Sunday, March 01, 2009

The meaning behind my Zazzle gallery name

I was taking a look at my About page on Zazzle and realized that I haven't updated it in a while, and as I looked at the About Me section, I decided to go ahead and explain the meaning behind the gallery name:
Why do I call this gallery "Reason to Live"? Well, in January 2002, I attempted suicide by stepping into oncoming traffic on a busy highway. The nearest oncoming car stopped so far away from me that I realized that I wasn't supposed to leave yet. Looking back at that particular time in my life now, I realize that I was so miserable because I wasn't doing what I wanted to do but what others expected me to do. I think that in my subconscious mind, I did not see the point in living if I could not be myself. After that experience, I began to take ownership of my life and returned to my first love: art. I was going to major in art in college but I changed my major because I feared that I would not make any money in the art field. Now, I care more about doing what I love, which I believe will result in a good income if I continue to create. No, I don't have any fancy software or an art studio, but I will use what I have to make my dreams come true. Now I see that being me is a "Reason to Live."
Yeah, I know, that's the sort of thing that most people don't talk about openly. However, I feel that including this information will help someone in some way. Most importantly, I hope that my story will help prevent a person from committing suicide. There is more to life than your problems, no matter how big they seem. Figure out who you are and who you want to be, then go for it. You will be much happier in the end.