Self-expression. How do you do it? Bruce Lee, one of my idols, was huge on self-expression. He felt like that was the ultimate form of freedom and happiness. The thing is, how do you express yourself up to that level? I think you have to practice.
I used to be a very shy kid. I still am. And I’ve also had to practice expressing myself. It started off with lion dancing, but that was a little easier because you’re hiding under a costume and nobody can really see your face. Then I started playing in high school band. Christmas concert was always my favorite! When I went to college, I mustered up the courage to take my first dance class. I started learning hip-hop, popping, and house. From there I moved to New York. Which was a great place to be at the young age of 23 because everybody is upfront about being themselves. I picked up new style hustle and had many opportunities to perform on stage with my friends which was always a great time. That took me overseas every once in a while, and also got me opportunities to teach as well.
From there, I started sharing my writing on my blog. And then from there, I started allowing myself to learn all the random skills I’ve always wanted to learn. I took voice lessons, improv, and jiu-jitsu classes. I even took swimming, water polo, and lifeguarding classes. These were all things that terrified me. But I always did it because I knew it would help me grow. Plus, It was just really damn fun! Right now I’m posting videos of me in FRONT of the camera every week, and It takes me way out my comfort zone. But it’s good practice.
That was my journey in self-expression. It was feeling the fear and having the courage to follow through anyway. It was understanding that failing and embarrassing myself is the only way to grow. It was also allowing myself to experiment with different ways of self-expression that got me to this point. I’m sure there will be more challenges over the horizon, but for now, it will be making more videos. Btw, if you ever want to take your first dance class, singing class, whatever class, let me know and let’s learn together! That’s all for today! Cheers!
by Jason Lam