OUT OF OBLIVION
COMING FROM NOTHING INTO SOMETHING
What should compel you to move forward may not always be reflections and review of your own life and experiences but sometimes the experiences, stories and journeys of others. For me, it was the knowledge that others have gone thru so much more than I could ever fully grasp or understand.
For the most part of my life, I’ve come to feel that abandonment has been a recurring theme. I strive to do what I can with what little I have because I’ve been instilled with a profound sense of responsibility and personal accountability. I grew up seeing and hearing blame thrown from person to person relative to who, how and why someone could, should and/or would be most responsible for my care with many backing away from the task for various reasons. As I grew older hearing the same ideas and concerns shared, I eventually took it upon myself to try to be as responsible for myself as possible.
After working for one of the greatest local newspapers of the DC area—the Washington City Paper, what I learned in being an Executive Assistant and an Executive Administrator for Macy*s Downtown DC is that accountability is fundamental to just about any and every decision you make. To be accountable is to be informed and well resourced to making a decision, taking an action or making a move. Being accountable is about not waiting for a situation to be over, being accountable is about being proactive to making things happen…and standing firm on the choices you’ve made.
I came out of abusive parenting and unstable households having moved more times than anyone would want to admit seeing friendships come and go. Because I decided to make decisions, though, that would place attaining the life I want before me instead of pleasing others who would not make the substantial investments to move me forward or sustain me in life, I have stability. I have stable ground to not only move myself forward but also that of my wife and my daughter. I truly feel that I came from nothing—an awareness of nothing—oblivion…into a profound awareness of who I need to be to become who I want to become.
*The point of what I’ve shared is the understanding I’ve gained that you can and will only—in the end—be responsible for you and your actions. While it is important to be careful of how we impact others, we ultimately must begin with giving unto ourselves. You cannot adequately give to others what you do not have or have very little. You can choose to assist and help others by first choosing to embrace, learn, appreciate, heal, grow, develop, and celebrate yourself.
As an Artist, Creative, Photographer, Entrepreneur, Small Business, Father, Husband, and Employee, I’ve learned that I must believe in my significance because, as an individual, I cannot be copied and will never come again. You’ve got to understand and believe the same about yourself…and others. Let the stories of others stand to inform and inspire you before you get ready to tell your own.
From the Desk
LIAM IAN