You are going to die.
In a very short time, there will be nothing left to remember you by, and no one living will even know you existed.
The day after your funeral people will get on with their lives. There will be bills to pay, children to raise, and a job to get back to.
Some people won’t even be able to take time off work to attend. Imagine that.
This is the stark reality of things. I’ve been to my fair share of funerals growing up. I’ve seen this first-hand.
This might sound harsh or morbid but it’s actually liberating.
Think about it for a second.
How many times have you held yourself back from doing something because you feared what others might think?
I know you’ve been there. I’ve been there. It’s a human tendency.
You are a creator and your truth is being suppressed.
You could be a writer, a musician, or an artist. You might want to start a personal brand or create a small business.
You have ideas in your head that you want to bring to life.
It could be as simple as posting more content on social media, starting a YouTube channel, or growing an email list.
No matter what it is that you want to create, there’s a fear of what others might think that holds you back from doing so.
You never post any content because you think your friends will laugh at you.
You don't record that video because you get shy in front of a camera.
You don’t think anyone will respect your ideas so you keep them hidden.
Even if you are creating, there’s potential in you to do more. To pursue your passion with more vigor.
Now take a moment and imagine all the times you held yourself back, out of fear of what others would think.
Whether it's a random person on social media, a friend who might stumble upon your YouTube channel, or a co-worker who catches a glimpse of your writing.
These are the people holding you back.
Now picture yourself at your funeral and this person doesn’t even show up.
Imagine that!
This is a wonderful experiment because it transforms the way you view things.
Most of your shortcomings are based on what you think others will think of you.
But the truth is: what other people think of you is none of your business.
In an attempt to appeal to the masses you suppress your own calling.
Fuck the masses.
In a few short years, there will be no trace of you left, so create without fear and live your truth.
This mentality is not selfish.
It’s a call to come back to yourself. To remember how you were as a child. A creator, a dreamer full of imagination, hope and ambition.
Society tells you what to believe in.
The education systems tells you what to study.
Social media tells you how to look and what to value.
Everyone and everything is pulling you in all directions. It’s no wonder you’re overwhelmed and confused.
You think what you have to offer won't compare to what is already out there. But it will. And it's needed.
In a world that promotes fast, slow is the competitive advantage.
In a world that promotes more, less is what offers fulfilment.
In a world that promotes the external, looking within is where you find your truth.
How can you expect to find meaning in life when your attention is sold to the people whose interest is in capturing yours.
Deep down you know this.
You feel guilty when you spend hours scrolling social media or watching Netflix.
You tell yourself tomorrow will be different. You’ll start writing more. You’ll start posting content. You’ll start working on your business.
But then you don’t.
I’ve been there. It’s a terrible cycle to be in.
A part of you knows you are capable or more. And another part is too scared to take action.
Each day you’re faced with fear and overwhelm. The fear of pursuing that which you know you must do, and the overwhelm of facing the challenges involved.
The fear keeps you from taking action and the overwhelm justifies it.
How do you break free?
You look within. You find solitude. You reflect and meditate. Then you create from the whispers of your soul.
Use death as a motivator to focus your priorities.
That is the work you need to do.
Now go create. The world needs what you have to offer.
Thanks for reading. If you found some value, let me know here.
Much love,
Chris
P.S.
I love to write in-depth content on important topics. These posts are short reflections and summaries of my longer pieces. To dive deeper and gain access to my complete letters, subscribe here.
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