art.of.a.rock

Author: Aryk Tomlinson

  • What We Believe, We Deserve

    There’s this idea that the universe we give you whatever you attract. And what we attract is highly related to our self-image, which stems from our upbringing, and the ideas our parents set upon us, whether actively or passively.

    It has me think about “nepo-babies”, how the children of actors and musicians themselves are able to follow in their parents footsteps. It more noticeable in the entertainment industry, yet it certainly happens in most industries. The son of a farmer will often become a farmer, etc.

    In a more broad sense, there’s the idea of the financial success we believe we deserve. If our parents were never wealth, it may be a challenge to break out of the pattern of thought that brings oneself down the same road. These types of parents may try to get rich or save money by buying lottery tickets, cheap used cars and generally having a low quality of life.

    Conversely if somebody has wealthy parents, they have assets, investments, and may be in a better position to teach their children about managing their allowance, and how to use money as a tool to lead to a prosperous life.

    This idea of what we deserve can be applied to so much in life. The love we deserve is a reflection of how we feel about ourself. So we truly may only attract someone who is on our level in that regard.

    I am one who has had to climb the ladder of self worth and image. I do so by going out of my comfort zone, meeting and talking with new people, and simply building my (mostly creative) skill sets. When we seek to master skills, we allow ourselves more leeway on other areas of our personality. And more room to work on other aspects of ourself.

    Buy putting intention into creating a more simplistic life, it gives us more energy to focus on things that truly matter to our personal development. Though we often become stuck before we are able to realize this. We succumb to a cycle consumerist tendencies for instant gratification.

    That being said, it’s not too late to begin downsizing, to look at your life from a distance, write down what you know you must do. It’s the only place to start.

  • All In

    What do you go all in on? are there things you refrain from doing entirely?

    My mentality has me go all in. It us me wonder sometimes; are many people like this and don’t notice this personal trait, or is it simply those who have the brain chemistry that leads to such a way of life.

    It’s good to go all in on something you know is worthwhile, though we can’t always know that from the start. How something will pan out further down the line remains a mystery.

    Going all in feels like a leap of faith, not thinking about it everything that won’t work; simply putting one’s best foot forward in their endeavor.

    “All in” can be dangerous behavior, especially when we have less information at hand. It’s like getting married to someone a month after meeting them.

    For me, all in usually occurs with social media, which makes sense considering it’s design. For some, this works out, but for me… It creates issues in finding the proper balance, knowing what to post and what not to post in order to maintain a consistent, polished image that lends to growth.

    Perhaps “all in” works when it’s tied to a plan, a strategy… but I don’t have either of those. I have whim and determination.

    Aside from that, I am wholeheartedly going all in for n painting on canvas. I’m good at it and it’s good to me, so long as I make sure to take a break and get some rest. There are other parts of life I choose to refrain from, because moderation is not my strong suit.

    What do you go all in on? are there things you refrain from doing entirely?

  • Creating a Space

    For some time now, I’ve found satisfaction in creating my space. Once I finally came to peace with where I am physically, I came to realize how integral it is to having a space that works for you- that you enjoy being in. I used to always be under the impression that I wasn’t going to be in a particular living situation for very long, so I wouldn’t put too much thought into my immediate surroundings.

    Curating my living area and studio space and increasing the quality of my days, and I’m glad to be on course. Ensuring I can flow from task to task with ease, and etcetera.