When I turned 18, I started working with a family member who did photography and videography, something I had always dreamed of doing. At first, everything felt amazing. But over time, his words started cutting deep. I was called slow, stupid, and made to feel worthless in front of others. Every mistake felt like a shot to the chest.

Eventually, I walked away. But since he was family, I still had to see him at gatherings and holidays, and each time, those old feelings came back. I even tried talking to him, hoping for understanding, but instead, I was met with silence and dismissal.

Even now, his words linger in my mind. But I have learned something powerful. If I let other people’s opinions shape how I see myself, I will never become who I am meant to be. So I let that pain push me to grow, and it has made me stronger.

Because no matter what anyone has said about me, I am still standing. Still learning. Still becoming the man I am supposed to be.

Finding Myself Through A Dark Room

"What you are about to hear is not jazz
Or some other irrelevant term
You allow others to use when defining our creation
But the sounds which are about to saturate your being
And sensitize your soul
Is the continuing process
Of consciousness
Manifesting its message within the context
Of one of our strongest natural resources
Music
We must begin to undertand
That it is our responsibility and duty
To be in constant search
Of stronger and better means
Of amplifying, radiating, and raising
The level of consciousness of our people"

Shiloh Patrick

Curator for "The Playground"

I'm just having fun with this!

The cover art are pictures of my travels!

Every silence has a purpose. Mine was just preparing the next chapter.

Finding Myself Through A Dark Room

AmaugeVsTheWrld