Welcome back! I had some thoughts during a church message I was listening to about priorities and where we put our focus and how it relates to social media.
On Substack everyone is a writing coach.
On LinkedIn everyone is a brand and marketing coach.
On YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok everyone is an influencer.
In a world that is pulling at your attention, it’s important to focus in on what you need. What makes you come alive? What helps you maintain your peace?
I can tell you for myself, it’s my faith, my creativity/passion, and my relationships with people. So in reality, it has nothing to do with social media but it can be used as a tool for value and for good.
As I write this on Memorial Day, I’m reminded of the immense privilege I have of living in the United States. I wasn’t asked to be born here but just that alone gives me a golden ticket of opportunity to pursue my dreams and fight for my passion.
Story #3 - Our limitations are only perceptions.
About a year ago, I went to a film premiere in Los Angeles for a film called, “Project Iceman” where a man, Anders Hofman, attempts to become the first-ever human to complete a long-distance triathlon in Antarctica (3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, 42.2 km run), they decided to call it “the Iceman”.
In the film, you see how Anders conquers his fears, doubts, and adversities as he risks everything in one of the most extreme athletic feats ever attempted. It’s a triumph of human potential and spirit, showing that we all can achieve anything we set our minds to.
I knew some of the crew on that production and to see it come to life and how everyone reacted to it was inspiring. After the movie ended, there was a Q&A on stage at the end and the director, Ammar, said something that I often think about because it resonated with me so much. I put it in my own words on my notes app -
“One’s pursuit of freedom, for me personally is no longer an option, it’s an absolute must. We’re all in this room, we’re privileged to be safe, free from war and we have to privilege to look deep within ourselves and ask “how can I achieve this next level of freedom?”. I think it’s such a waste to live in todays world with all of the tools that we have and all the connections that are at the touch of our fingers and to not dig deeper and to find out what that true voice is. I’ve traveled and I’ve seen families and communities where their everyday life pursuit is to just get the most basic things they need, if that..
I’ve seen communities and families of people who don’t have the same freedom that we do to dig deep and it lights a fire under my ass to know that I have the blessing of that freedom and flexibility to pursue the dreams that are written on my heart and the dream to create things that inspires real change. It is not an option. It’s a necessity.
I want to create things that inspire.
I want to provide and serve others.
I want to live passionately.
It’s not an option, it’s a necessity!
Think about all the blessings and freedoms you already have. Never take that for granted, and use it to continue to fuel you moving forward.
Building to Paris | Short Documentary Trailer
My next film’s trailer is out now! This isn't just a short documentary following David King’s journey as an Olympic athlete, from his first games in Tokyo to training for the upcoming games in Paris this year, showcasing his commitment. The film gives a glimpse into his daily life as he navigates personal relationships and everyday challenges. I wanted it to have a more intimate feel and the feedback I’ve gotten already on it has been refreshing! It’s been a passion project that I’ve been chipping away at. The full film will be coming soon. For now, check it out the trailer here -
My music pick -
This has been a go-to song for me on runs, in the gym or if I just want to get focused in on some work. A classic and iconic song from ZZ Top, The Grange!
Also this song, which I used in the Building to Paris trailer which I adore. Another classic by the Killers in my opinion -
More things to come soon. I’m trying my best so thank you for being here and for reading this. As always, have a great day.
Best,
Blake