Love Yourz

"Always gon' be a whip that's better than the the one you got, Always gon' be some clothes that's fresher than the ones you rock, Always gon' be a bitch that's badder out there on the tours, But you ain't never gon' be happy till you love yours."

- J.Cole, Love Yourz (2014 Forest Hills Drive)

These lyrics speak volumes to me. For all my life, I was so stressed on the mindset that success was having material wealth. This brought me to countless nights thinking of how I'm going to be this great lawyer, doctor, what-not; and putting myself into courses I had no interest in. I pushed through days, months of school work that I didn't even enjoy doing. But to me, it was all going to be worth it because that's where all the money's at.

It wasn't until mid-grade 12 when I realized that I absolutely HATED the idea of becoming a nurse. I never got the high grades in Biology, and it didn't really hit me until University/College choices were right around the corner.

My family has always struggled with money, I just wanted to take us out of that situation by becoming a high-paid health professional, but I HATED it.

I told my mom, and I expected her to be infuriated.

But she told me, "I don't care about what you become, just as long as you're happy. that's all that matters to me. Just remember to cherish everyday like its the last, because no amount of money can ever buy you that."

I took that piece of advice and turned to where I really wanted to go.

I realize now that success isn't about having insane amounts of cash, success is determined by a my happiness.

J. Cole's album cover for 2014 Forest Hills Drive.