STOP AND SMELL THE PROGRESS

It’s amazing how time escapes you when so much is happening. But I wanted to drop in with some insight that dawned on me recently.

So you understand the origin of the thought at hand, I recently started a new job as a Sale’s Associate at Bath and Body Works! I’ve only had a handful of shifts, but I can already say that it’s a step up from my past jobs. It’s a little faster pace because it’s a busy store, in a busy mall, but I love it.

I also start classes at our Community College this fall for the first time in a year. Needless to say, I’m wicked nervous, but also very excited to be pursuing art seriously again!

Of course, all this talk of change leaves room for disappointment if I’ not careful with my intentions. I’ve certainly fallen into that hole before. Lately, I’ve had to remind myself, as Shrink-y Dink kindly pointed out:

You belong wherever it is you are right now. It’s all meant to happen, because it’s meant to test you, and get you to the next step. You may not be able to rush, or stop it, but you can choose to fight it or roll with it.

It’s actually amazing how often I’ve heard those words in varied situations. If you know me, you know that I believe two very important things: The universe is always right, and to pay attention to things that tend to repeat themselves around you.

To give you a prime example, I went to ConnectiCon last year. For those who don’t know, ConnectiCon is a local cosplay convention that happens every summer at the Hartford Convention Center here in Connecticut. Well, I happened to be working on my “Last of Us, Part 2” Ellie cosplay when I got the notification that Troy Baker was going to be at the con that year. I worked my butt off to finish that cosplay to the best of my ability, and stood in the meet-and-greet line for 30 minutes just playing that enounter over, and over in my head.

Finally, I stepped up to meet my idol, Troy Baker. My passion poured right onto the table. I asked about working for Naughty Dog, chasing your dreams, the lifestyle, you name it. I half expected him to have security carry me away, shouting a trail of questions. I’m not even sure how many of them he answered, I was so determined to get my say in. When I finally bit my tongue, he simply smiled and said to me:

”Life is like a river. You can either fight the current, or learn to flow with it. Stay in the river.”

It instantly humbled me. I mean we’re told that celebrities make a living waiting around to be impressed, and here’s my idol giving me the same talk Shrinky-dink did the tuesday before.

But the point is, they’re both right and it applies to everyone! Life’s too short to always be waiting for something to change our world around and it’s too unpredictable to rely on expectation.

Create your own happiness, a little bit at a time. A little goes a long way, friends.\

Jackie Marie xoxo