Life, Dreams, and the Purfuit of Happineff

The endless expanse of options gives me the musical-sounding, yet infuriating phrase we so affectionately call "analysis paralysis." Everything is so BIG. There's an entire world out there, and the word "world" can't even attempt to encompass the sheer magnitude of the vast, thought-provoking, cosmopolitan, incredible, fantastic universe we live in. Where do I even begin?

"The art of conversation is, like, kinda dead and stuff." If nothing else, I want to be able to communicate effectively. Through writing, speaking, film, photography, music and other audio productions, or theatre, the ability to succinctly transmit pertinent information is the most valuable and applicable skill anyone can posses.

In my quest for clear communication, the question then becomes what kind of information to convey. I have been focusing on the medium, but I have to direct my attention to the crux of my quest: The content.

I want to effectively transmit relevant, pertinent information to the future.

I want to know it all. Read, watch, listen, feel, taste, smell.

I want to care for and improve my instrument to the best of my abilities, vocally, physically, and emotionally.

I want to help people. Truly give assistance where it is needed.

I want to be able to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated aspects of the world and our existence.

I want my outer self to reflect my inner thoughts and feelings.

I found a quote recently that resonated at a particularly vibrant frequency:

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don't bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: 'It's not where you take things from - it's where you take them to.'"

-- Jim Jarmusch

What will best enable me to accomplish all of these things?

First of all, I need to realize how much my outlook affects my...uh, outlook. Every day can be an adventure full of life, learning, and new experiences. I simply have to make it so.

SO. Step #1. Numero uno, if you want to get all cultural. Select the content most important to me and the world. Pick the material with the greatest influence. Determine the substance with the greatest potential for power.

I must constantly inundate myself with wonderful, artistic matter, thus curing my brain like a fine European cheese. As a human, I must secrete celebratory energy that inspires and drives. All less-than-palatable verbs aside, I have to be all that I can be.

Broad concept: Achieved. Now, on to the specifics.

C'mon life, let's go.