Thanksday – 020625

I am thankful for the rap god among many mere mortals. Whether a mockingbird or the monster, Eminem has established himself as a confident mainstay within the realm of rap music. To gauge your own confidence, I sugjest asking yourself, “if you had one shot or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?” You can still be confident in yourself even if your palms are sweaty, your knees are weak, and your arms are heavy. It shows that you care about what you do.

Confidence is the only key. I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be [themself].

-Emma Stone

At the same time, please do not be afraid to ask for help. After all, we all may cry out on occasion, “somebody save me.” A lot of confidence is also required whenever you choose to be vulnerable and authentic. Marshall Mathers III has been his mostly-unapologetic and true self across the decades. We have watched him hone and master his craft each and every time. He has confidently and courageously persevered through some very dark and troubling times in his past. He is a composed and compelling rapper. Why else does he have the record for most words in a hit single? Em rises to the challenges, confidently.

The confidence I now have is rooted in the discovery that who I am is okay.

-Dudley Moore

Think about the lack of precedence here. He broke into a space that has been historically dominated by black artists. Listen to the interviews by Dr. Dre, showing how impressed and surprised he was by Eminem. One person’s confidence shored up another’s. He not only stayed in the rap scene; Eminem began to lead and redefine the genre repeatedly.

I think that the power is the principle. The principle of moving forward, as though you have the confidence to move forward, eventually gives you confidence when you look back and see what you’ve done.

-Robert Downey, Jr.

If you are confident, then you do not need to love the way you lie. Owning your truth creates more self-confidence; then, this way, you do not have a need for any magic tricks like Houdini. Emotions will come and go each and every day. They are all temporary. Confidence can be a constant if you continue to cultivate it courageously. Do not let it blind you, but believe in yourself please. As for the real Slim Shady, I am very thankful that he confidently stood up. He never gave up on his childhood dream. Look at him now.

Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.