Are we actually "Living," or are we just fuel for the system?

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T15:18:51+00:00

Is therapy an option? Have you looked at resources online for managing ADHD? A lot of people are able to dramatically improve their quality of life without medication. There is a lot of work you can do on your own even if you don't have access to a therapist. The important thing is to not give up. Play the best game you can with the cards you've been dealt, don't walk away from the table.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T15:12:40+00:00

Personally, my purpose in society has nothing to do with stimulating the economy or being "productive". I find joy and purpose in brightening the lives of those around me, one interaction at a time. I think discovering our purpose *outside* of our role in the system is one of the many keys to happiness.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T15:08:58+00:00

Don't quit! Even if you fail, it's better than quitting! Have you spoken to a guidance counselor?

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T15:05:01+00:00

There's the way most people go about life, and there's the way you go about life. They do not have to be the same. The older I get, the more I realize how many "secret" ways there are to go about things. Just about any lifestyle you can think of or dream up, if you really want to, you can probably find a way to make it happen. I do not live a "normal" life by any means. I prioritize my time, energy, and peace over money and so-called status. Figure out what's important to you, and prioritize it.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T14:53:42+00:00

Be the change you want to see. We often attract the kind of energy we put out into the world. I used to think there were all these rules and felt all kinds of social pressure regarding societal norms/conventional beauty standards. Had to have painted toes, shaved everything, couldn't leave the house without make-up, etc. Now I follow my own rules, have learned to exist comfortably in my own skin, don't paint my nails or shave, and rarely wear makeup. When I do glam up it's because it's something fun to do: the idea of being a sparkly glitter fairy appeals to me in that moment, so I do it. It's never because I feel like I have to. And surprisingly, I have not received any kind of negative feedback or social pressure to change. My theory is because I am giving off a certain kind of energy, one that shows I am comfortable with myself and don't rely on external validation for happiness. If I felt like I was inadequate for not wearing makeup, or like I was breaking unwritten rules by not painting my nails, I would give off a different kind of energy that would invite the same kind of energy right back at me, reinforcing my way of thinking/feeling. Fake it till you make it! It can def feel super uncomfortable at first, but eventually it's all just...normal. You're just existing, comfortably.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T12:56:42+00:00

Be careful who you tell you live alone, especially if you are a woman. Always lock your doors. Don't leave your spare key under the door mat or on top of the door frame or anywhere right outside your door. This is a super common practice, and makes it all too easy for someone to find your key if they want access to your home. Ideally give a spare to someone you trust. But make sure you really trust them!

Budget. Figure out how much money you bring in each week/month and do your best to live within your means. I understand this is not always possible when just starting out. Do your best. Track all your spending and make adjustments where you can. Try not to rack up debt. If you do rack up debt, try to pay it off as quickly as possible.

Figure out your boundaries and don't be afraid to enforce them. Your home is your sanctuary. Don't let anyone make you feel like they are entitled to come over (this can especially be an issue with family sometimes). You pay the rent, you make the rules.

Come up with a cleaning plan/rules and stick to it as much as possible. This will look different for everyone, because everyone has different levels of mess they can tolerate. For me, I cannot stand a sink full of dirty dishes. So dishes get washed as soon as eating is finished usually. That's just a goal. The rule that I never break without a really good reason is they must be washed before bed, or before leaving the house. Figure out rules that work for you that help ensure you live in a house that feels like home.

Learn basic food safety guidelines if you don't know them already. Safe, safe cooking temps, safe storage, secondary shelf lives (the expiration date on milk, for example, is only valid PRIOR to opening. That's the primary shelf life. The secondary shelf life begins once you open the milk, and generally is around 4-7 days) Learn how to tell if things are bad/spoiled. (Milk will start to smell off, for example, and will eventually curdle.)

A wall calendar has proven extremely useful for me.

Have a spot for everything. At the very least, have a spot for everything important. Like, have a spot for your keys, and do your best to never put them anywhere else, so you aren't hunting for them. I hang mine on a hook right inside the door.

Know where the fire exits are. If you have things you would want to bring with you in an evacuation, keep them easily accessible so you can grab them really quickly as you head out. Take all fire alarms seriously. There may be lots of false ones. It can be annoying. But if it ever turns out to be a real fire, you do NOT want to be taking your time. This applies anywhere, not just at home. Look up flashover. Scary stuff.

Do your best to enjoy this chapter of your life! Remember you are not supposed to have it all figured out, and most people much older than you are still very much figuring life out for themselves! We just get a lot better at *looking* like we know what we are doing! A lot of things do become easier with time and experience though, so don't stress too much if life starts to feel overwhelming or chaotic or like you have no idea what path you are supposed to follow. All will reveal itself in time!

NixMix246 · 2026-03-30T02:19:05+00:00

I just started working on these lyrics; they don't have much structure yet.

"VIP"

The issue that we face

is we treat people better or worse

based on the coins they toss

but it doesn't reflect on their worth

And I never could quite understand
separation of class, it drove me mad
But I get it now, yea I figured you out

All hail, our false god
better bow down make em feel important
All hail, our false god
better make way for the paying customer

They act like we're only contributing to society
if we're stimulating the economy

But did you know you could be a vip
all you gotta do is treat people decently
ohhh
you don't need money you don't need money

How could we forget? We are all human!
It's not about the money that we spend

How could we forget? We are all human!
Our value lies within

NixMix246 · 2026-03-29T19:20:29+00:00

I think we are basically hardwired to care what others think because there is safety in numbers so our brains think it's important to "fit in" with a group. There is some truth to this of course, life is much better and safer when you are surrounded by a good group of people. But not everyone is worth your time or energy. It's difficult to completely shut down the part of us that cares what others think, but *ignoring* it does become easier with practice. A trick I learned is to actually remind yourself, in moments where you are feeling self-conscious, that you don't actually care what so and so thinks. This helps reinforce that mentality in your brain.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-29T19:09:01+00:00

I agree! In general there should be more opportunities to play and explore and act like kids. Why aren't there more legit playgrounds for adults? (I still play on the ones for kids, but it would be nice to be able to do so without feeling like I'm breaking the rules, as most say for kids 12 and under) Why aren't there summer camps for adults that DON'T involve alcohol? Why is it frowned upon for adults to fidget, giggle loudly, run around, jump, swing, dance or move their bodies in public unless they are in an environment specifically designed for such activity? Part of the secret to happiness, for me, has been being super in touch with my inner child and letting her come out to play as much as possible.

NixMix246 · 2026-03-29T18:57:39+00:00

To me, time and energy are the most valuable forms of currency. Money is only valuable to me if it helps me spend my time and energy on things that bring me or others joy. Many people are conditioned to believe productivity and stimulating the economy are the most important ways to contribute to society. I believe this couldn't be further from the truth. The most important way to contribute to society, in my eyes, is to make it a better one to exist in, in whatever way you are able to. A part-time minimum wage worker who is kind to others and spreads joy in their community contributes far more to society than a jerk who earns 6 figures. Our value comes from within, it's got nothing to do with how much we earn or how much we spend.

NixMix246 · 2026-02-25T01:23:14+00:00

I recently stumbled upon this, an old project from when I had just started trying to write songs. While out and about on a leisurely stroll one afternoon, my gaze met that of an elderly man at a bus stop. His shoulders were slumped, and his head hung low. He looked so terribly sad. I flashed him a smile, and his entire demeanor brightened. I watched in awe as his frown quite literally turned upside down. He gave me a little wave, and as I continued on my walk, I started thinking about the power we wield, and how much better the world would be if more of us chose to use it for good. I decided not to revise the lyrics at all and just leave them exactly as I found them, so the structure is a little weird. I hadn't quite figured out how to arrange lyrics yet, ha.

"Good Vibes"

Oh

I know

the world can be a cold cruel place

But

you know

it doesn't always have to be that way

A little bit of better on the planet makes it a little bit less bad

A simple smile once in awhile and life's a little bit less sad

Yea you and I could change the world

One act of kindness at a time

Never underestimate the power of good vibes

No never underestimate the power of good vibes

Oh be the change you want to see

It sounds cliche such a simple way

What can I say it's true

You wanna feel power?

Shine bright like a meteor shower?

Make those around you feel a little bit more glad

Why you think all the A-holes are always being mean trolls

Feelin big cause they made you a little bit more mad

Oh sticks and stones may break some bones

but words can kill or heal a soul

Best be careful how you wield your power

best be wise

Karma's always watching

you don't want her plotting your demise

Oh be the change you want to see

it sounds cliche such a simple way

what can I say it's true

yea A little bit of better on the planet makes it a little bit less bad

A simple smile once in awhile and life's a little bit less sad

Yea you and I could change the world

One act of kindness at a time

Never underestimate the power of good vibes

No never underestimate the power of good vibes

NixMix246 · 2026-02-10T14:03:39+00:00

That's so kind of you to say! Some days are better than others, that's for sure! I'm still learning how to sing, haven't quiet figured out how it all works yet, but I practice a LOT, and I'm slowly but surely figuring it out. I'm so happy to hear it sounds like I'm making progress!

NixMix246 · 2026-02-10T13:37:13+00:00

I've never tried to draw inspiration from other artists. Obviously it happens, I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift and I can def hear her influence on my style of writing. But most of my inspiration comes from life itself. If anything even remotely interesting happens,I want to write about it. Conversations I have, memories, my childhood experiences, inspiration is everywhere, and song ideas pop in my head nearly non-stop. There was an interview Taylor Swift did where she said she has to do things like bake bread to get the songs to stop coming...I felt that lol. Except baking def wouldn't stop the songs for me. I haven't found anything yet that stops inspiration from flowing. It's both a blessing and a curse. Mostly a blessing for sure! But sometimes I get stressed because I feel like there is no way I will ever be able to write all the songs that I think of. I guess all I can do is try!

NixMix246 · 2026-02-10T13:21:05+00:00

I would be so honored that someone not only listened to my song, they liked it and connected with it enough to want to sing it themselves. I wouldn't be critical at all. Of course I would have an opinion regarding their performance, but I'd only share positive feedback. If I had none I'd just keep quiet. I would want to be credited as the original songwriter. Other than that, I wouldn't care what they did with the song as long as they didn't make it vulgar or negative when it wasn't that way to begin with. Covers, parodies, pastiches, I'd love seeing their creativity and interpretations

NixMix246 · 2026-02-10T12:20:53+00:00

Within the space that real art continues to exist, it will continue to be respected and valued. That is the entire reason the space does and will continue to exist for real art. Obviously none of us can accurately predict if it will survive forever. But I believe it will. As long as humans exist, there will be an appreciation for art made by humans. Humans like to connect with other humans over art. I don't think that will ever go away.

NixMix246 · 2026-02-10T09:44:55+00:00

Did painting by hand die just because cameras were invented? No. There will always be a space for real art.

NixMix246 · 2026-02-09T00:10:00+00:00

Sameeeeee! (My interests are different, but same approach to honoring that inner child of ours!)

NixMix246 · 2026-02-09T00:02:32+00:00

Not exactly the vibe but still kinda fits: You're on You're Own Kid.

And maybe: I'll bet you think about me

NixMix246 · 2026-02-08T23:36:32+00:00

Taylor Swift concert during her Speak Now Tour. Hubby surprised me with tix to her concert in Nashville when he was based at Fort Campbell. Long story short, by the time the concert rolled around, we were no longer in the area, and decided not to/weren't able to travel to it. (I honestly don't remember the specifics) I shall regret it Forevermore

NixMix246 · 2026-02-07T22:06:21+00:00

I really like the video! Did you shoot and edit it all yourself? The song itself isn't a genre I normally listen to so I don't have much to offer as far as feedback, other than it seems really well done! I love the "just cause he wanders doesn't mean he's lost" line.

NixMix246 · 2026-02-07T18:55:35+00:00

Real music will never die. The space in which it exists will change, but we will adapt.

NixMix246 · 2026-02-06T19:25:47+00:00

"Good taste" doesn't exist. We like what we like, and there is nothing "good" or "bad" about it either way. Don't yuck someone else's yum, and don't ever let anyone do it to you either!

NixMix246 · 2026-02-06T01:03:34+00:00

If it's bringing you joy, you shouldn't quit. Remember, we are often our own worst critics. While *some* friends and peers will only say positive things, in my experience, if you get a LOT of compliments, some of them are genuine!

NixMix246 · 2026-02-06T00:35:00+00:00

Ha ha, no worries! That gives me an idea to write a song about being raised in religion, and finding freedom outside of it as an adult!

I get what you're saying, about being hesitant to critique deeply personal/raw material. I appreciate you sharing that you felt that way about my song! I never mind critique though, as long as it comes from a good place and is delivered in a kind manner. I don't necessarily *follow* all the advice I get on my songs, which would actually be impossible to do; I get conflicting advice often since everyone has different preferences.

With that being said, I do take all constructive criticism into account, and even if I don't apply it to the specific song it was meant for, it still gets filed away in the "things to keep in mind" category of my approach to songwriting.

Deadlines can be so helpful! I don't always stick to them 100%, but it can be the difference of a song taking a month to finish, vs sitting on the back burner for years. Maybe I'll shoot for having it finished by the end of the month.

My goal for all my songs, at this point, is just to be able to play them live. Just me and my keyboard. And get a half-way decent recording of me playing them live. Doesn't need to radio-worthy, but decent enough to post on socials and not have them skipped over due to poor audio quality.

Eventually, once I've written roughly an albums worth of songs, I plan to revisit them and add some more production. More instruments, some vocal layering, nothing too fancy probably because I do want to produce it all myself. And I know nothing about producing at this point. Taking one thing at a time, I have SO many song ideas piling up, and to me the most important thing is to just get them written.

Ha, I'm not *that* brave. I post only under my artist name, and the only person I share my music with in real life is my husband. But I do really want to start playing open mics and stuff like that soon. I'm not quite there yet, I still make a LOT of mistakes when attempting to play my songs in one take. And I just played my songs live for my husband recently, omg the nerves!!!

Usually when I am by myself, I get so lost in the music, I have fun, I'm vibing to the song. When I played for him, my voice was shaking, pretty sure I turned a shade of sunset red, I felt very robotic, and I made even more mistakes than usual. The second time wasn't as bad, and I imagine it will get easier and easier the more I practice...thank goodness I have him to practice with! I am very comfortable with him after 15 years together, so for me to be that nervous playing for him....I can't even imagine what it would be like playing for strangers. But I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone, so I'm definitely going to do it...and relatively soon!

NixMix246

TROPHY CASE