I am my own person, and I have all the freedom to explore my curiosities and try something new. I inherently know that. But sometimes, if not usually, I need other people’s permission to go ahead and try out new life experiments and directions.

I don’t need strict authorization, per se. A subtle reminder or a gentle nudge from others will do to get me back to the true ideals and goals I’ve held inside for so long. These people have been my friends, family, sometimes colleagues, but lately, they’ve been strangers online. I’ve felt an immediate, enigmatic connection with them either after reading something they’ve written or while listening to them speak, either live or recorded.

I look out for these folks, my ears sharp to pick out their inspirational energy. It’s lonely and tiring to be your own cheerleader all the time. And it’s just not sustainable. Mentors are hard to come by personally. But I’ve found many good ones through their media, such as written articles, books, blogs, YouTube videos, or even online courses. They don’t need to know who I am. I just need to know who they are!

I don’t have any more excuses to not create or to discontinue learning. Everything I need is literally at my fingertips, at the keyboard. I just need to constantly seek the good people and their good stuff for my growth in thought, skills, and imagination.