Fantasia's song "Truth Is" reminisces about a past love that she "shoulda never let go". This reminded me of a past love I had. He was fun and compared to the fellas that has "befriended" me after, he was one of the best.
"Truth is, I never shoulda let you go. Truth is, I wish I were standing in her shoes..."
I caught myself slipping into a "I miss him" slump. Then I remembered why I let him go! I won't go into detail but I usually referred to myself as a restricted-free-agent. I was committed to the relationship but we were not officially in a relationship, so he was not obligated to always being there for me. Do you get it?
I remember talking to a great friend who expressed that she never re-pursues a relationship. Obviously something wasn't working then. If she has grown and he hasn't, then it definitely isn't going to work now. She didn't mention if they both grew but I would reconsider...maybe.
All I know is that I had to flashback to the tears I shed to get over that "I miss you" junk. Sometimes external circumstances hinder a decent relationship. In that case then, take the time to review any possibilities if an opportunity presents itself again. Take heed: Sometimes a second glance is just to show you that you ain't missing out on nothing. If the relationship was shaky enough for you to end it then why are you reigniting it again? Make sure you know what you are starting up, it's not only the good times that come along with the first love. It's also all of his baggage, drama, and anything that made you happy one minute and then miserable the next-maybe.
Truth is, you made me sick :::lmbo::: just joking : /
"Wrist on froze, thanks to the stove. Mattress financial, banks never close..."
Fat Joe, 2010- If It Ain't About Money
"I'ma ballaholic, like my money never ending..."
Roscoe Dash, 2009-Show Out
The music business is a business and a rather viable one for many people today, especially if you hit it big in the popular genres. I'm at the point where I would appreciate if music wasn't so money-motivated. Artists are highly encouraged to write/perform the songs that will sell, not write/perform the songs that speaks for the purpose of uplifting their crowd.
I was looking at various artists who have transformed their initial "persona" into a more sexier, seductive performer to boost sales/compensate for other lacking aspects of talent. If you're sexy for the sake of it, then do you. If you're sexy for the money then unfortunately...I won't go any further.
I wish there were more successful/popular artists who would still be as dedicated to their craft if they never made a dime off of it. The kind that would still work on their flow in their free time, perform at local clubs around the city and keep a day job as not to mix monetary motivations with artistic creativity. Mind you, I understand that it takes money to compensate the musicians and back up singers. It takes money to secure a venue and to advertise. It takes money to have a shelter and to provide for family. It takes money to travel and experience new things to provide content to write about. Money is not the enemy in the music industry. It is a vehicle that should be used to enable the goal, not be the primary focus of your album or for making an album. You should be compensated for your value to your audience. Your audience should value you for what you can do for them.
Guess who was the dopest musician in heaven...the devil. Yep. Unfortunately, he got gassed (Cyphah DON'T GET...). He thought he was doper than everything up there, so he was dismissed and has been causing havoc ever since. Ironic that when he was on his A game, he was a highly rated servant. He provided music to help others worship (worship is kind of a big thing up there). When he started wanting the praise for himself, he lost the benefits of his talent. Even though he became leader of the anti-God, he is still so much less than what he should have been. You may gain status by compromising your values, but your artistry will be functioning so much lower than what you are capable of.
For all you artists; music, dance, art, etc; that have talent and love what you do, keep it up. Appreciate the ability to be able to speak directly to another spirit; when your songs sweet talk us into falling in love or your portrait remind us of fond memories. Use it for the good.
As for those who only talk about making money regardless of the illegal means (and not for the purpose of encouraging hustlers to leave the game) or the singers in the video doing butt flexes (you know who I'm talking about): I hope your records start to flop:::righteous hater mode::: or that you start to use your voice for good. Thanks a millie. : )
I had a whole lot on my mind this morning and I was wondering if I should get counseling to sort things out. I went to counseling after I gave birth. I was stressed and figured talking to an unbiased individual would give me a fresh perspective on my issues. (btw, not all stress the result of something bad: eustress). This reminded me of a recurring thought I have on the issue of mental health treatment in urban communities. I have heard various facts, statistics and/or opinions that say blacks, especially black men, and lower income individuals won't seek mental health treatment. This could be because these and other cultures may have stigmas about seeking professional mental health treatment or for the lack of accessibility.
When I refer to mental health treatment, I am mostly referring to counseling and, if necessary, some form of drug therapy. If you are financially comfortable, you can usually elect to seek therapy where you can sit down one on one and discuss/work through your issues. Sessions can run you around $100, give or take, for an hour. If you have health insurance, you may meet with a counselor for a limited amount of sessions; ten, give or take. The insurers encourage their providers to prescribe drugs for the patient as the first option because it is cost effective for them (as opposed to paying the therapist $100+ a session for how many ever sessions you need). If you don't have health insurance or a comfortable financial situation, you better not have many issues. There are a few institutions that provide counseling on a scale fee (a rate determined by your income). These are usually heavily booked, but thank God for them anyway. Or you would need to have a drug addiction, serious behavioral problem or been the victim of a violent crime to get medical attention.
I don't think you have to be at the point of suicide to get help. Sometimes, we may just need to take a walk, read a self help book or change something in our daily routine. Ongoing issues like family mis-communications to complex issues such as addictions may be improved if people sought the services of a professional. These people, the good ones, are trained to suggest a better way of accomplishing a healthier state of mental being. Isn't that we want?
Personally, I think churches should be more equipped to address mental health issues, even if it just to pray for the person and refer them to another appropriate institution for ongoing care. I also think our society laughs at people who walk around talking to themselves but maybe if they got the help they needed before, they would have been able to lead a healthy life now. I don't think that this is another person's problem but it is a concern we should all care about. I may not care if you get a promotion on your job but I should care that you are in your right mind! We should demand that mental health resources be available to under-served communities and especially to try other methods before drugs are prescribed (and the patient dismissed).
We affect each other. Timothy Mcveigh, the Oklahoma city bomber, may not have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Still, don't you think he may have reconsidered his position if he spoke to someone about the action he wanted to take due to his displeasure with the government? What about the Binghampton, NY shooting? He was receiving treatment but stopped and obviously he needed more...
I don't know, guys. Talking to a psychologist will not end all the problems in the world. I just have this notion that if seeking therapy were more accepted, then people would be prone to work on their issues, get the help they need and then be able to remain a healthy part of society. I will update this post when I can present some facts on the issue but share your thoughts and experience with me. Thanks.
How do we safely facilitate the acceptance of the use of mental health professionals? How do we start taking our mental health more serious?
