I quickly resonated with Leslie Laskey in the documentary when he spoke on how he doesn’t feel 90 years old though he is in reality. This reminded me of many people in my life including myself who don’t exactly feel or fit into how their age group is expected to act. Leslie seemed so inspired by life and the people around him, making it easy for me to understand why he might feel younger than he is.

While watching Leslie speak about his artistic process and how he doesn’t view his art as work, I thought about my own need to create. I’ve always felt it wasn’t an option to make things. Even if the end product was “bad” art or something I would never let see the light of day. That being said I strive to not let that stop me from using my creativity as an outlet. Which is something I believe everyone should allow themselves to explore. I’ve noticed many people will say things along the lines of “I’m not a creative person I could never do blank thing.” Which is so absurd in my mind, because creativity is a human function not something deemed upon a gifted batch of artists and musicians.

In my experience your environment can affect you so much subconsciously. Some sounds I have observed in my environment as of late have been people chatting and laughing outside my building, doors opening and closing from the hallway, often construction in the morning and the sound of the fan in my room. Overall it’s often quiet in my building and a calming environment to come home to.

Free time only works if you steal it, immediately reminded me of a fridge magnet I used to have that said “if it wasn’t for the last minute nothing would get done.” carving out time for yourself and the things you wish to do is so important otherwise it’s easy to become subject to time and stress.

I loved Leslie’s comment about objects having their own echos in his house. I’ve recently purged out old things in an effort to be more intentional about what images and objects surround me in my space. Being aware of the subtle impact they have on me daily. One thing in my dorm I find to be particularly powerful is my prince poster. Not because I’m a massive fan of his music but rather what he represents to me in his essence. When I see him in the morning his bold outstanding look and confidence inspires me to express myself and seize the day! In closing Leslie Laskey offered up many insightful reminders for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the video.