Just need to warp you back in time for a little context. My childhood was overshadowed by figures who applied verbally abusive and harsh criticisms of my actions and emotions. The simplest things like not saying good morning, not eating enough, or wanting to go out on a Friday night was met with over-the-top anger and backlash. Lots of fists hitting tables for some reason. Naturally this effected me and to say I had low-self esteem is an understatement – try no-self esteem (I’m trademarking that. it rhymes). Enter this video at about age 14 (I think).

It took about 20 years to understand the meaning of this video at that point in my childhood. My no-self esteem was a neural pathway subconsciously produced because of the conditions I grew up in. That critical voice I heard as a child is the same voice that I carried with me over the years – judging myself and every move I made. Watching this interview exposed a new neural pathway – or a NEWral pathway (trademarking that too don’t steal) that challenged the voice that said “I can’t do anything right” or “I’m not enough.” It’s important to mention that the specifics of what Ye is talking about is not the point, but rather the fact that he is telling Tim Westwood and the world that he believes in himself – fully. Me watching this video is the equivalent to the invention of bifocals. Being exposed for the first time to a new way of living – one that you didn’t know previously existed. One that you can choose to continue living, once an awareness of its existence is reached. It could have been anything in this world that showed me this new neural pathway, but for me this Kanye West interview happened to be it. This new voice is what I wielded whenever I asked for substantial raises, or embarked on a new project. This is the new voice that I’ve chosen to listen to moving forward.

Btw, if anybody can help me find that Bape hoodie, it would be much appreciated. Need that.

Neuroplasticity explained by Emma McAdam: