The Awesome Gnome Letter: Recent Episodes
Frazley Sparkspan
I’m sitting here twirling my hair in my hands as I write this. It’s not growing as fast I’d want. I want the long flowing locks of hair going down to my butt, being able to have a ponytail or drape it over my shoulders. Growth takes time, even with a supplement like Biotin.
What areas in our lives do we need to sit and wait for growth? I want to see my podcasts, YouTube channel and Twitch streams grow further. I see others’ hair, Twitch streams, etc and I muse “One day I want to resemble that!”
My bestie Amanda helped me to see that I need to rest in the now. Enjoying what I have. Pursuing happiness in growth means I forgo the happiness of the journey. My hair is down to my shoulders, my stream isn’t at “partner status”, but I ALREADY enjoy what I have. I need to wait. Keep loving my hair, keep loving my stream, YouTube channel and podcasts. The same I know is true of stuff in your life right now.
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I was playing a horror game recently where you get chased by a monster and—YOU NEED TO RUN WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT! Looking back can slow you down. It can cause you to get even more terrified. It might even allow the monster a chance to kill you. Keep going forward until you reach your goal.
In life, it can be important to revisit our past, but it can also cause us to not go forward. Looking back at past relationships that are no longer in our life. Looking back at our past mistakes. Even being stuck in something because it is tradition.
This week I’d like to encourage us to move forward. Don’t look back, unless it’s necessary. I’m fighting my urges to look back at things right now. But let’s press on towards the door that will move us to our goal!
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Some weeks it feels like we are living in The Ughs of Life. Sometimes life and its burdens just create a feeling of Meh to do anything. I’m sitting here working on a newsletter I should’ve finished MUCH earlier in the day.
Remember that it’s OK to be living in The Ughs of Life. Events going on in our world, situations in our personal lives and even just the day-to-day can wear us down. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you are struggling. I’m struggling along with you. It’s OK to NOT be OK!
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Halloween is starting soon. You might be reading scary stories, watching scary movies, or playing scary games. I am playing a bunch of scary games this year for Halloween. One of the scariest things though in life is what scares us that isn’t from a book, movie or a game.
What scares you right now in your life? Is it a rational fear or something you should be planning on? I had to make changes to my schedule to allow for some balance. It was something that scared people I know who brought it to my attention. We need to sometimes face those fears—so they don’t jump out at us in the middle of the night.
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I don’t like change—I prefer bills or credit cards. Though, I dislike change. I like things the way they are. With no disturbance to the existing state of affairs. The last year though I’ve been making many changes. Some of these changes include realizing I’m non-binary and not male. Deciding to step back from some podcasts. Starting back up on my college courses. Changing up my streaming schedule. Most recently I changed FrazlCast to now being every other week. These changes come with consequences. Having to put boundaries on things that mean a lot to me. Not being able to “do it all!”
Change is an inevitable part of life. We can stay with what we know, but in reality it is important to make changes. If we don’t make changes when it’s necessary, we may burn out and not be at our top quality for what we do. When I come back after my scheduled off-days, I’m much more on my game. What changes do you need to make in your life? It won’t be easy, but it’ll be good.
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I have had to set some boundaries recently. Some of these are due to external factors, like family and such. This has meant I now have two nights a week I take off from streaming. I streamed for the first time last night after also taking Friday off this week to hang out with my niece and nephew. It’s tough to make these changes, as I love to stream, but I know it’ll be good for my sanity and it’ll make my family happier. Plus, I’m starting back up at college to work on finishing my degree!
What is your life looking like right now? Are there boundaries you need to set for yourself? It will upset what you’ve been doing, but it might be a good thing to consider building some new boundaries. We don’t want to burn out. LET THE FIRE BURN FOREVER—with Wednesdays and Saturdays off, though…
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I’m currently sipping some pumpkin spice coffee. This prior statement will either excite or revolt you. There is a season to pumpkin spice, and we are in that season. The same way that life brings seasons. Each season of life brings change that can be both exciting and painful.
Whatever season you are in right now, know that it won’t last forever. There will be a day you put away that pumpkin spice—as then peppermint coffee is here! No season lasts forever—thank god! So embrace the season you are in and smell that sweet, sweet pumpkin spice.
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Each day tempts us to think of the future, of what is to come next. Hopes and dreams of what will eventually be for our projects or ideas. One trap I find myself falling into is not living in the now. The now isn’t always perfect, in fact it can be shit sometimes. Geek Herring has a channel on their Discord called Everyday Gratitude. This channel has helped me to appreciate the now so much more.
This week, are you living in the future? Chasing something that will eventually come? I know Ali always says look up, but Frazley says look down and appreciate that flower that is sprouting right next to you on the cracked sidewalk. There’s joy to be had now.
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Life is way too short to not be able to dress how you like. You may have noticed my recent wardrobe changes. I’m finally embracing what feels good to me. The act of feeling pretty is giving me a confidence I haven’t known before. I feel at home finally.
What in your life makes you feel at home? Are you acting or dressing in a certain way that is contrary to how you feel? This week let’s evaluate ourselves and do an introspection. You may just find by a change of behavior or wardrobe that you unlock a hidden confidence in yourself.
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I was lying awake a few nights ago with an irrational fear. I kept trying to move it out of my head—but it kept nagging at me. The fear had no basis at all, but my mind just couldn’t keep it away. Finally, I thankfully fell asleep. The next morning I realized how ridiculous the fears were that gripped me and kept me from falling asleep.
I don’t know what fears are running through your head right now. Whatever fear it is, I am going to bet it’s irrational. There’s nothing I can say to stop it, other than to say you are loved, you are valid and you matter! Sending my love to you today and every day!
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Who are you focused on getting validation from? My good friend Monika has been encouraging me to be more inward-focused in terms of validation than outward-focused. Do I like who I am? Am I secure in who I am?
Honestly, most of the time now I do like who I am and I’m secure in who I am—but I need to keep reminding myself of that. I am again trying to not focus on whether I have outward validation. I need to inwardly validate myself and make that the source of joy and peace. Who is validating you? It helps to get external validation, but let me also tell you that it can be so fleeting.
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I am unlearning many things about my past. Habits, ideas, stereotypes about others & me, etc. It is challenging changing what you’ve known for so long. It is ingrained into who you are. Stuff you consciously learned, and some of it was learned subconsciously without even realizing it.
In any of the changes, know that it will be difficult. You will make mistakes. However, I can say that from where I am on my journey—it is WONDERFUL! I see the person I wish to become every new day. Who do you want to be tomorrow? Let’s take the first step together today!
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I’ve been going through a lot of realizations into my true identity. Understanding that I’m Aroace and now agender/non-binary has been a huge relief for me. Realizing that I’m the one who defines who I truly am. Getting to say what clothes I wear (FRILLY HATS AND SHAWLS!!!!!! YES!!!! 😍) and that it is my freedom to come out as such.
You are the one who defines yourself. Others may make assumptions, but it is your right to say “HEY, THIS IS ME! RESPECT ME!” What are people saying you are this week? Do you want to let that define you?
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Who do you give priority to in your life? Do they respect you and your choices? Are they giving you positive/encouraging energy? Those we give our time to are very important. It needs to be mutual respect. I don't mean that they need to kiss your shoes, but they need to care about you and your choices.
These past few weeks, I have made some pivotal choices in my life. I've been lucky that so many of my friends have supported my decisions. Who do you let influence you? Make sure it is people who will stand by you.
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I was playing the video game Horace yesterday. I was stuck on one puzzle for what seemed like a half-hour. I had already spent a lengthy amount of time the prior week trying to get past this one level. Finally, after what felt like 85 attempts at this level, I try something else and instantly get to the next level.
Sometimes the answer to our solution is simple. We try every other solution. We overcomplicate what's going on. Then at the last second, we seek a new avenue, and we get to our goal. What problem are you running up against this week that needs a simple solution?
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An individual with the word Disrespect in their name is now banned from a streaming service. We need to follow their lead AND ban Disrespect in our lives and instead start using Respect.
Many brave people have come forward with stories of abuse and harassment they've experienced. Things need to change! We Stand With You and Believe You!
Systemic racism is part of our culture. It's been there for a long time, and it needs to be abolished! Black Lives Matter!
People are discovering and embracing their identities every day, from orientation to gender/non-binary and more!. You Are Valid!
We need Respect. Each of us has something to work on to improve how we Respect others. Let's begin RIGHT NOW!
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It's essential always to be raising the bar. Don't settle with the status quo. My friends Pete & Andy raised over £3,000 for the Special Effect charity---way past what they've done in their past two charity events.
I was watching them while working on improving my streaming setup. My setup worked fine, but I didn't want to settle for good enough. I'm always working to raise the bar in what I do.
This week, what is something you can do to raise the bar? What can you do to go to the next level of what you've been doing? Don't settle for less than the best for yourself!
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You're working on your creative project with a deadline.... but you also want to watch the latest season of a series that just launched on a streaming service. You know you only have a bit more work to do to get your project done... BUT you need to finally know what happened in that pizza buffet where the main character's missing brother showed up disguised as the buffet's mascot only to reveal they stole the ingredients to the most magnificent TV dinner. OK, I watch weird shows....don't judge me!
Then you get an email from someone who listened to an episode of your podcast. It connected with them on a deep level and they HAD to tell you. NOW you know why you need to get this project done--your show can wait!
We all need That Email to arrive. These kind words showed up in my inbox this weekend - completely out of the blue. Those reminders that what we do matters MATTER.
Hopefully, today is the day you get That Email. Until it does, I want to remind you that you DO matter. You're pouring your soul into what you are doing. That Email is coming for you---I know it! OK, I'm going back now to find out more about the pizza buffet scene from that show.
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Last week many people spoke out in support of Black Lives Matter. Speaking out had the unfortunate side-effect of many people losing numbers in their subscribers, followers, listeners, etc. How important are numbers compared to the truth?
Throughout history, we've seen people stay silent just because they were afraid of losing popularity. Some speculate our governments don't act in fear of losing their standing in their official roles. I'm asking a very personal question and one that only you can answer for yourself. How important are numbers compared to the truth?
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We influence those around us. Through our words and actions, people look to us to see how they may want to act. When we see an unjust murder of a civilian by an authority that should've protected them---we need to speak out.
Each of us has a platform. By itself, it may not enact massive change, but together with the world we can make a difference. My friend scOtt shared a quote from the late Howard Zinn "We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."
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One thing I've aimed to do in my podcasts and streams is to be vulnerable. Sharing what's going on in my life, and sharing what my past and current struggles are. I feel this has helped people connect with me much better. It creates a relationship---even if you've never met me.
Being vulnerable is scary as it reveals very raw parts of yourself. I've found it has helped as my mind no longer can run free. Others see my thoughts, respond if they have something to help, and can follow me on the journey. This week I encourage us all to be vulnerable. It might just be the healing we need.
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Right now, everyone is doing new creative projects. It is fantastic that people are trying out new artistic endeavors during this time. People who never took the opportunity before now get a chance to start pursuing an unfamiliar outlet. With the advent of new and innovative talent, it can seem as if there is now a saturation in various places like YouTube, Twitch, podcasts, etc.
I want to encourage us all to wait it out. Whether starting a new project or continuing an already established project---don't stop! We need to wait it out, as it is tempting to look at the plethora of people working in our same venues, and maybe we might want to give up. Don't give up!
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There is value in 1. Sometimes a video only gets one view, a stream only gets one viewer, a podcast gets only one listen, a book only sells one copy, a song gets listened to by one person. That's more people than if you hadn't shared that with anyone.
Sometimes we can chase numbers but forget the value in 1. I want to encourage us this week to place extreme importance on that one person. Maybe only one person listens to this, but that's more than if I keep it in my head.
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Sometimes it can be easy and tempting to want to indulge in those sweets. I hate to admit in March and April I indulged in regular milkshakes, root beer, fries, and more. The unfortunate side-effect is that my clothes started to feel constrained on me. Almost like The Hulk ready to burst forth! I have a family history of health problems, so I need to be careful. Since Thursday, I've been cutting back on the sweet treats.
Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I've had to cut back on certain hobbies to make room for work or other hobbies. Sometimes we can take on whatever project(s) we think we want to consume. What does your life scale say? Are you starting to tip it in a direction that isn't good for yourself?
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You might be familiar with The Butterfly Effect, where one change has a huge impact later on. I feel that in my own life. Looking back to how I got here, I see many little wing flaps in my life that have cascaded to get to this point. I found a WoW podcast to listen to while working. Getting to know the hosts through their show then led me to join a group gaming session that the podcast hosts led. That led me to join a guild that a friend joined, which led me to learn about podcasting.
I could go on, but the result is me being here now. This week I want you to look back on what led you to the moment you are now. Being grateful for all that transpired for you to be here. Then let's look at what might be small moments coming up and see where those can lead us! Who knows what winging it might do?
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Has anyone ever shared what they like about you? Getting reinforcement like that is very encouraging. Now, what about people sharing what they don't like about you? It can bring you to a halting stop after you've been cruising at 88 mph (or 140 kph for the metric system)!
Luckily, YOU are the one who decides who you are. People will give feedback, but sometimes that feedback is more subjective than objective. I routinely think through what people tell me, and then I check that feedback against who I want to be. Sometimes the information helps me, and sometimes the feedback shows I don't align with their tastes. Ultimately, we are the decider of our personality. So this week, continue to cruise along, with the occasional pit-stop. Grab me some Funyuns---those are delicious!!
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Watching a YouTuber, Podcaster, Twitch Streamer, or a celebrity can be demotivating. You may be trying to do what they do. Not copying them, but you want to produce content in a similar genre to them. I hate to say it, but you do not compare in any way to them. They aren't better than you---you both are different.
Comparison is a thief of joy. I have seen it rob myself of enjoying moments simply because I got caught up in what someone else is experiencing. We are each unique, and we all are walking down different paths. Be careful not to let comparison rob you of what you are doing today.
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"To boldly go where no one has gone before" is a phrase I've heard quite often recently. I've been watching Star Trek for the first time on Twitch using their new Watch Party feature. I am starting my Trek using The Original Series. (The 1960s series used the word man, but I instead went for the 2009 film's genderless version of no one. I know someone might point this out.) This series is fascinating as you follow a crew of people making decisions in scenarios that are unknown to them.
Are we boldly going in our lives to places that will stretch us? Are we: running into killer robots, a group of kids in a deserted planet, a murderous Charlie X who wanted nothing but not to feel hungry? Let us endeavor this week to go where no one has gone before. There is so much more to do. The beauty is we can do it right from our own home, right here, right now, right here, right now. Sorry, I was listening to Fatboy Slim.
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I'm writing this as I look beyond my monitor into the studio where my cat Chocolate is sleeping soundly. There is a fantastic beauty to this scene as he feels safe being near me. I find myself also comforted by him whenever he's around. I've got friends online who make me feel safe in this regard, and I am glad whenever they show up on Twitter, Discord, or in a stream chat.
Who in your life makes you feel safe? And even more importantly, who feels safe when you are around? I can't give Chocolate advice on how to live his life, but just the simple act of my presence is soothing to him. I will propose that we underestimate the comfort of our lives to someone else.
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About a month ago, I got a haircut. The stylist wasn't having a great day and ended up giving me a buzz-cut. I didn't like how short my hair was--even though it grew on me after a while. Today, I realize the gift they've given me as salons have closed, and I don't know when I'll get my next professional hair cut.
What are unexpected gifts that have happened to you recently? Something you or someone else did that was frustrating at the moment. Then you realize that it gave you an opportunity/gift later on? This perspective-shift can help us to appreciate even those moments people didn't meet our expectations.
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I feel so out of control right now. I don't know what is going on in our world from day-to-day. Things some days tend to spiral. What do I do? How do I appropriately respond? I'm struggling some days to know what to do in response to current events such as politics or COVID-19. I don't want to make the wrong choice. Every day, I am continually learning new information that contradicts what I knew! I've given up my outdoor walking activity after my state’s Governor banned dining out at restaurants last night. It's freaking me out!!!
I think what we can do is keep ourselves tuned into what's going on. However, we can also look at what projects we are working on and those things we know how to do correctly. Invest that fear we are feeling into making that project the best it can be. Maybe that project I'm working on right now is JUST the thing someone needs to be distracted for 30-40 minutes during an otherwise anxious day.
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Have you had to say no to an event or a project idea? Having someone tell you, "Oh, but we want you to do this!" It is painful not to be able to please someone. The disappointment in their voice because of saying no. Sometimes, we have to prioritize commitments for our health, our budget, and our future goals.
Is there something holding you back? People you don't want to let down? Maybe there is something you need to say no to this week. It won't be easy, but once the dust settles, I know you'll be happier.
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I have been listening to a few podcasts that mention that podcasts and streams tend to take 3-5 years of consistency to grow momentum. That time allows you to develop the craft. You are building trust in your audience that you will stay around. I can relate that I've seen growth in just the 1-3 years for my stream and my podcasts, respectively.
What would your current life look like if you keep going today on your current project(s)? Don't give up just because it might be difficult. Don't give up just because of your present numbers. The next few years may very well change that.
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I went to my nephew's basketball game yesterday. Both teams did GREAT---but I'm glad his team won! During the game, I watched how both coaches would give calls to help the players. You could see how the kids reacted once given the proper information to improve their gameplay.
Who is your coach in your life? It might be a friend, a therapist, or a coach of some sort. Somebody who is objective, but wants you to be your best. One of my coaches is reading this right now to help improve the final product AND to help me improve my writing. Who is the coach in your life at the moment---and are you listening to their advice?
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I have been looking at ways to improve my streams to make them more fun. Recently I added the ability for the chat to use points to have me eat jellybeans flavored like peach, barf, or Carolina Reaper peppers (THOSE ARE HOT!)
The response to these has been astounding. I had a regular remark on being "broke" from the loyalty point redemptions to make me eat these beans. What is something this week you can do to spice up your project? You never know if buying a box of jellybeans might do the trick!
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My nephew yesterday was acting like a typical 13-year-old. I had a moment where I wondered, "Did I act like this?" I started to remember all the times I did the same things as a kid. We were all kids once. The same goes for learning new skills and abilities.
Everyone grows up, and each of us needs that time to learn. Not patting myself on my back, but I remember when even making a weekly podcast like this was difficult. Don't forget where you've been, and don't forget where others are heading.
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I changed my streaming work area this past week as I found that I was sitting too long. This change has increased my energy while podcasting and streaming. It has allowed me to become more active as chat can make me dance, do squats, jumping jacks, and more! It also makes me want to be at my desk now.
Sometimes we need to change our workspace. You can completely revamp everything as I did, maybe you can change-up the monitor configuration or tidy up your space to make it enjoyable. This week, look at your work area and think about how you can make sure you enjoy working here.
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So we are having some electrical work done at our house this morning. Our doorbell rings, and who is at the door? One of the leaders of my youth group! That moment of relief when you see a friendly face. We didn't know it was them when we booked the appointment.
They set up a LAN party for us once during a lock-in. They've been someone I've gone to for advice in my youth. It is surprises like those that are great to get. Sometimes you never realize the impact someone had on you. You might grow apart from them for a season, but when they show up at your door, it is a pleasant surprise!
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The chair at my desk where I edit has a nasty habit of lowering over time. I routinely have to pump the lever to bring the chair back up. Life is a lot like this chair! We need a lift up, or we may find ourselves in a shallow spot in life.
Who in your life is there to raise your chair? Have you reached out to them and shared how they've helped? Maybe they are in a low moment, and just sending them a message today will lift their spirits---and their chair!
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I'm listening to Rush while I write this podcast. We lost Neil Peart last week, and it feels like I lost a part of myself. As I groove to the greatness of this unique Canadian band---it hits me that Neil is going to live on in his music. Each time someone plays the song, it is almost like Neil is performing a private concert for them.
What is your legacy? This thought has made me strive to make sure that what I produce is something that can live on past me. I want someone to listen to this podcast years later, and they will feel an impact past my death. I am going to play Rush for my kids and grandchildren, and Neil will be there playing just like he was when he was alive. Play on Neil, play that music!!!
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I feel the future is scary--especially when I begin to worry about the "What If?" questions. Looking at the news and hearing about the potential of World War 3 is incredibly frightening. If I think about all the implications long enough, I can begin to spiral down a rabbit-hole of branching outcomes. This same level of worry can happen even with small things.
As I get older, I have found that I need to have a bigger picture in my view, but I also need to appreciate the everyday moments. If I worry about what could happen, I will get myself into a horrible mental spot--which I have been in many times before. I don't know what will happen after I send this email, but I can appreciate that I have the chance to write this while sipping coffee and listening to The Mandalorian soundtrack.
One final thought, sometimes that future we worry about doesn't turn out how we thought it would.
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I will be turning 30 next year---that thought causes me to stop in my tracks. As we enter a new decade, I begin the 3rd decade of my life. The most prominent feeling that comes to me is how many friends I have had in those years.
I don't have the same friends as I did entering the last decade. Even the ones who have continued, we are at different places in our friendship. That is not something to be afraid of at all. I am not who I was ten or even twenty years ago. If you've been one of the friendships I've had, you've shaped me in some way. You may come and go, but for a season, you were just what I needed.
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I was talking with someone last week, and their response convicted me about complaining. I'm paraphrasing here; their journey had been awful because this individual did not get the room she wanted. I typically would not be surprised---except this was the second half of a 15-day voyage!!!
This event had been in my head, and you will see a future podcast episode on it. I thought I couldn't possibly be like that individual. Except I found myself complaining about going to lunch because my mom wanted to go to a place that is typically very slow. I almost let my complaining ruin a moment that I get to spend with my parents every week.
How many times do I still complain about something? Am I still stewing about it way after the fact? Letting something mundane ruin an experience? Life is a cruise, and whatever room we occupy---let's enjoy where the voyage takes us.
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I'm sitting in Dublin, OH thinking about how my best friends don't physically live near me. They aren't down the street---yet I feel like they are close to me. We chat regularly, we share jokes (or maybe I share a pun and make them groan), and we share deep feelings about what is going on in our lives.
Technology can isolate and make us feel alone. I'm working to change that. I know that technology has helped me feel even closer to my friends. It's A Small World (Michael, please don't punch me), and if we work on meaningful and open relationships--that world will get even smaller. I'll be your friend, be warned that you WILL facepalm a lot.
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Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a time to reflect on what makes us thankful. This year I'm grateful for the experiences I've encountered. I wouldn't be who I am without all that has happened to me. Part of what makes my inspirational messages have meaning is what I've gone through.
I'm also thankful for those who have gone through experiences and share that with me. I learn from them. I've avoided certain situations because I listened to wise counsel. I've also had experiences after people told me to try what they did.
Your story makes you. Relish it all, no matter what. I know that it opens up a wide range of good and bad memories. However, you wouldn't be you without that history. Maybe someone needs the empathy you can share because you've walked a similar path.
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I'm going to get on my soapbox for a second. Recently two streamers came under fire for doing some terrible things in video games. One used an aimbot in a competition to instantly kill other players without any extra skill needed. The other individual stole an item drop from a group of players that they were grouped with while adventuring in a dungeon in a video game.
These actions were not without consequences. One got banned from the game, and the other removed from an organization of which they were a member. In the aftermath, to paraphrase, both spoke about how they are better than other players, because of their fame. These two incidents made me extremely mad.
I say to anyone, don't ever forget those around you. No one should ever be above another one. You may be better skilled than others, but it gives you no excuse to treat others like garbage. You may be more famous than others, but your viewers got you there. I never want to be in a position where I think of myself better than anyone else. We are all humans that are rotating on this planet we call Earth.
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I was talking with a dear friend recently who is afraid of showing how they are feeling. They don't want to lose their friends, yet they feel alone by not being free to ask for help. I can relate as I've worried about losing friends, listeners, subscribers, etc. This past year has been me letting go of that fear.
When this friend of mine shared their fear of losing their friends, I realized I have very few friends from my youth. Most of my close friends now are those who I have come into contact with through the podcasts. I also like the person I can finally be thanks to not being afraid of losing friends.
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I am back from BlizzCon 2019! I had a great time meeting so many fascinating people that I talked with online. One thing I heard from Thyst was that you need to embrace every opportunity. During the event, my Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) was on high alert. I was always calculating every decision to gauge what I would be giving up. One thing I had heard, and my friend Siilverbolt kept saying, was "People over Panels."
By following the PoP Method, I wound up in so many cool places. I had meals with friends that I won't forget. Hugged people I almost missed. I could go on and on recounting the experiences. What I learned was FOMO is an ugly beast, and sometimes it is best just letting life take you through each moment. I missed opportunities, but looking back, I did what I needed to this year.
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Being creative is like pickles. Not everyone is going to like it, but pickles don't care if people want them. Pickles just exists to be pickles. Someone comes along, suddenly screams, "OH YES!!! I LOVE PICKLES" and then begin to consume it with delight. The joy to that person when they are eating the pickle and enjoying all that comes out of each juicy delicious bite.
Being creative means being you. Not everyone is going to like what you do. There will be one person who wants what you do. Don't try to be anything other than a pickle.
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Facebook brought up one of my podcast episodes of Be Great TODAY from a year ago. I pressed Play, and it sent me back to an earlier time. The message was one that still resonated with me, but I marveled at how I sounded different in the year since. I feel like I'm getting to be more commanding with my presence behind a mic. It got me thinking as well to the differences that have happened in just one year.
What is something that has changed about you this year? It's hard to see while in the moment, but I know you are a different person than you were last October.
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Last week we migrated multiple systems at work. This caused me to worry out of my mind. Thinking of everything that would go wrong. It didn't go how I feared, instead it was a reasonably smooth migration. It was definitely a long process, but I lost sleep and gained migraines over nothing.
I need to not overthink things. It'll all turn out OK in the end. Hey Siri, remind me to look at this email in about two weeks. Don't know why I have to worry---going across the country by myself to a new environment. Nothing to worry about there...
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So I have been given an exciting and scary new opportunity. I can't say what it is yet, but I am scared out of my mind. This opportunity isn't out of the scope of what I've done before, but it will challenge me to improve a particular part of my skills.
Sometimes we get new opportunities. We may want to say no, but sometimes that is fear blocking us. Is there an opportunity that has opened for you? What is stopping you from taking that step?
The person proofreading this email is someone who inspires me to take hold of new opportunities through all of the things they do! A year ago, they invited me into DPS, and a year later, I'm glad I said YES! EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK!
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I had a unique experience recently. I was in a group of people enjoying their hobby. All of a sudden, the discussion started talking about a hobby I hold dear to me. They were discussing World of Warcraft. How crazy it is that people make YouTube videos and stream it. The tone of the conversation was perplexion, but with a hefty side of critique. One member of this group then proceeded to talk about how others don't enjoy the craft they enjoy.
I am not out to make anyone feel bad for a conversation. It did make me think about times I've critiqued what others enjoy. Hearing people talk about WoW in this regard kind of me made me feel inferior at the moment. Not everyone will enjoy what I enjoy, but there is plenty of room for people to engage in different hobbies. Maybe if someone asked me why I enjoy my interest, I could tell them----though I do have 126 episodes exploring why I love my hobby.
This week, let's do as Dr. Stephen Covey says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."
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I’m writing this email while riding in a car. I’m hooked into my computer remotely and editing as if I was there. There is something magical to the time we live in. Really nothing that we can’t do with the tools in front of us. I know people who record music and put it up for streaming/download. There are people who are creating movies with small budgets. One person does copy-editing and marketing consulting for many companies and they are mooving their career along from their home.
We truly live in an amazing time of life. It’s not perfect: the climate, politics, inequality, and many other issues. But there are so many tools at our disposal to be used to improve the things I listed. You hold great power in the phone in your hand, what are you going to do today with that power?
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I've been thinking a lot about appreciating every moment in my day. Every time I perform for a podcast or stream, in the back of my head is a voice telling me I haven't made it yet. An attitude like that can cause me to disregard those small moments that happen. I need to remember the times I talked about texas toast. The time I sang happy birthday to someone off-key (not intentionally, but I'm not a practiced singer). There are so many memories like that.
Maybe I've already made it---I need my mind to realize that.
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That may sound very simple, but you are not anyone that you see. It might be tempting to get a twitch and want to go to that mixer someone else is attending because the individual seems to make a lot of money playing games for others. That was a terrible pun. (Been sitting on this pun since a streamer was ninja looted to a competing service.)
What works for one person may not work for you. I've tried what others have done---except it doesn't work exactly how they did it. I have to modify it a bit and add the spin of who I am. I probably won't be winning Victory Royales in Fortnite, but I am making my stream chat facepalm at my terrible jokes.
This week, remember that you are not someone else. Don't try to copy another's successes; ignore what status quo says you need to do to fit in.
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Just got back from trying to get an Impossible Whopper from Burger King (THESE ARE DELICIOUS!!!). Had to go to two different locations as the grill was broken.
What do you do when your grill is broken? I have talked about backup plans before. It's important to know what you do so you don't have to disappoint your customers. This location told me all they could make was chicken and fish---which meant I couldn't eat at that location. What a Whopper of a problem to have. Sorry, food marketing pun.
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I spent the morning watching some old videos that I made years ago—when I should've been working on this newsletter. These videos were awkward at moments. The audio was not up to my quality now.
The surprising thing is that I am still the same person. I have moved from lousy scripting to bad puns. One of my videos even included a song I created and sung. The difference is the quality has improved dramatically.
Who we once were leads to the individual we are now. We are a combination of our learned knowledge and experiences. Don't discredit your past; use your history to make your future better!
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I was talking with my friend Vel during a recent stream. They were looking at my FB videos and stumbled upon this one from 3 years ago where I wished people a Merry Christmas. They were taken aback when they heard it. I am most definitely in that video, wearing a Gryffindor scarf, but the voice wasn’t me. I tried to imitate that voice, but I couldn’t achieve the same effect. The difference in that video is I was trying to impress.
I realized that three years ago, I was scared when being recorded. I had to impress. So I changed my voice to be unnatural. I have a unique sound, and it’s not like anyone else. Shrill at times, while deep at other moments. I have relaxed in 3 years, to the point that I can just be me: the real authentic Frazley—or Jonathan Bloom as people know me in the United States.
This week, are you showing the real you? Or are you changing yourself to try to impress someone? Being ourselves means being vulnerable, but it also means it is your authentic self. Not some strange deep-voiced radio impersonator like I was in that video.
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It's always a good idea to have backup plans. Last week, I took my MacBook in to get looked at. It was hitting the gym too hard and got swole... among other problems. The technician took one look at it and told me that it needed to be sent in for repair. They told me there might be data loss, but thankfully I have everything backed up (and a lesson for you to always back your work up, too!). Then they told me it would probably be 5-7 days. That means I have to use my PC instead of my Mac. A year ago I didn’t have a PC, I ONLY had my Mac. Thankfully I have my backup plans. Otherwise, I might not be podcasting or writing this letter right now.
What are the backup plans in your life? What do you depend on, that would potentially mean a halt to your goals? I don’t want us to look for trouble, but issues will arise. A car needing to be repaired, a computer that needs to cut back on the iron, or even backup plans in terms of time. Don’t be caught off guard. Your goals are important! You don’t want something to step in the way.
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It is that time of the year again. I am going through practice after practice. We are gearing up for the studio showcase. That means repeating the same 2-4 minute routines until you want to rip the cords out of that stereo system.
Practice makes better, but it does NOT make perfect. Repetition makes you better at what you are doing. I get better at editing the more I do it. I get better at streaming the more I do it. Long walks take less effort each time. I'll never be perfect—and I don't wish to be.
Whatever you are doing this week, remember that you are going to be better at it than you were the first time you performed that action. If it's your first time, don't worry about messing up-just know you will get better next time you do it. Now it’s time for me to dance to another song, I love the band—just not after dancing to it 50 million times.
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Instagram is testing a feature to not show how many people like a post. Frankly, I'm excited about this change. I would rather not know what others think of a particular item. I do my best to hide statistics where I can. If I obsess over them, it can take me to a low mood.
I was talking with a friend who podcasts, and they shared that they don't care about their stats. They like what they are doing, and the stats would cause them to stop podcasting potentially. I echo this sentiment; it took me about two years to get one of my shows to have what I would consider "high" numbers. In the dashboard for that show, I hide those numbers when I can.
I can hear Amanda right now telling me about how stats are a useful tool for the measurement of your content's success. I agree on that; except I wish I could hide the numbers until I'm in a mindset to think critically, not emotionally. Not at 3 am when I'm on Twitter when I can't sleep.
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Do you ever doubt yourself? Do you challenge your knowledge, your worth, or your experience? I am continually asking myself what do I bring that is different from anyone else. I see people who seem to be much better than I am in the same fields that I'm in. I want to propose that the difference we bring to the table is the human being that we are.
As I'm learning in my degree in communications, the act of communicating is getting through the noise. Advertising isn't about a one-time sending of a message. It takes many times to get an idea to resonate. I'm writing this letter in Grammarly after watching many YouTube videos on it. The things I write and say are NOT new ideas. They are ideas that are as old as civilization. The only difference is I am a new channel to send this message repeating for centuries.
Instead of wondering what new things you bring to your projects, embrace the fact that YOU are a unique voice. YOU are someone with personality, a life full of your own experiences, and there is someone that can only be reached by the way you present your ideas.
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I was talking with Thom of Three Extra Lives about Twitch streaming. We both want to do more but we can't always find the time.
Streaming is a side-thing for me. My podcasts always take priority. If I have to not stream to edit a podcast, I do that. It got me thinking about what my priorities are. What takes precedence.
I won't be a top-streamer and that's OK. I'll stream when I can and have fun doing it (I've had some fun streams!). Podcasting is my priority. What's yours?
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I spent last week on vacation with family in Williamsburg, VA. One of the pivotal moments in US history. A place that is home to Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown. Places that defined our country—the good and bad. These locations are full of terrific and terrible things. These places are full of people taking risks for an opportunity.
Think about it for a second. You are living in a country. Things are established. Yet, you decide to make a trek to a new land that has been rumored. A land that had to develop civilizations that resemble what you are accustomed to (as there were many civilizations already there). A place that had to struggle in its own issues and problems. That is some very significant risk. Many people died making it to North America.
What is a risk in your life that you need to take? It may not be traveling to an unknown land, but it is significant for your life. This decision may also affect your future generations. I now live in the land that was traveled to over 400 years ago.
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I was on a road-trip with my nephew who was watching something that was downloaded to his tablet. When we stopped at a gas station, his video kept going. I told him about how when I was a kid, I had to find my place in the DVD when the car stopped.
I said this to him, while I was watching a YouTube video on my phone using wireless headphones.
There are things we take for granted, not realizing what we have now. These can be technological advances or economical advantages. It's important to look at life to see what we take for granted.
This week, what do you take for granted? Maybe we can better appreciate what technological advances and/or economic advantages we have. This can help us appreciate what we have and realize what is possible for the future.
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I used to tell myself that I was a behind-the-scenes person. Never fit to speak in front of an audience. This changed how I approached creativity for a long time. I was an editor. I was a producer. I didn’t work on my communication skills or my confidence in front of an audience.
Then one day I decided to just speak into a microphone. It was incredibly scary to do. I broke that thought that held me back from growing. I won’t ever say that I’m a gifted communicator. I have a lot to learn and have my own issues I’m working through. However, I am glad I finally broke through that captive thought.
What thought processes has someone told you or have you told yourself? What is something that is holding you back from your own greatness?
Maybe this week you can break through that. What do you think?
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In a bit of possibly tooting my own horn, I realized the influence I have. Someone this past week told me they did something because of what I said years ago to them. The statement was something I said in a normal conversation with them.
I don’t have millions of people hanging on my every word….at least I don’t think I do. Tim Cook said something at a commencement speech and there was an article about it. I don’t have people writing articles about me. But, I have heard on numerous occasions that people did something because of me.
I’m literally a nobody. Just a person trying to make my way in this world. Yet, people listen to what I’ve said. Sometimes it’s been received negatively, other times positively. I think because of celebrities and famous people, we downplay our own influence on others. You have an influence, more than you will know.
My nephew is setting up a streaming studio, because of what I’ve done. Just got the text from him. What’s next? Maybe he’ll start making 85,000 podcasts, like I do. The power of influence.
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This was a quote from Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, a documentary on the life of Fred Rogers. An individual that has affected so many people. A person I gained even more respect for after watching this film.
Blizzard recently released a Pride Pin and the reaction to it just took my breath away. Instead of keeping quiet on their disapproval of the pin, many said some very mean things in Twitter comments. A pin that is raising money for The Trevor Project to help people who are in a tough time in their life.
Do our words lift someone up? Or do they destroy? Mr. Rogers always tried to show each child that they are special and loved. I don’t want to let that legacy fade away. There needs to be more love. We need to not let ourselves go to the greatest evil, making someone feel inferior and less than who they are.
During the movie, the saying What Would Mr. Rogers Do? kept coming up, and I think it’s worth asking in my life. As there are parts of my life where I’m not acting like how Mr. Rogers would. Next time I’m struggling, I need to think of each person I meet as being my neighbor.
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I was given the honor recently of speaking at a podcast meetup. The talk was on Free and Inexpensive Podcast Tools. This would’ve terrified me a while back. I’ve spoken in front of a youth group before, spoke in front of a congregation, but I have rarely done public speaking.
I had to build up the confidence through things like my dance competitions/showcases and my podcasts/streams. I might think I haven’t progressed as a speaker. There’s still the stuttering sometimes, those parts I consider to be my weakness. It takes stepping back to see what has changed. I would not say the presentation was perfect, but it is much better than what I’ve done in the past.
I have changed as a person. I see where I was, where I’m at now and where I’m going. In fact, it was less terrifying to speak in front of a group than it is to podcast and stream games. Who would’ve thought?
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So this past weekend, I messed up my helicopter. OK, you are thinking “What is Frazley on?”. Valid question, but I’m only high on life right now, AND COFFEE! The helicopter is a move in the dance style called Hustle. We have choreography and I added one too many turns before the next part of the routine.
That moment was when I realized I had messed up. So I looked around at my group, we did this in a circle, and saw where they were. I quickly got my partner and I positioned for the next step we could get into. At that point, we rejoined the group and finished our Hustle routine—and our group got 1st place!!
Sometimes you mess up your helicopter, but that is when you get right back on. You know what you need to do. We all make mistakes, but find out what your next step is and keep on spinning.
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Was at a wedding this past weekend. A fabulous event, even felt out of my element as I walked past golf caddies dropping people off at their cars. It was an outdoor wedding, loved seeing my friends commit themselves to eachother. Even got to dance the cupid shuffle during the reception.
So the garter was thrown, and I was encouraged to get up and catch it. A weird thing happened though, I didn’t want to catch it. I’m single, and one day will find the person who will encourage me and be that person who I can support, empower and love with my whole being. Yet, I didn’t want to catch the garter. I don’t have someone I’m in a relationship with—and that’s actually OK. 😃
I am content and happy with who I am, where I’m at. I don’t write this in a plea to find someone, or a poor me type of post. I write this knowing that the one who caught the garter, is going to find their person to be with forever. I’m living my life, not feeling like I’m missing anything. I’m enjoying the journey right now. There is a love chapter yet to be written, but until the pen inks the words “Frazley began to date So and So”—I will live my life with joy and contentment. Doing what I love. Making facepalms, podcasts and singing my heart out in Twitch Sings. I will also celebrate my friends who are inking that chapter in the story of their life. Just like I did yesterday. Plus, the wedding desserts were DELICIOUS!
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I was trying to warn someone that if they parked on a street that they would be towed. This was a specially designated Tow-Away Zone during a sporting event. The authorities watch this street during sporting events. The reaction I got from the individual was….not pleasant. I just went on my way at this moment. It’s weird though, it stuck with me since then.
I kept trying to figure out did I say the wrong thing? I wanted to help them avoid a tow. Sometimes I’m in a frame of mind and not ready to hear something. This individual was trying to get to this event. They were frustrated. My comment wasn’t offering a solution, it was barring them from their destination. I almost went on by this individual. I wanted to avoid them getting towed, as I have gotten a ticket in a similar situation. I didn’t want to be that bystander who does nothing either.
I hope my initial reaction in a situation isn’t to be like the individual. I can’t say that there is no situation where I haven’t or wouldn’t respond like this. That’s the other part that still is tugging at me. Others have tried to help me, and I have brushed them off.
Where are the tow-away zones in your life? Who are the people trying to help you? What is your reaction? Maybe, just maybe, we can tow-away negativity, remove that initial gut-reaction that wells up inside of us in moments of frustration. I mean, I want to avoid parking fines. Things are expensive enough as it is.
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I assist with a check-in desk at an organization I volunteer with. We have added a self check-in kiosk with an iPad and a printer. This has been a good thing for the line, but yesterday I could not get the iPad to see the printer.
I turned the printer on and off using the Power Button, I removed and re-added the printer, I even restarted the iPad. Nothing. I started looking up anything. I was thinking maybe the printer factory reset itself. Was going to go get my supervisor’s laptop and try setting up the printer again.
Then, something dawned on me. Try unplugging the printer. In my head this seemed so stupid, as I had already turned the power button on and off. Yet I decided to try this approach. So I unplugged the power cord, and plug it back in. What happened next is that the iPad saw the printer!
This week, don’t let a problem stop you, as sometimes the simplest answer is the one you don’t think about.
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I have been on a long road of working on my degree in Communications since 2010. I am now a College Senior as of Friday morning after passing my most recent course. This has been a long-road, but thankfully it also has not put me into college debt.
I even made a video back in 2010 at the start of my degree to explain how I have been pursuing it. The point of this letter is to think about how some projects in the beginning look incredibly taxing, scary and intimidating, but now I am merely 10 courses away with 90 credits acquired.
There are many projects that we take in the beginning, seeing the mountain, I experience this every week with editing FrazlCast especially. I see a mountain on Friday that I must climb. However, when you get onto the other slope of that mountain and start heading down to the finish line, it feels so good.
You also grow along the way. I have grown a lot through my degree. In knowledge, perspective and the ability to complete courses of varying complexity. It even caused me in 2017 to finally begin podcasting again. I’ve applied my learning’s in my various pursuits. Even helped put together a store’s network infrastructure while studying Information Systems (Basically IT, but the textbooks were OLD!)
This week, look at what long roads you have in your life. Some you are about to begin, some you in the midst of and some you are about to finish. It may look harrowing in the beginning, but don’t forget to also enjoy the journey along the way.
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I had a chance to chat with Anastazja this past week. One of the takeaways was about getting to know others better. Developing stronger friendships. How everyone has a need to be heard by someone else.
Which brings me to today when Curious Cat asked me "If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?" and my response was "Your Daily Goal is to make someone’s life better each day."
My abilities are motivated by the fact I want to perform for the edification of others. One reason I LOVE facepalms is because if someone facepalms something I say, hopefully they are laughing and their day is better. That's why I podcast, I want to make people's lives better.
This week, what is one way you can make someone's life better?
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My friend The Scruffy Druid has a saying “Do The Thing” and I love it. It’s such an empowering phrase. The phrase doesn’t give anyone permission to allow or deny you to do something. Heck, if I had waited to do what I’m doing, I probably would never be a podcaster.
DPS was launched to help empower the podcasters in our network to live out their passions. From gaming, to geek feminism, all the way to Nerding out on the Emperor’s laughter in the latest Star Wars trailer. We at DPS “Do The Thing”. I want YOU to “Do The Thing” as well!
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The Kul’Tirans have arrived! The new allied race is here with the arrival of patch 8.1.5. I love my Kul’Tiran shaman Korlak!
What is amazing about these is the focus on a race that isn’t slim like one of the photoshopped models. We don’t need to be perfect. None of us are. All of us have something that isn’t photoshopped. We need to be us.
People will either love us or hate us, but we can’t be who we aren’t. Some of the best hugs I’ve ever gotten are from people who have a lot of presence, they seem to have some of the biggest hearts.
Be a Kul’Tiran, be proud of who YOU are. Be You!
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Does it ever feel like sometimes we go through a creative lull? Either same old—same old, or it feels like you are just going through the motions? Forces stopping you from enjoying what you like to do?
Right now I’m experiencing a fitness lull, as it has been so cold recently and I haven’t been able to go on a walk. It feels like forever, but really it has only been a few weeks looking back at my exercise activity. I can only see today in my mind, when in reality I have walked a ton this past year. I will walk again soon, just need to wait a bit longer. I won’t give up fitness though—and we shouldn’t give up creativity.
We go through lulls in different times of life. We only see this moment, but the sunshine is coming. That warmer weather is coming, we just need to keep waiting for the next day. The day we open our creative weather app and see bright, warm, sunny creative passion shining back at us!
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Was at a podcasters meetup on Tuesday, and the speaker was Ronald Manny who I feel I must’ve met during my times as a network marketer. They were amazing and captivated me during the evening.
One thing Ronald said was that our voice is not for us. We hate our voices when we hear it recorded, but our voice is for others. Otherwise we wouldn’t use our voice if we didn’t need to communicate. They talked about how each of us has a story and it is for others, not for ourselves.
I fully believe this. Every person has a gift, a story, something unique to bring to the world. We are afraid to share that, thinking it is an inferior product, but we are to help someone else. This will also end up helping us along the way.
This week, share your voice, share your story, share you!
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Writing this a bit earlier this week, as I have a busy weekend ahead of me. A weekend full of unknowns. What will tomorrow’s Friday recording of FrazlCast be like; when will I finish the editing of it; what technical hurdles may crop up? So many great unknowns.
Last night I was a guest on Episode 188 of The Worgen’s Howl. Years ago, that is a show I started listening to, started attending their Group Howls, started being part of the pack. The great unknowns and look at what it has morphed into.
Why are we afraid to go into the unknown? Afraid to put ourselves out there? Sometimes it’ll mean you get criticisms, like someone asking me why I have an open resting jaw on streams, but sometimes it’ll lead to friends that you never expected! Frostee and Kaz are people I am honored to call friends! People that have changed so many lives. Just took that great unknown of the first Group Howl community event to find out!
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