“Your brain doesn’t really belong in this city.” I’ve received this compliment two times in my life. I’m not sure it was intended as a compliment in those two situations…but I take it as such. They were saying my mentality doesn’t really fit in with the culture of the city I live in. I don’t belong here.
I’ve received that sentiment in my last two city moves. I think those who said it were encouraging me to take the plunge into the new city and embrace it.
But I truly hope…even in the move I’m about to make to Dallas…that shortly after I get there people will give me the same compliment: “Your brain doesn’t really belong in this city.”
I want to constantly think bigger than my surroundings. I want to challenge the status quo and think beyond what those around me are thinking. This isn’t arrogance. This is both the call of the creative and the Christian (1 Peter 2:11). We’re aliens and strangers. Our mentality is not the mentality of those around us.
Revolutionary ideas and exceptional living come from living contrary to the ways of your surroundings. It’s not about being weird for the sake of weirdness, it’s about avoiding the black hole of culture around you. It’s about thinking differently. It’s about acting differently. It’s standing out.
Those who fit into the status quo help define a city…a culture…a common makeup. But those who break the status quo have the opportunity to revolutionize a city. They have the opportunity to raise the bar and challenge others to follow along.
I don’t ever want my brain to belong. I don’t ever want to find my “perfect city” that I “fit into perfectly.” Once I’ve found that I’ve stopped being revolutionary.
Are you revolutionary in your city? Or do you belong there?
Could’t agree more. Another flavor is “you do not fit the profile”
Could’t agree more. Another flavor is “you do not fit the profile”
I’ve said that for years…I never want to “fit the mold”. Ppl are too stuffy and over churched sometimes. I love breaking them out of it. I love God with everything in me and am very grounded. I know who I am and what I am so ppl don’t shake me. People get so churchy sometimes.
I’ve said that for years…I never want to “fit the mold”. Ppl are too stuffy and over churched sometimes. I love breaking them out of it. I love God with everything in me and am very grounded. I know who I am and what I am so ppl don’t shake me. People get so churchy sometimes.
Yeah, most of people think it’s ok to do what everybody does: just go with it. But why is that? Maybe they want to belong somewhere. But isn’t it better to build your own place based on your own mentality or whatever? I mean, not strictly “a place”, but something. Going with it is not the answer, “going with you” does sound better!
Yeah, most of people think it’s ok to do what everybody does: just go with it. But why is that? Maybe they want to belong somewhere. But isn’t it better to build your own place based on your own mentality or whatever? I mean, not strictly “a place”, but something. Going with it is not the answer, “going with you” does sound better!
The question I am struggling with is, where is the line drawn between you infusing a city with your passions and a city stifling you. What prompted your move Jonathan? Sorry if I missed that entry.
It’s a tough balance.
I’m actually moving because my wife is starting physical therapy school. 🙂 It just happens to work perfectly with some opportunities that opened up for me in Dallas. God’s got some pretty good timing 🙂
Good stuff man! God’s timing is perfect. It’s refining too. 🙂
Thanks for all you do! A real blessing to me and my creative journey.
The question I am struggling with is, where is the line drawn between you infusing a city with your passions and a city stifling you. What prompted your move Jonathan? Sorry if I missed that entry.
It’s a tough balance.
I’m actually moving because my wife is starting physical therapy school. 🙂 It just happens to work perfectly with some opportunities that opened up for me in Dallas. God’s got some pretty good timing 🙂
Good stuff man! God’s timing is perfect. It’s refining too. 🙂
Thanks for all you do! A real blessing to me and my creative journey.