I don’t think most of us really believe in our own voice. We all know we have a “voice” and can talk to people, explain our views, and even persuade some. But people don’t believe in themselves. They do, but it’s not usual. 

For your voice to be THAT voice, to do something, to be influential, it needs to believe in it’s own human being. The speaker needs to believe in itself. That’s really it. Even “Deez Nuts” can make a dent in their nation’s politics, a 15-year-old from Iowa, USA. This news was revealed to me during my time in Pittsburgh.

On that accord, my time in Pittsburgh was a blast. Having quality time with my dad at his home and in his city is always great. Regardless, any experience in a strange city (not home) is always valuable to me. One thing I notice about Pittsburgh: it’s not actually that big. The city of Raleigh, NC is larger, both by population and land area. However, Pittsburgh has endured as a cultural center, as an educational hub, and as a proud people. Everyone knows the logo for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And most people either love them or hate them. The city of Pittsburgh is so personified by its history, its sports teams, and the history of its sports teams. These things are religion to many Pittsburghers (or Yinzers) and, to a large degree, by choice. There is a conscious and collective voice that they share, regardless of any challenges or setbacks they have had. And there have definitely been those setbacks in Pittsburgh on a great scale (if you don’t know, Google). 

Being a part of something is the first step and, often, a catalyst to starting something. And to effectively realize something, start something, grow something, you must also realize and utilize your voice. Dodge the haters, keep voicing your beliefs. Think before you speak, but speak, speak, speak. 

Anyone that has convinced others of their greatness are those who first believed it themselves. 

 - 7PlyEpic

The journey has begun. The moment I was so excited for has arrived. After a proper send-off, great times with friends, and packing the station wagon, the road is officially open for my residence. The feeling of being, just being, on a highway and at stops along the way is incredible to me. I thoroughly enjoy being deep in a journey, and that journey is going to become much deeper, with the time that I have. 

One thing that was inevitable and crucial to this entire adventure was the dreaded “packing” of the car (or house, however you interpret it). Part of packing is consolidating, and it felt GREAT to get rid of objects. “Stuff” that I never REALLY wanted badly. “Stuff” that just wasn’t necessary for my lifestyle. “Stuff” that other people really do want. It sounds hippie to say now, but the bare essentials are all you need to pursue happiness. The process of letting go of these things was a great primer for me to depart on the trip, and I believe that ideal can be applied to life in a broader context.

Also, the objects that you surround yourself with are the ones that affect your mood, vibe, productivity, and activities daily. So having only the essentials that you consider MOST important to you will mean constantly surrounding yourself with your interests, hobbies, priorities. From now on, similar to the concept of “spring cleaning”, I will be doing a “fall moving” ritual, where I just get rid of shit that I wouldn’t miss. Every year. Keep it chill, keep it concise. 

A friend of mine recently advised me - if you pick up an object and it doesn’t give you a happy feeling, outside of all situational context, you should probably put it down and/or leave it behind - thanks Jay. Within reason, this helps anyone focus on what makes them happy. 

So here I am with a station wagon full of shit. But it’s only a car. And it’s all good shit. Here’s to a great trip with some great shit.

 - 7PlyEpic

Yesterday, I got a tattoo. It’s not my first, but I don’t have many. A scientifically accurate drawing of a mackerel (the saltwater fish). That’s what I chose for the third tattoo on my body.

I used to go fishing in the ocean with my Dad, and I have vivid memories of doing that with him - packing a lunch, prepping the boat, practicing awareness, tying knots, and learning to be silent & patient. Fishing, although not physically taxing, teaches a lot of the same lessons that skateboarding does. Have perseverance, pay attention, and don’t be a pussy. Those stand out to me the most probably. 

I like to have each one of my tattoos (so far) associate with some real meaning in my life. That way, I’ve convinced myself I can never regret them... And that got me thinking; every experience in life is like a tattoo. Maybe not a physical marking, but one that only you can see. Each party weekend at the lake builds up that recurring memory in your mind. Every session at that one spot builds into an ever-lasting reflection. Every last friendship, romance, and acquaintance shapes you in some way. Falling in love leaves a beautiful mark, but a bad break-up makes for a shitty tattoo. 

People don’t always plan their internal tattoos like they would for their external counterparts. This is understandable; you can’t hide the external tattoos from society (usually). However, I think it’s crucial to consider this:

The internal tattoos, the semi-permanent injections of feeling, are so much more beneficial when positive and scarily more destructive when negative. The traditional tattoo will stay with your body for life, but emotional tattoos happen all the time and will stay with your soul forever. The artwork on the inside is so much more paramount than the look on the outside.

Life is only a series of moments, and moments pass through experience. As you experience life, adjust per the moment. Plan for your mental tattoos. 

Don’t live as if there is no tomorrow. Live as if you’re building a masterpiece.

 - 7Ply Epic