By Lex White
Humans have come a long way from being a race of hunters and gathers. Back then, purpose was simple. Be faster than the cheetah — just fucking survive. Today, society has created a new race of fragmented people. It’s no longer about surviving nature, it’s about surviving boredom. It’s survival from yourself.
We’re expected to be sons and daughters, friends, lovers, scholars, professionals, parents, civilians, soldiers and entertainers all at once. But where does one start? How does one determine priority, when everything is screaming loudly, competing for priority #1?
The first thing you have to do is realize that, if you’re reading this right now on a computer with internet connection, your true #1 priority has already been met. You’re not worried about cheetahs or bears. You’re not going to get ravaged by beasts or die of famine. You might miss a bill or two, lose your job, or piss off your mates. But you’re not gonna get eaten — and that’s HUGE. So take a step back and appreciate how good it feels not to worry about getting eaten, and remember how unimportant everything else really is when you put it into that perspective.
Now that you’re head’s straight — take a step back and really think about what you, as a person, can’t live without. Think beyond food, shelter and water. Artists won’t be able to live without creation. Lovers won’t be able to live without love. And professionals won’t be able to live without work-place challenges. Whatever that thing is you’re convinced you can’t live without — make sure it takes priority in your day. That doesn’t mean if you’re a writer, you have to spend 12 hours a day writing. But it does mean you should have a goal each day, and — no matter what else is going on in your life — that goal should get done ‘less it be the end of the world.
Unhappiness comes from failure to make progress in your interests. If you don’t set goals, you can’t accomplish them and make progress. If you don’t meet the goals you’ve set, then you’re spending your days failing yourself. Don’t let the loud noise of society distract you from your priorities. Don’t let the world take away your art, or your passions.
You were born into this world, but you still have the right to create your own space outside of it. Just make sure while you’re out there being you and making good art, you don’t get eaten.
You can follow Lex on twitter @lexiconkid and check out his website: http://www.lexwrites.com/ where you can read his Good Grip comic!
Posted on August 7th, 2013
Category: BEHIND THE PANELS, NEWS & VIEWS
Tags: Behind the Panels, Comic Art, Comic Reviews, Lex White