A Director's Thoughts (Episode 4 - Health is Wealth)

Greetings from the writing room! If you're reading this, thanks for checking in. I haven't blogged in a bit due to some unforeseen circumstances, that eventually became life changing, eye opening & much needed. Let me elaborate.

About a month ago, I was experiencing chest tightness, especially after smoking a joint or even having an edible. These sensations were happening several weeks before & I was just writing it off as minor issue or something that would pass easily. Every night I would wake up in the early morning with crazy chest tightness and severe anxiety. That dreaded feeling that something terrible was going to happen to you. My chest was burning too. To the point where I went to the ER to check my heart. Tests came back normal & after some proper research I realized I was experiencing severe acid reflux. So with that issue, along with the mix of anxiety and stress of the world, I finally came to a stand still. God was telling me that I was neglecting myself. Poor sleeping habits, not an ideal diet, losing my itch for creativity because of my depressive state, isolating myself, imposter syndrome, the list went on...

Especially being in my early 40's, I had to take accountability and make some lifestyle changes. No more devil's lettuce, edibles, alcohol, fried food, junk food or COFFEE (for now). With these stomach issues, which are healing btw, I had to stick with a strict diet. One of the benefits of this lifestyle change was my love of going to the gym every morning again. I've lost some unnecessary weight, getting my mojo back & after suffering from some depression (which I didn't realize I was going through because of denial or complacency) I am healing properly.

I share all of that to say this: sometimes life can life the crap out of you, but it's important to know that you have family and friends that will always be there for you. Whether you are going through something challenging or striving at something to be your best, it's important to know you are never alone.

I beat my writer's block, I'm taking more time with my creative side, planning and mapping out upcoming film projects & continuing to work on my comic book series entitled ONNA, with the ever talented Zay Johnson as the artist attached. I've focused on me lately & I realized that in order to heal properly you need to make sure you hold yourself to a standard. No-one else is going to make you improve or grow until you look yourself in the mirror & see that the reflection you see, is the only person that can make that difference you're looking for.

After seeing the 10 year anniversary of La La Land in Dolby the other night (I cried like a baby yet again, not ashamed to say) it made me realize that I need to finish my romantic comedy feature screenplay, because the world needs to see it. A lot of inspiration all around me. Finally tapping in again and it feels amazing. I hope this message found you well, unlike the emails we get as freelancers from production companies that under-pay us.

Know your worth. Set your boundaries. Live life. Love Thy Neighbor & always make room for the small things that bring you joy. Up The Reds. Praise God.

-- Trif

Holga 120 - Kodak T-Max 400 (B&W)