The Red Balloon
02.23.10
As a kid I wanted to be everything. Literally. I played the drums, I had a brief stint in Karate classes, I sung, I danced, I did child acting, I attended countless Art Programs, I drew, sketched, designed and hand sewed my own clothes (oh, High School and it’s memories), I even wanted to become a Police Officer as a kid, until I saw a few episodes of ‘Rescue 911′ and I totally refuted that idea.
(Steven Spielberg’s 1997 film, ‘Amistad’.)
I came into my teenage years pursuing basketball, Jordan was and is my favorite player ever - I still am not a fan of any basketball team but the 98 Bulls, aren’t we all? - I even ran track, because like my sister I followed in her steps and wanted to make her proud, but I hated it. I got more involved in fashion, style and design, as I also did with Computer Software. At 15 I started DJ-ing, having billboards with your face splattered throughout your town at 18 is a shocker for any parent especially while they’re driving. I went to college and focused in Computer Science, dropped that and went into Textile & Design, dropped that and went into Marketing, dropped that and finally stuck with Communications & Music Composition.
I say all of that to say this: life is a grand experiment, it truly is. Throughout all of those experiences you gain more of an understanding of who you are, what you enjoy and what moves you. I mean lucky enough for me the form of expression through Art has been instrumental in my life so it’s kind of been before me all along, but for some others it isn’t as easy. As of late I’ve seen alot of commentary on the emergence of style and fashion and how some are being targeted as they look as though they ‘try too hard’ or aren’t as authentic and as much as I may agree or disagree, only time will tell. Point is, you’ve got to give people a chance to try and experiment with success and failure, let them try things out - I know, posers are annoying, but that’s life - I unfortunately was a victim of the long white tee’s, or the ‘prom dresses’ as my mom proudly named them, but that’s okay because it was a stage I went through.
I’m still very much active in every part of my past interests (excluding law enforcement and ballet) and I am using each as a form of inspiration, that’s what The R.e.d Balloon represents.
The Really Extraordinary Dream Balloon, where’s yours?
~ Mr. Martins
Great post here Theo , just shows everyone goes through their own respective journeys. I know for a fact I have dabbed in different potential occupations trying to find myself.
I’m still trying to find myself.
@ Josh - I hear you man, it’s a great thing to look back on.
@ Luis: Hey Bro, trust me I’m finding more and more about myself each and every day, the goal for me is just to avoid compromising. If you love it, do it.
I had this revelation last night. Everyday I discover something new about myself and my limits. It’s awesome.
I think this is something that we often forget. There’s a lot of pressure for immediate gratification in anything in life, and it’s important to remember the value of experimenting and taking time to grow into yourself.
I’ve found it throughout my life too, from college making you declare one narrow major, to choosing a “career.” The “choose one and forget the rest” attitude really never sat right with me.
Very cool to hear someone else tell a similar story. The more I talk to people, and I mean REALLY talk to people, I find out we all share similar feelings, despite our environments being different.
@ michelle: I was just explaining this to someone as well, its like everyday you learn something new and that IS a good thing.
@ Mark: Welcome, sir appreciate the comments. I do agree, it’s weird how everyone tends to go through the same things in life but don’t necessarily feel that way.
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by judge_mental: @theomartins drops wisdom over at his blog: http://imjusttheo.com/2010/02/the-red-balloon/...
Nice post bro!!
This post isn’t as grand as that last photo. lol. “Save image as…”
Keep experimenting sir. It hasn’t steered you in the wrong direction.