Commit to Your Weirdness

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]

Although you might not necessarily consider your uniqueness in the terms of "weirdness", this is what sets you apart from others. In a society that is constantly trying to push ideas which people should conform to, it's a big struggle for artists to separate themselves from the mundane and to stand out. At times, in trying to stand out, some people just end up blending in with the rest. 

Be it through my art or through the way I live my life, I've learned to accept my differences, and to commit to them. I don't try to dress the part of an artist or look a certain way or live a certain lifestyle that is considered artistic by the status quo. Now, I do things with purpose to fulfill my own life goals to make myself happy and if that helps make others happy,  all the better. It may come across as selfishness or stubbornness but if I didn't stand behind my unique beliefs, I would constantly get washed away by how others think I should live my life. This is a difficult task coming from a strong Filipino, Catholic background where I respect my elders and have maintained the duties and image of the "good daughter" for the majority of my life. But until I started to take a stand on what felt right and what made me happy, I, for the most part, was miserable.

My move to East Oregon helped me commit to a new way of life. With about 1000 miles separating me from the hub of my family and the majority of my friends, I was finally able to explore how I wanted to live my life, and not how I should be living it. With a big part of my social circle taken out of the equation, I had the extra energy and time to explore my creative talents. I truly was able to see the direction my art and my personal style was taking. It was easier for me to let go of those doubts that hindered me from trying, and develop trust in my professional experience and creative instincts to help guide me to success. 

I do miss my family and friends back home as they have played a great part in molding who I am today. But there are times where you have to meet your passion face to face, one on one, without hearing the chants of your tribe directly behind you. Once you choose that direction, those that matter will be backing you 100%.