I Mean, Really?

  I know how it feels to have a huge dilemma in front of you. I also know how it feels to have that dilemma circle your career. In the 12 minutes that I sat on the second floor listening, posing questions and speaking my honest viewpoints, I realized the difference between that dilemma circling my career as opposed to my passion.

Most people think of passion and equate it exclusively to their ability to grind. They think the passion they have is authenticated with their decision to "take no days off" and push the limits of their bodies. Some even look at passion as doing whatever they must to stay "on top". With social media being the greatest platform for exposure before integrity, most have begun to view passion as obsolete. Not many people are willing to count up the cost that may come along with the craft, which can be in The Arts or sports, they claim to be dedicated to. What happens when you are met with a dilemma that forces your true response? What stance do you take when your response can cause a temporary chance of direction for you?

Here's an example. I am sure the average person has watched or even binged (like me) CW's All American. There have been memes and videos galore making hilarious jokes on characters, Spencer and Coop but the second half of season three was intensely insightful. I felt them. So, my example is of Spencer. Do you remember when he was determined to stand for what mattered to him regardless of the majority? He felt strongly about doing what it took to shift a culture, a people, no matter the consequences. Well, as it went, (spoiler alert, spoiler alert), not only did Spencer take his stand but his bravery reverberated throughout his own team, as well as other football programs. Spencer's stand changed minds within his immediate connection, which also caused rules and regulation to HAVE TO shift.

So, this is what I mean, a lot of athletes and artists think they are passionate and do not realize true passion transcends the perfection of your craft. I love the line from All American's Homecoming episode. Homegirl told Simone "I'm not [helping you], I'm helping the sport I love. I felt that on so many levels. Sometimes your passion looks like removing yourself from an atmosphere that cannot suit your needs or beliefs. Sometimes your passion looks like saying what you really know to be the truth about a sport or art even though it directly goes against its current and fickle climate. 

Not many athletes and artists are willing to truthfully confront that circling dilemma because the cost just may be temporary discomfort. It's like that episode of The Game, yes, that was my show. Blue did not support nor did he feel comfortable with the statement of the team's general manager. His stance? "HOLD THE LINE!". Sure, he was aware of the position that would put the team but not only did his passion show how much he loved the game but its overall function. How many can say they cannot be bribed or bought against their thoughts or beliefs?  Blue was a leader. I can relate to that one hundred percent.

By now I'm sure you can tell that I have been faced with a dilemma of my own. My God-given realization is that no one can truly dictate the path or potency of my career. While they may be able to make certain decisions, My God is the ultimate decision-maker. I AM willing to feel the temporary discomfort (if I may even call it that. I am not at all uncomfortable) in a sliver of my career because my tried and tested  passion is the truth of who I am as an artist. I know my place in this industry.

Until God gives me my marching orders I will be content with not losing to my dilemma.