Broken Horses

by Brandi Carlile

I would take the leap, move out of my parents’ home, and find salvation where the rest of the misfits and the rejects find it. Through twisted, joyful, sexual, weird, and wonderful music.

it just smelled like music and dreams.

When someone believes in you while you’re a work in progress, never forget them.

The young should never deny themselves their feelings. No matter how turbulent they get. Just don’t lock them inside, don’t keep them secret lest they overpower you from the repression of it.

needed both of them to learn that I didn’t need either one.

I wanted Evangeline to know that love isn’t a feeling. It’s something we do and a promise we keep.

a total unwillingness to cooperate is what is necessary to be an artist—not for perverse reasons, but to protect your vision.

The upside of impostor syndrome is that you’re always aware of how surreal these gifts are.

Maybe we all just want to be immortal. To leave imprints and art and moments and words. To forgive and be forgiven. I hope I can.

If you get this far…if you’re still reading this: Write your life. No matter how young or old. Even if you feel like you’re not interesting enough. Do it. Believe me you are. Your life is in fact twisted and beautiful and you’ll find that as you peel back the layers, the unexpected side effect is that it feels wonderful to be known. Even if it’s just by you.