Lyrically Speaking-III

“…To paraphrase the greatest lesson my mother ever taught me, I’m gonna do what makes me feel good…” -13 of Nazareth, “A Tone Meant To Heal”, Fallout Shelter: an epileptic’s epic I write… draw… act… sing (sometimes)… cook… bake… color… crochet… do spoken word… and eat Butterfinger Crisp bars layer by layer because it makes me feel good. A lot of times, we refrain from doing things because of what people will think or say. Instead of starting our dream business, leaving college because it’s just not for us, admitting we’re in an abusive relationship, or pursuing the one we adore, we don’t. We let our fear of other people’s opinions stop us from singing out loud, eating cake regardless of the calorie count, and having two milkshakes despite our lactose intolerance. From birth, we are “programmed” to act, think, and speak a certain way depending on our environment and circumstances. Any deviation from this program makes people judge us and leave us feeling like outcasts. And even when we enjoy something, a single sentence from a loved one can put an end to it. For example, my sister is a hair stylist. One day, she made a comment that changed my hairstyles forever. I had a part down the middle of my head, which she called a “country part” and told me never to wear again. I was young and she’s a professional, so I figured she was right. To this day, I cannot wear a ponytail with a “country part” because I think of that day and put a part at my temple instead. Prior to that day, I was happy with the centered part. Now, I guess psychologically I can’t do it. Even though I like the temple part better, how much happier would I be if my choice hadn’t been “taken away”? My hair may not seem important to you, but think about it… How many times have you stopped doing something or changed your perception because of someone else’s comment? How many parties and events have you been dragged to by people who are no longer your friends? Chose a college or career to please your parents? Had a child because your spouse or significant other desperately wanted one? Dated a guy or girl because your friends thought you’d be sooooo cute together? Peer pressure… Family guilt-trips… Social standards… Religious practices… All these things can have a way of influencing us to do what is conflict-free instead of doing what makes us free. So, today start making choices that will enrich your life. It’s never too late to go back to school (there are options to work around your schedule), have a child (there’s always adoption), learn a new skill (I’m getting better at hip-hop dance dancing and I’m moving on to jazz!), or try a new restaurant (such as Paulie’s Pizza Kitchen in San Diego). It’s never too late to forgive, ask for forgiveness, try again, say “I love you,” or say “I love me.” In fact, say it now: “I love me and I’m going to live a life that makes me happy!” When it comes to your happiness, your health, and your well-being, it is perfectly okay to be selfish. “…And if the world feels good in the process… Cool… If not… Cool… Because I didn’t write this for you. I wrote this to feel good… and I do.” -13 of Nazareth, “A Tone Meant To Heal”, Fallout Shelter: an epileptic’s epic ***Lyrically Speaking-III Written by: Ccep J. Dew, West Coast Editor as published in eXcape the matriX magazine www.eXcapethematriX.com