No, that's not my man. That's my friend Marckende. I just wanted to remember this night because I thought it was a pivotal moment in my very shy, reserved life. Before I get to that, however, I digress...
It has been exactly seven months, today, that I've been in Hawaii. That time has traveled somewhat fast. Other moments, it feels like the time isn't going as fast as I am. However, I have made the most of my experience in Hawaii, and I'm having fun! I'm meeting so many different people from all different walks of life, and I love what each and every one of them has taught me. I still keep in contact with my friends from Georgia, Atlanta, Texas, Alabama, Alaska, etc. And, I'm happy to be putting Hawaii on that list too!
Lately, I've just been trying to push myself. I've had tunnel vision with regards to my goals. I'm very grateful that my parents have been supportive, and I'm just trying to make the best of what has gone on around me. The food here is delicious, and I love how accepting the people here are. I hope that I keep the laid-back attitude of the island life with me no matter where I go in the future, and I hope I just keep thriving as far as my writing goes, my career, and the relationships I acquire along the way.
Hawaii has been good for me because it's a change. Change, I've learned, is the only way to grow. It hasn't just been Hawaii, though. I've had to change my way of thinking. I feel like I was thrown out of my comfort zone, and I've realized that has given me the confidence needed in order to pursue my dreams. I recently had the opportunity to slam my writing. I was completely nervous and in many ways, I felt like I bombed. However, I got it out of the way, and I have a better idea of how I can fix it when I do it again. Regardless of how I did, I was truly grateful for those that have supported me. I was so nervous. I was around a bunch of extroverts who love the spotlight. The joint was loud and thriving with comics, musicians and dancers. Then I get up there, and everyone gets quiet. But, I was heard. And, that's all that mattered to me. People came up to me afterwards and gave me props, and I'm still in contact with some. So, that has been nice.
What I learned the most is that the only way to overcome a fear is to face it head on. My worst fear is not living up to my own potential. So, I have pushed myself to the mental limits in every way possible. Each misstep has just prepared me for a stronger stance in this journey I call life. I am loving it so far. I'm climbing, I'm running, and I'm
getting there.
