Brett Tilford

There’s No Place Like Here: Brazenhead Books from Etsy on Vimeo.

An inspiring story about doing the thing you love – even if it’s not the most lucrative. Beautifully shot and edited to boot.
Anyone want to open a secret book store with me?

The big questions in life terrify us.

What do you want to do next?
What are your greatest strengths?
What big project do you want to start?
What direction should you take?
Who are you?
Who do you want to be?

Difficult questions, but ones that need answers – are begging for answers.

That’s why sometimes the biggest challenge is simply making the decision.

Mustering the courage to launch out.
With too little information.
With no guarantee of success.
Without the approval of those you respect most.

It’s called being an adult.

Learning to take responsibility.
Learning to fail.
Learning to succeed.
Learning.
Growing.

The worst thing you can do is be paralyzed. To make no decision at all. To remain the same.
Stagnant.
Frustrated.
And blaming others for it all.

In your twenties it’s a compliment to be told your someone full of “potential”.
In your 30’s it’s depressing.
In your 40’s it’s a slap in the face.

Self control is the ability to mentally detach yourself from the present moment enough that you don’t do dumb crap you regret.

Sometimes I literally envision stepping outside my body, taking a good look at myself, and examining my raging emotions. I turn them over and over like a guys in his 20’s twists and turns a potential engagement ring.  “Hmmm, how odd” I think to myself, “I’m literally reacting physically to this. Heart rate is rising. Hands feel cold and clammy. Fight or flight instinct is taking over.”

Next, I attempt to talk myself off the ledge. “Okay Brett, how about you just take a deep breath right now? I wonder if you’ll remember this moment 5 years from now? Unlikely. Is it possible that you’re over-blowing this right now? Likely.  Alrighty pal, just take a deep breath, chill, and think of something happy.  Puppies are a good choice, think of puppies.”

Now at this point I don’t feel great but my world is no longer in a death spiral. I might even attempt a weak smile, laugh, and say something obvious like, “Well, this sucks.”

Usually, within 1-2 hours I think back on the moment and thank the gods I didn’t go where my emotions were trying to drag me.