Reflections on 23 Rotations

Field-note #7

I haven't ever been one for big birthday celebrations; I prefer to spend it with my close circle and family. Enjoying good food, reflecting on memories of the past year, and being amazed that one full rotation later, I am still here. In recent years I've come to realize I've got to share this journey with a lot more people, you, each and every one of you who spends a handful of seconds with me in whatever way you found my art, whether it be the poems, the advocacy work, podcasts or here on this newsletter. With each of these pieces, you hold a part of me in your hands and ears. For that, I am forever thankful and honored that I get to spend this rotation with you and, hopefully many more to come.

365 days later, here are a few notes and my reflections on rotation number 23.

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1) Leave your trace.

Tell the world you were here in whatever way that may be.

2) Be outlandish.

There isn't enough time to play small. Scream your dreams to the universe, let them echo in your bones, listen for the reply and act when it comes.

3) Make this life less lonely.

See people as they are, and grow alongside them; we haven't solved anything alone; we move forward together.

4) Love is an action verb.

Say it as much as you like, but act on it to make it real.

5) Be a process.

You are not perfect; you never will be. And that is beautiful; you are process, of continually becoming better and more yourself each and every day.

6) Coffee is still our closest attempt to create heaven on earth.

And I will keep searching for it wherever I go.

7) Your language is your most powerful tool.

Use it wisely.

8) The Rule of Three for your work(both in profession & in life):

The Mentor, the one who will guide you. The Student, the one who you will guide. & the Rival: The one who will keep you going.

9) Die Empty.

Please do not leave this earth with something left to give; give it all you have; leave it all on the table.

10) Watch the eyes.

Do not let people go unseen, be there, listen with an open heart and itching soul, and be there the same way you would want someone to be there for you.

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8,395 days, 276 months, 23 rotations. I'll be honest I've felt the most alive I ever had in the past two years. That is largely (nearly entirely) thanks to anyone who has come on this journey with me, the friends who listen to my endless ramblings in coffee shops, the family(blood or extended) who pushed me when I couldn't myself, and anyone willing to listen to my stories about art and hope. Even still, I am just a kid who grew up wanting to tell stories. I thank you for letting me be someone who, 23 rotations later, could reply...

You're doing exactly that.

Cheers to many more,

Sent with love,

Donovan A. Beck

Rotation 23.