To be a true artist, I have to be true to who I am now and write that way. – Brad Paisley

Has anybody noticed a trend in this week’s quotes?  I usually just pick out random quotes and then somehow during the week, they tend to apply with whatever is going on in my life.  This week, when I was looking at quotes, I was focusing on an issue I had, and it was reflected in the quotes.  Obviously my issue has to do with being true to who you are.  Obviously I come done firmly on the side of being true to who you are, but can you go to far in being true to who you are?  I think maybe you can.  If you are so true to yourself that you are unwilling to see the viewpoint of other people, or worse, ignore the viewpoints of others, then I think that is taking it to extremes.  Look at the quote from Brad Paisley – as an artist, to get his best, most creative efforts, he has to remain true to who he is.  But what if his remaining true to who he is alienates his fans?  Then what?  I can’t say for sure, but I’m betting he has to balance out being true to himself to listening to his fans.  It’s a tightrope to be sure, but while you’re being true to who you are, don’t forget about the world around you!