Maybe it’s cause I’m black, but I’ve always had rhythm. I mean, as long as I can remember, I’ve had somewhat of a soundtrack to my life. I know I got it from my dad. He always seemed like he had a spiritual connection with music. From how he listened, what he heard, and even how he played. Ive never seen him dance tho, till this day. We used to listen to music, and he would ask me things like, “how many instruments do you hear? What’s the bass line? Do you hear that?”. He used to listen to music on almost mute, cause he said it would make you listen harder and appreciate the music. I say that, to say this.

Whether it was jamming’ the oldies on car rides with my parents growing up, or hype songs in the locker room, or love songs in middle school (what a time). I’ve always been able to associate memories with music and emotions. I always have a song playing in my head. Whether it’s the latest top 40 hit, or some acoustic song I heard in a movie. I say THAT, to say this.

I’m not sure what comes first, or if it’s a case if the chicken and the egg. But not only do I associate music with memories and emotions. But I can use music to change or set my mood as well. There’s nothing like waking up on a weekend, putting on an album, and starting your day off in a groove. It’s also always a nice refresher to change the genre of music that you listen to. So if you normally listen to rap, try listening to reggae or r&b. There’s usually a shift in the message and can help get you out of a rut in your thinking or habits.

Takeaways: Dance like no one is watching and don’t be afraid to mix it up every once in a while.

As a younger man I used to crave the friction of life. It was the tactile sensation that came from living. It was the soreness you feel after you worked out or the discomfort of trying something new. I embraced the unknown and the friction that would surely follow.

As I grew, I started to ween out of these thoughts and into the comfort of “good is easy” and “if it was meant to be, it would” and “go with the flow”.

I recently performed at my first paid comedy show, and I felt the friction. I felt the anxiety, the fear, the suspense. I felt all of it. And in hindsight I can say, I loved it. In hindsight, I can see it is what I need to grow and become not only a better comic, but a better person. In the moment, I felt the uncertainty. Until that moment, it was all unicorns and rainbows. Open mics and showcases, and it all felt like it was falling into place. It felt like I was a natural. But that night was something new. It was new people, new room, new town, new pressure. It was no longer an open mic, with little to no stakes. This was a show, that people paid good money to come be entertained. It forced me to accept certain truths and address my reality. The reality that, this life I envision for myself, will be unforgiving, exhausting, and sometimes unbearable. But that’s just the friction that comes from really living.

I still love the song “Smooth Sailin’ Tonight” by The Isley Brothers. But at this point in my life, I think I more favor the quote “smooth seas don’t make good sailors”. It’s the friction that sparks growth and the friction that builds character. I’m not exactly sure what the point is, but embrace the suck!