the most important thing, at some point, becomes success. however we're born, however happily oblivious we are to the world in that period between coming into self-awareness and realizing that others are aware of us, too... we grow- gradually, perhaps unhappily- privy to other people's perceptions.

i think that, from maybe middle school on, i've lost myself. standing out became more important that standing up on the legs of my own soul, and i've drowned, over the years, in the noise of all my peers fighting for distinction. i feel so much pressure to be the best, right now, that I've abandoned my loves to chase dreams that aren't mine, with rewards that aren't there.

the truest geniuses, though, are the ones who never get distracted by the impossible current of everybody striving.