Much time has past since I last wrote and the accumulation of events within these past few months would hardly be possible to capture with depth, but lucky for you I am quite friendly with a guy known as brevity (my fiancee would tell you different).
In review, first, Kelly and I were given the amazing opportunity to join Sony Online Entertainment and fellow journalists, friends, and communities last August in Las Vegas for SOE live 2013. I was able to sip a little booze, grab some amazing news, and make connections that will hopefully last for many years to come. SOE was more than friendly with their guests and those in attendance hopefully really got to experience the magic that comes with the industry of game design. The casino didn't hurt too much either.
On top of this and of a different tone, my family lost a few very valuable members this past summer. My great aunt and uncle were a cornerstone in my life, a foundation for when times were hard, and were the epitome of a loving family. It was devastating to lose them but this brings up the point I want to make in this blog post.
In a recent scholarship looking at the emergence of a work-based culture, Mark Dueze coins the term "Liquid Life". It's a life where societal influence and media creations are being modernized to include consumer production and the fact that our lives are in constant flux. We as Americans never turn off. To me, the term liquid life refers to a fluidity among our personae and our movements. We can't control everything, there is a bigger structure to life than we give credit to. It isn't a grand destiny but more of a narrowing of situational outcomes.
Throughout my life, I have never been the one to really let stress rule which is near impossible for some. Work, school, friends, and family are always expecting you to stay busy, whether you are working on your new promotion or trying, pushing your life in a new direction or simply doing house chores. We are told over and over again by news outlets, teachers, business leaders, and family that we simply are not doing well if we aren't doing something. I am stepping on my soap box here and saying it isn't that relaxation is the opposite of productivity. Our definition of productivity prescribes to a western ideal, one that belongs in the trash.
I don't believe we are ever not productive. Our lives ebb and flow like the waves off of the sea, each particle of water interacting with each other to create our lives. We are connected to those around us and society as whole and the conceptualization of productivity is mismanaged and misconstrued. Productivity should not just be measured by the tangible. It's the intangible of the friendly smile or the helping hand that advances our society just as much as the discovery of sub-atomic particles or the new thin Ipad. Sure, to some people there are degrees to which one act improves society but the specialty of productivity relies in critical mass. It's the fact that deeds reciprocate and expound upon each other. This applies to both your personal and interpersonal lives. Take that break, enjoy that movie, spread that smile and let life push you forward.
I don't believe in a hard plan, I don't believe in limits. I guess I am asking that you try the same as well. I'm not talking about being lazy, or doing everything on the fly-- do what works for you. Our lives are constantly moving forward and often pushing us towards different outcomes. If you enjoy the ride and keep your possibilities open then I truly believe you will go far.
As for myself? I am currently applying to as many internships as possible and keeping eyes open for career opportunities after graduation. With hopes of working on communication within the video games industry as just one of many possibilities, I have to reaffirm to myself that things will work out for the best. It may be a tad cliche, but you aren't really living until you enjoy your life. So with that I leave you. Stay positive my friends.
Until next time,
-Chad
this is good
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