artists are often called stars...how odd...

Art has different shapes. It comes in numerous forms, created by diverse hands, conjuring various emotions, but all art can bring connection. The more artists I meet, the more I recognize they are often walking contradictions, myself included. We want our work to gain recognition, but we don't always want to be in the center of it ourselves. We want our names scrawled across the world but would be content with our faces being unknown. We want to shine brightly, but at what cost.

Artists are often called stars.

"One day, you will be a star."

"You are a star."

"What a star you are!"

The intention is to compliment. To express that the individual is everything a star can be; bright, beautiful, ethereal, hovering above the rest like a ray of hope, dreams, and inspiration. It is supposed to be praise, but I can't keep from wondering how many artists suffer from becoming a star. Stars filling the night sky are brightly shining because they are contorting into themselves. They are filled with hot temperatures and unbearable pressure, releasing their energy against gravity, trying to expand but never succeeding. Stars shine and burn until they are a supernova, becoming such a massive presence in such a limited space that they explode.

Artists are often called stars. They began as a twinkle until hundreds to millions of eyes decided to pay attention. Then they shine and burn their fuel now that they've been deemed ethereal despite feeling earthly. They try to expand in confined space until one day they grow weary, some with regret and others with pride, the fuel runs out, and you no longer find the same star.

A vicious cycle repeats with a new soul.

Pointless Conversations Are Needed.

As we are all aware, this year has been very dark. If you're living in America like I am, then right now you know that tensions are high as the election approaches. Today, I don't want to be too serious or self-reflect. Instead, I want to give a gentle reminder that when you're feeling down or the world seems to be collapsing in front of you to have a pointless conversation. Laughter is important. Engage in pointless conversations with your friends and if you're an individual that is seeking your soul family then turn to other sources for those pointless and humorous conversations. Go on YouTube, find a podcast somewhere, or look for a funny book or article to read.

I have been holding up pretty well during this year. For a substantial amount of time I was able to keep from getting too sad or letting my temper overtake me, but last month I had to feel exhausted. I had to feel drained, I had to feel extreme sadness for the world and the people in it, and I had to allow myself moments to feel enraged. Last night, I was in a group chat with my best friends and for once we did not talk about the world around us. We took a break for a night to just talk about whatever was floating in our minds and it was the best medicine I could ever ask for. It was a pointless, stupid, and hilarious conversation. I laughed for what felt like the first time in forever and it felt liberating. We talked about music that we couldn't understand why it gained popularity when we were younger. There was a brief topic on all the ways our names have been misspelled, mispronounced, and nicknames. A very heated debate began on when it's the appropriate time to start playing holiday music, a debate that I still feel I was wrongfully outnumbered in! This lasted for well over an hour but it was an hour that left me in such a great mood when I fell asleep and an even better mood when I woke up in the morning.

I know world events are terrifying. I know some people are struggling mentally or starting to lose hope, but please please please remember to find something to laugh about with good people. Not every conversation has to be life-changing or fill you with creativity and passion. Sometimes, the best conversations that you need to have are the ones that make no sense, the ones that are playful, and the ones that make you smile when they end.

Screenshots of the Start of Chaos:

I Keep Seeing Butterflies

I hated everything that people associated with butterflies growing up. I thought it was a bit ridiculous that a vast majority believed that a creature with an average lifespan of about a year was seen as a symbol of loved ones passed, life, and transformation. I was also incredibly cynical about the idea of a creature being called ugly until it went into hiding to become something beautiful. I understood why butterflies were fascinating to watch develop and why they were so visually appealing, but I could never understand the emotions they stirred in people. This was my mind for quite a few years in my youth.

This year my perspective has greatly shifted.

I have never seen so many butterflies in my life. Everywhere I've turned there has been some kind of butterfly. They've made more appearances in my yard. I've seen them pop up in random pieces of art I've looked at. They're referenced in the songs that I've been listening to. With all these butterflies in my line of vision, it has become increasingly difficult not to recognize why people are so fond of them. They truly are beautiful creatures with an abundance of colors swirling past with their delicate wings. Maybe there's a reason I keep seeing so many of them, but I think I finally understand why people feel such a deep association with butterflies. They carry ethereal energy with them, a soft reminder to take life with a little more light and elegance.