Workin’ It! [15 January 2010]

Photo by Keith B Smiley

Around a year ago, I read Dr Dre’s biography. I found it to be a really interesting read. I’ve always loved reading biographies. Another thing I inherited from my ma, she always told me that ‘Reading is knowledge’. I love to hear the story of people’s lives. I enjoy that insight into life, I like getting to see different perspectives and experiences. I enjoy learning that way. I guess maybe that’s why I took so well to what I do today (ha!) Why I’m forever asking everyone, why? And how?

Out of all of the cool stories and thoughts I read in the book, one thing that really struck a chord with me was when Dre talked about work and school. He said that he’d always had a healthy and enthusiastic work ethic and positive attitude and view towards work. He felt that if you work really hard at what you did, then that (energy) would flow out into every aspect of your life. I can totally vouch for that!

I know that when I work hard I feel super content and everything in my life feels like it happens a whole lot easier.

“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” ~Oprah

I work so hard I get super tired sometimes but it doesn’t bother me because I am so motivated by the fact I truly LOVE what I do! When I write I feel like I glide into a slipstream and I feel like I fall off the face of the Earth sometimes. I’m just so absorbed in what I’m doing it’s like I’m the only one that exists. To me those moments are transcendental, time becomes irrelevant. That’s why it’s the ultimate to be engaged in ‘smart work’ work that is meaningful and that you’re passionate about.

And I should mention that by ‘work’ I don’t necessarily mean the paid variety, the kind that involves you being an employee of someone else and earning cold hard cash (put $5 in my hand… he, he ;)). I have a lot of wonderful musician & art friends that are ‘unemployed’ that sometimes feel as though the things they do with their day isn’t really much of anything. I’m here to tell you all now, that just because you’re not (most of the time) experiencing a momentary gain from your work doesn’t make your contribution to your community or the Universe any less valuable then work produced in a paid employment environment.

Working for your freedom / Is the best way to get trapped / You can’t call it independence / If it needs to be paid back ~ Intro5pect

Here’s a little chat between two of my favourite hardworking women Oprah & Beyonce:

A thought for your day: Hard work is the willingness to push yourself past what you are able to do… even just a little. Baby steps. It’s being consistent and dedicated.

Inspiring reading:

♥ Richard Branson – Screw It, Let’s Do It

♥ The Josephine Baker Story

♥ Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones

♥ I cannot wait to read Daniel Johnston:The Story of an Artist by Everett True. I had a conversation with E recently that included some chat about Daniel and this project. I was read a part of it that was just beautiful.

♥ The Real Frank Zappa Book

♥ I also enjoy The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book: 101 of Chuck’s Favourite Facts & Stories

Is there any biographies you’ve read that are about people that are totally workin’ it?

My electro-rockin’, burlesque performing, tambourine shaking pal Miss Brodie-Ann knows how to work it!

Don’t forget to work it today!

Soundtrack while typing this = Roy Orbison! :)

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