  Once relegated themselves to the romantic comedy roles, they have in recent years been able to delve into deeper, more complex roles that show the wider view of women-kind.  This, in turn, has opened up the range for upcoming women in the film and entertainment industry.

It is with pride that as I edit Nate & Laura & How They Met season two, I see how the changing tides of romantic comedy and its influence on society as a whole has shaped the story-line of my production company's romantic comedy web-series.  The story follows the lives of eight individuals, but season two highlights the relationship and life choices of the four main women, how they love, accept, and uplift one another, instead of tear down.  In short, the love story is thus becoming more between the female friends and not merely from their romantic male counterparts.  

Somebody To Love

We're all good, but we ain't angels
We all sin, but we ain't devils
We're all pots and we're all kettles
But we can't see it in ourselves
We're all livin' 'til we're dying

Tune into watch Nate & Laura & How They Met at: https://www.facebook.com/hownateandlauramet/ and Nate & Laura & How They Met Youtube Channel.

All season one episodes available now with season two coming soon!

We are having a little caption contest fun!  Give us your best idea for the below photo and starting Sunday evening, we will have a social media vote, the best one gets made into a meme!

Add your suggestions on the link below:

Caption Contest Fun!

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The Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company with the focus of raising awareness for a variety of social issues.  Support Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

No "New Normal"

Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, life has took a tumultuous turn that caused many to find themselves in emotional dis-array.  As a person used to a life based on emotional instability and who had been working on slowing down in order to find balance and wellness, my life did not fall into turmoil when the mandate of social distancing occurred.  In fact, I welcomed it and told myself, "this changes nothing" in the realm of accomplishing my goals.  I have learned through the years that life is not stagnant and this world is ever-changing.  The only constant, as they say, is change itself.  We can all make and set goals with hopes to achieve, but we must realize that adaptations will occur as we journey throughout life.  We cannot control the changing tides of life and where it will take us is inevitable, but we can choose how we will react and adapt to these changes.  

Furthermore, these changes are not just external, but also internal.  Who we were a year ago, or even three months ago, has drastically shifted and the way we view our goals and intentions has shifted in light of that.  The desires of our hearts has grown and appears different as we grow, change, and heal in both the inward and outward reality.

I hear the phrase the "new normal" tossed about on a regular basis, both when the pandemic outbreak started and even now as we forge into the second phase of starting to slowly re-open.  How the re-opening will shake down, if it will set us further back or not, remains to be seen and I am doing my best to stay open as well as choose to actively stay safe.  For my part, my routine that I have set for myself these past few months will remain the same, for a personal emotional health need as well as what I think is right for the world health situation.  But, your decision and actions are based on you and mine are mine.  We can only be responsible for ourselves, in the end.

But, the "new normal" phase strikes a chord within me.  One of our strong points as humans is our ability to adapt in order to survive and thrive.  That's such a comfort but it can become a trap.  If we allow ourselves to sink into the thinking of striving for normalcy, we can become stagnant, I feel, and fall into routines that do not serve us and guide us to our truest potential of wholeness and mental health.

So, my challenge for you and myself is to dig deeply into the well of our own consciousness and psyche, to find our own true identity and allow that to be the guide along the bumpy road that is this journey  In the path as we find our own wellness, we discover the ability to truly thrive and even more, to truly love.

I'm Not Okay

What will it take to show you that it's not the life it seems? (I'm not okay)
I told you time and time again you sing the words but don't know what it means
To be a joke and look
Another line without a hook
I held you close as we both shook for the last time
Take a good hard look

Have somethings to respond?  Write them below and I'll do my best to respond back.

The Thriving Artist Blog is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company with the intent to raise awareness for a variety of social issues.  Support us at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

You Are Essential!

You Matter To Me

Chances are, this blog article will not be what you think.  The words "essential" and "nonessential" have been tossed about a lot recently in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  And, my words today do not seek to lessen the importance of these standards and rules set in place meant to help us overcome and heal from this current world's blight.

But in fact, my truest desire today is to shine a little hope on those readers, whether they be in the essential category of work or non-essential category of work (as I am), with the simple reality that you, as well as everyone, are essential.  

That's correct.  You, my friend, are essential.

   

You are!

So, what does it mean if something is essential? 

Well, Google's definition is as follows: Adjective. essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

That's right, you, my friend, regardless of your social or career status in the current world plight according to the needs of curing the Covid-19, are indispensable.

Why?

Because you are loved and have infinite value to your family, friends, colleagues, those you come across daily, and even more so, to the world.

We are all brought to this planet for a reason beyond our understanding and at times can catch a glimpse of this true purpose.  Embrace that knowledge as you find yourself struggling with worry and concern over the future for yourself, your family, your children, the planet.  

Know this, what you do, matters and makes a difference.  Even if it seems small and insignificant, it isn't.  The small things matter and have a ripple effect outwards indeed truly making the world a better place.

So, to the nurses, doctors, and hospital workers tirelessly fighting to end this virus, you are essential. You matter.  You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

To the retail and grocery store workers, putting themselves in harm's way so that we may have our needs met, you are essential. You matter. You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

To those working from home, caring for the needs of their children, driving themselves crazy with the excess needs of their children with no break, you are essential.  You matter.  You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

To those single folk, all alone in your apartment, working from home or not able to work, you are essential.  You matter.  You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

To those marching on the streets, gathering together, some with fire-arms and some without, you are essential. You matter.  You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

To the politicians of all degrees of this country and others, you are essential.  You matter.  You are making a difference and impacting the change the world needs.

Now, I am not saying I agree personally with the actions of all of those listed above.  The truth of the matter is, I don't.  However, I am increasingly of the belief that all on this planet are here for a certain reason and purpose.  I am beginning to see that those that cause the most ire and irritation to a boiling point are those that will effect the most inward change to our soul.  Thus, we can thank those supposed enemies for enacting their intended purpose for the betterment of our enlightenment and growth.

That's right.  Thank those that hurt. It may seem counter-intuitive or opposite of what you feel, but from that you will see true forgiveness and openness of soul develops. I admit this isn't easy for me either.  It's a new thought that I am at present working on developing further into my psyche.  But the more I explore the concept and allow it to take root in my soul, my perception of the external circumstances and actions of others changes.  I see now that it's not a singular event meant merely for the here and now, but a series of experiences impacting change on a cosmic level.  We are all put on this planet for the spiritual growth and enlightenment for all and those whose paths cross, whose relationships are deeper than the mere momentary connection, are those that have the most impact.  These connections may last for this lifetime or they may be fleeting.  The time we spend side by side on the journey may last a day or for years, only to seemingly fall away from each other.  This separation can and will cause pain but know that it is for an intended reason of growth and healing, that the purpose of the connection has come to the fullness of its experience.  Release, then, with gratitude.

The most important thing to note in this current world situation is that fear is the strongest influence on a person's development and decisions.  It is the inward driving point behind every person's actions.  When you see a person acting in such a way that is counter-intuitive to what you believe is needed for the world's healing and theirs as well, remind yourself that they are operating from a place of anxiety.  Discomfort is a hard pill to swallow and an even more harder place to dwell.  We, as a country, have become so used to the status quo, the comforts of distraction, that when our reality is shattered and we are forced to change, we react with fear.

It comes down to that then, fear, and the realization that our time in this life-time is fleeting, that the material things of this world are inconsequential and not lasting, are not where we can find true comfort.  It leads to the downward spiral that maybe nothing matters, most importantly us. It is unsettling but if the fear is embraced with the loving patience of those around, it can effect true change and healing.

So, that is the true intended purpose of this current world upheaval, for you, for me, for all of us.  Embrace the uncertainty, have patience with yourself and others.  

And, hear me when I say truly from my heart, you are essential.

You Matter To Me

Because you matter to me
Simple and plain and not much to ask from somebody
You matter to me
I promise you do, you, you matter too
I promise you do, you see?
You matter to me

Thoughts on what you read? Comment below.  I like to read what you have to say and try to always respond!

A Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company that seeks to raise awareness on social issues to impact real change.  Support us at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions