Words and Drive

Words and Drive

There were many people through the course of my life that in one way or another told me that I would be nothing but a ditch digger in this life. I've been picked on and looked down on for being myself and being different. I was bullied from time to time, but I would always stand my ground win or lose. Looking back at all this, I'm glad it happened. It made me stronger and more determined to make something of myself. It somewhat gives you an "I'll show you" attitude and gives you the determination to go down your path fearlessly. For me, it caused me to look deep inside and figure out who I was, what I wanted to be and what made me happy. It also inspired me to be more strong willed and put the blinders on, shut off all the negativity around me, and stay focused on my goals. Actions speak louder than words, so I used their negativity to drive me and inspire me. In the famous words of Les Brown's teacher "Someone's opinion of you does not have to be your reality" a very wise statement. Everyone is going to have their own opinion of you. People are going to try and put you down because you are different, and possibly be jealous, thinking you'll be more successful then they will. Be yourself and stand up for yourself. Figure out who you are, what you want, and go down your path fearlessly. Use all the pain, suffering, happiness, wisdom and knowledge to inspire you and fuel your fire.

Eric Val
Website: http://ericvalmusic.com/#/
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The Thief Of Joy

The Thief Of Joy

Comparison is the thief of joy-Theodore Roosevelt. This is one of my favorite quotes and a rule I live by.

I see so many people chasing the same dreams and goals as everyone else around them and it seems hollow to me. Wanting what everyone else has and trying to be like every reality tv star or whatever flavor of the moment is being fed to them. I see less and less originality as time goes on or maybe I am just looking in the wrong places. Most people don't want to go down their own path and make their own mark in this life. Most likely this is due to fear of failure and rejection, and not being in their comfort zone.

The money, possessions, fame and anything that you have strived and worked for will one day be left behind for someone else, or be forgotten. Stop and ask yourself this question, "Is it worth it? Or are you doing this because it's the safe route of mediocrity?" "Does it bring joy and passion to my life and the people around me?" If it does bring joy, passion and a sense of accomplishment, then your life will have meaning and purpose.

That's not to say that everyone around you will understand, whether it be friends, family, or co-workers. If they don’t follow their dreams, they were probably too scared to go out and chase after their passion and are more than liking scared that you will be more successful than they are, or happier.

There will also be trials, hardships, uphill battles and failures along your path. Do not shy away from them! That's were the life lessons are learned and the wisdom is earned. In all honesty, we all need these hardships and failures to not only appreciate success but to learn. You need to be tested, challenged, and above all you need to learn from your failures. The best lessons in life come from failure and the wisdom comes from the retrospect. If you can learn from your mistakes, use them to your advantage, help others with it, and not repeat the same mistakes, then these failures had purpose.
In other words, find the joy in your life by doing what you love and are passionate about. Accept and learn from the failures and successes along the way. Do not shy away from it, embrace it. Your life will have meaning and purpose.

Eric Val
Website: http://ericvalmusic.com/#/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EricValMusic/featured?view_as=subscriber
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/eric-val
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