Things I've Learned From the Arts

1. Chasing your dreams is scary, but not chasing them is scarier.
2. Let the places and people around you influence you, but don't let them define you.
3. When you think something is impossible, try anyway. You might surprise yourself.
4. It's okay to be ridiculous.
5. "Nobody enjoys setting themselves on fire, but when it comes to being passionate about something, it seems like a metaphorical given."
6. Ask for help when you need it.
7. If you don't know what to do, just do something.
8. Respect different opinions and beliefs. Or no one will respect yours.
9. Pour your whole heart into the things you love.
10. It's about more than making a living.
11. Self-discipline is a skill that can be learned.
12. It takes more than talent to succeed.
13. Be a risk taker.
14. You can make the world beautiful.
15. Be nice.
16. We all have something to say, so say it.
17. Push yourself. Be uncomfortable.
18. If you want other people to care, you have to care.
19. Break all the rules.
20. Efficiency is highly overrated. Art is as much about the process as the result.
21. "Creativity is recession proof."
22. Don't wait for inspiration to hit you. Go out and find it.
23. You don’t have to make money doing what you love. Do it because you love doing it.
24. You don't have to know what you're doing. "Passionate people who don't have it all together change the world."
25. Be your own muse.
26. It's okay to be afraid, but don't let it cripple you.
27. Life is exciting and beautiful. Live it.
28. Own it.
29. Have fun.
30. Make mistakes.
31. Ask lots and lots and lots of questions. Especially if it starts with "what if."
32. Don't #$*% the haters. What they have to say is important. But don't let what they say ruin you.
33. Your vision is endless.
34. Believe in yourself.
35. Never give up.

I'm not saying any of these are absolute truth; they're just what I've learned.