I decided to write this as a personal reference to contribute to deep discussions. This is a “concise” retelling of my journey of how I reached my current state of mind. My intention is to impart positive influence and motivation for those seeking it.

I'm writing this as I turn 30.

I feel this is a good time to compile some thoughts and life experience while tightening my focus.
I want to burn as bright as possible.

I have had 3 major revelations instilled in me by my favorite songwriter: Maynard James Keenan.

“Over-thinking, over-analyzing, separates the body from the mind.”
-excerpt from “Lateralus” by Tool

While growing up I made the mistake of being too reserved. Too much looking, thinking and not enough leaping and paying attention to the things that I enjoy. By overthinking every decision in my life, I had missed valuable opportunities and experiences. I graduated college with no direction, inspiration, or any valuable skills. I eventually reached a breaking point where I had no inclination of how to spend my time in a meaningful way. 

I eventually met the question: “What is truly worth spending time on?”

The answer to this question is different for everyone, but the method to discover the answer is universal.
Find several different things that you enjoy and analyze them. Keep digging until you uncover every facet that forms a pattern between your sources of happiness. You will then have a trail to follow to future fruitful endeavors. 

“I’ve been crawling on my belly, clearing out what could’ve been.”
-excerpt from “Forty Six & 2” by Tool

Everything in nature follows a “path of least resistance.” It’s difficult to discover your own power without being pushed by an outside force.
Humans have the ability to manipulate nature and push themselves to absurd limits.

Society pressures the psyche. We are constantly forced to consume the creations of those that have come before us. I’ve found it so incredibly intimidating to try to achieve greatness of my own while I am submerged in the wake of others. Comparing yourself to your fellow man clouds your vision. Try to isolate, then take the time to examine. Realize the capability of the sum of your parts:

Your arms alone can craft, write, shield, and strike.
Your legs alone can stride, bound, swim, and leave a trail.
Your voice alone can convince, enthuse, arouse, and terrify.

The only thing separating you from your potential is the desire to emerge from the water.

If you have ever had a thought to do something amazing, do not ignore it.
Make a connection with your “potential self” and let it become you.

“Embrace this moment, remember, we are eternal, all this pain is an illusion.”

-excerpt from “Parabola” by Tool

We are stardust. The chemical composition of us and Earth’s sun are the same.
Our mind is electricity anchored by flesh.
Our thoughts are a continuous surge of electrons fueled by our instinct to breathe.
Understand this to fully abstract your reality, gain the widest possible perspective, and determine your purpose to continue.

Come to terms with the fact that we are worthless specks of carbon in a vast universe.
But because we are conscious, we are capable of anything.