When nothing keeps us going, art does.
Why art exists: because some people, things, or situations won't cease to.
6/16/20262 min read
So imagine that you're having a really horrible day. If you're already having one, you don't even have to imagine. (Sorry)
So the story is that I've gotten really panicky over the past 2-3 years. Extremely stressed, getting increasingly overwhelmed by each passing day and trying hard on most days to enjoy my life. Although my broken sense of humour does keep me going some days, how far can it really get me when I'm not even able to get myself out of bed?
It is for those days that I feel the universe gifted us some really amazing human beings. Most of whom we know but haven't exactly ever known. Whom we've seen but never really gotten a chance to meet, and might never even get a chance to meet.
It could be your favourite poet, favourite singer, favourite entrepreneur, anybody. Because honestly, watching a movie after a bad day sounds like a good escape plan, but what about when you're right in the middle of the day? Imagine sitting in the middle of a meeting room where your coworkers are fighting over a stupid presentation that's not going to matter to the client right about 32 hours from now. And this is exactly when they come to my escape, my headphones. Cutting right through the clamour, and reaching straight to my brain and calming my nerves down. This is just one of the dozens of moments throughout the day when bringing my attention back to myself doesn't work, throwing it off elsewhere sure seems to.
Let them sing to you:
I've had days when I was anxious, and Aurora's calming voice has taken me to the forests I've never been to. Or Billie's voice has taken me to the bottom of the ocean. And when I'm buried deep in self-doubt, I've had Kiki's Burn Your Village give me all the unwarranted strength and confidence in the world. And yeah, that's just the magic of music.You could be reminded of words from more humans:
..and then, I have nature and art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?
~ Van Gogh
If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.
~ Charles Darwin
Poetry is what happens when nothing else can.
~ Charles BukowskiRemember your favourite character:
Imagine what your favourite TV character would do when they're in a situation similar to yours. Yeah, now drop that thought. It's probably Walter White or Dean Winchester. Sometimes, it's good only to imagine. Kick whoever you want in your head, get the kick out of it, and move on. That's the best move.
But yeah, to sum it up for you, this is what works for me. And I think it works for most of us. Pick an art, get lost in it. Or think about something fictional, your favourite book, favourite movie, etc. Because ironically, sometimes something that isn't real helps us deal with the reality. And that is why art, books, and movies exist: because some people, things or situations won't cease to.
Now, this isn't professional advice. If you're way beyond friendly tips that work for somebody else (again, sorry), you should probably turn to a therapist.Seeya!
