Life isn't easy! For no one. At the beginning, it feels like a never-ending quest, in the middle like the software got stuck, and I want to assume that in the end, it feels like it went over way too fast.

Nonetheless, and undeniably, life is harder for some people than others. I couldn't help myself. Even though I had several points in life that felt like encountering the "boss-level" way too early, I could overcome them and stand my ground. Many reasons make these types of successful challenges possible and I guarantee you it is not all because I am maybe a decent person. Part of it is also always circumstance and context; we should never forget that.

Recently, though, I have seen many people forgetting about these circumstances and contexts. It does matter if you have someone who provides you with startup money without major pressure, and it does matter if someone has your back and helps you network your way through your industry. Just because it matters doesn't mean that your input isn't worth anything anymore. Still, it needs to be reviewed in context, and truth to be told, in my old industry of physical fashion design, several rules of the game define if you can make it or not.

For one, adjusting your physical appearance to something others can easily recognize matters. Sounds silly, but it's true. I only learned that after coloring my hair pink out of the blue. No one told me, so I am telling you: Find a way to stand out in the crowd if you want to be easily recognized.

Of course, this is especially hard for introverts, which brings me to my next point:

Don't be an introvert! Nerds are cool these days, but being an introvert sadly still isn't. I am an ambivert (learned this about 4 1/2 years ago about myself, thanks to a friend). If you want people to see you, a connection is needed. Connections only happen if you go outside your comfort zone and start speaking about yourself. It feels pretty narcissistic to most introverts (even ambiverts), which is why this is such a hard step. On top of it it requires confidence which some of us can't just drum up. To be honest with you, it needed a few years of therapy in my thirties to figure all of the above out and much more.

The series with NOVA, my personal avatar, that I am showing along this journaling entry is about the art of being bold and reaching your goals. When I created NOVA as a MetaHuman and started to dress her with ComfyUI, it reminded me of my own journey—the good, the mediocre, and the bad—just all of it. I love dressing her in my stead because it feels light and playful. There is no commitment or overthinking attached. While it is fun, it also makes me feel nostalgic and reminiscent of my own past, bringing me back to my initial statement: Boldness is good, but let's also learn to be humble and view our success in context. If I hadn't had help and support from others along the way, I wouldn't be swirling in happy land (well, most days, not all days, of course).

So this goes out to everyone who has ever lent me a helping hand! I have not forgotten about you, and I know that part of my success I owe you! Thank you!

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