Little Red Levee
The last couple of months have been a roller coaster of creative madness. I started writing the sequel (INFIRNO) to my first novel (TWISTIR, unreleased), I’ve been slowly revising the script that is likely to be the blueprint to my first feature film as DIRECTOR, and in addition to my job as a Quality Control Tester for many Blu-Ray and DVD titles, I’ve been training to teach California teenagers how to drive. Needless to say, time has been scarce. I’m really surprised that I actually read four new books, and finished my long-awaited Harry Potter Marathon (Films 1 through 7 Part 1). And yes, I was there at the midnight showing last Thursday for HP 7 Part 2. Right now, I’m even trying to fit in this blog right before heading out of the door to a film screening. See? Madness.
In addition to staying busy, “good” busy, there are many things that I have to be thankful for, and I try to never take any of them for granted, but today I’m going to talk about LESSONS. We never know exactly where they will come from, but it’s good to be on the look-out for them, or at least open to the possibilities. Even if a new road looks strange and bleak, remember that the lesson is often found at the end. Embrace it first by beginning the journey.
Here is one of my own.
A couple of months ago, a friend/co-worker of mine returned from a trip to Brazil. She came bearing small gifts in the form of Brazilian Luck Bracelets. When she offered me one, my first instinct was to accept it, of course. Like any kid, I only hoped that I got to choose the color. She pulled out the long red bracelet from the small plastic bag of many and began to tie it around my left wrist, knot after knot until it was more than secure in its new home. “That’s a strong set of knots,” I said. “How long before it falls off?” She gave me a discerning look, and replied, “I’m not gonna lie to you. It could take a while.” I almost immediately regretted the decision to participate. I didn’t want the thing on my wrist for any more than a few days, let alone week or two. I looked around and noticed that one of my other co-workers and my supervisor had both accepted their own knotted gifts and seemed to be ok with it. “Ok, fine,” I thought to myself. “If it’s supposed to grant a wish, or bring good luck, I’ll stick to it. If nothing else, I’ll get a good conversation out of it. Maybe it’ll be a good ice breaker for me and the future mother of my children… who knows?”
Fast forward to today, mid July 2011. This bracelet sits right where it first landed on my left wrist. For over 2 months, it’s been through every shower, hand-washing, watch-twitching, behind-the-wheel driving, and food preparation that I’ve done. It doesn’t even look the same. The first week or two was the worst. I was extremely annoyed. I wanted out. The red cloth was itchy and bothersome. Then one day in the shower, I almost gave up and ripped it off. Why not? My co-worker’s? Gone. Supervisor’s? Gone. They couldn’t stand the itching, either, so they gave up. I had been the most resistant at first, but it also seemed that I was the last person to stick to the journey. Right before I violently snatched the red bracelet off, and let it hit my bathroom floor, something else snapped inside of me.
This bracelet, this burden… it was mine to bear. I asked for it. Whether I knew or not at the time, I wanted it. And the more I thought about my situation and the status of my hopes and dreams, this little nylon-cotton annoyance was a huge reminder to me that I could never give up so easily, so soon. I had to keep fighting, and hold on to my mission, even when it was unbearable – especially when it seemed impossible.
I also just happened to be at a low point that week, where I began to question why I had chosen such an uncertain path. All the stress, and good grades, and college, and organizational/business experience… all of it led me… here??! “YES,” I had to reinforce positively within myself. “It all led me HERE.” I’m not wealthy and well traveled (yet) but it could be a hell of a lot worse. A LOT WORSE. I actually love what I do, and not many people can say that with confidence. And I get to do it everyday, no matter who’s around. My wishes could be just around the corner, or far away in the future. Either way, I’m doing just fine.
All in all, I’m glad I took on this tiny, yet meaningful project, and until the little red levee breaks, and all of my creativity floods out into the world, I’ll be here. Remaining steadfast. Holding on.
-PM
p.s. – I’m very proud of my brother Anthony Hylick and his new book… “Plan B Sucks: Work on Your Dreams, Not Your Boss’s”
Check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Sucks-Work-Dreams-Bosss/dp/0615412599/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311202887&sr=1-1
