So if you know me, you know I'm generally a pretty positive, optimistic person. But that doesn't mean I haven't went through my own share of tough times.
Now this isn't one of those sob stories that you hear on American Idol, but this is my attempt and being vulnerable, and letting some of you in on some things I rarely talk about.
I guess we all have defining moments in our life. Defining chapters even. We may not have realized it at the time, but when we look back... it has sort of made us who we are today.
I'll start by saying, I grew up with awesome parents. My dad was there a lot throughout my childhood. Pretty much everyday actually. He took me school in the mornings, he coached me in baseball, took me to pop warner football practices, and we really have a million memories together. Even my first job was with him; helping him with his vending machine business. Little Casino Vending believe it or not. (Partly influenced my choice in stage name). Off topic kinda, but there's also home video footage of him calling me Little Casino when I was just a baby. (I just found out about this not too long ago!) Either way, I was blessed to have him there. And my mom... or as I would call her "MA!"... was awesome too. You know how most little kids will talk about their idols... and say their mom and dad... well I was one of those kids.
Now for something you may or may not know, and its okay... please don't be sad... I just wanna share my full story. But they fought about money a lot. Like if my little 5 to 10 to 15 year old ass just had some money, I wouldn't have to be in the middle of their arguments. Either way... they ended up getting divorced. And it was for the best.. and they are both very happy now. I'm good too. But they say around 50% of marriages end in divorce... but if thats so... then why is it not more talked about? Possibly people are ashamed... or scared they will be seen as a failure. But thats not the case!
If anything, that is an incredibly difficult decision to make that takes a lot of maturity and courage. To realize that things would be better in a less applauded direction.
So yeah, if you had parents that went through that, just know I feel you.
What else?! Now this may seem like its connected to my previous chapter... maybe it is... maybe not... but depression. I have been there! I'm not now, but I sure do remember how tough it was... finding myself so to speak. There was a period in my life where I was absolutely LOST. I hit rock bottom at the full speed of gravity... and although it hurt like a b*&*#... I got up. And I'm cruisin now.
I guess the point is, there's a lot of things that happen over the course of ones human experience, that we aren't too proud to share. And that's fine. But at the same time, I want you to feel like you can share those things with me. Or at least don't be afraid to share it with someone.. anyone! When I ask how are you?.. you dont have to say "Good!" You can say man... this shit aint easy. haha. And if you are going through a sort of bummer time... I just wanna remind you it will get better. And if ur happy lovin life... then hell yeah. No matter what... I'm excited to hear about all the chapters in your life... just dont leave out the tough chapters... I like those ones too. And I can't wait to hear the part where you overcome all the stuff going on in those ones.
Peace & Love,
Billy