The Need For Breaks

Newsletter + Vintage Photos

Aug 06, 2024

As much as I’ve bitched and glitched about YouTube these past few weeks, I realize it's mostly because YouTube knows me better than many real-life family and friends.

No matter my mood—even when I'm unsure of what that mood is—it always seems to recommend something fresh and new to educate or entertain me.

Sometimes, it suggests a video that hits me like a two-by-four.

The video above by Trixie Mattel (aka Brian Firkus) is one of those. In it, Brian talks about why—after well over a decade of so working hard for the money…so hard for it honey—he’s taking an extended, three-month hiatus from drag.

For those unfamiliar, Trixie is Brian’s larger-than-life, clown-like drag persona. Brian is a talented artist, entrepreneur, influencer, performer, and singer-songwriter. While I’m far from his biggest fan (Clint doesn’t subscribe to fandoms, much less standoms), I have a lot of respect for Brian’s creativity and extreme work ethic.

Brian’s music and music videos are great too!

Whenever I think I'm doing too much, I think of folks like Brian/Trixie and then think I’m not doing enough. Gay and Type-A? Guilty as charged.

Long story short, without revealing too many personal particulars, Brian calmly and plainly explains his NEED to take a break from drag and reconnect with the rest of his life…without all the paint, without all the lights, cameras, and action, without all the social media.

I clearly needed to hear and see this video. Brian’s story (along with the surprise and overwhelming gratitude so many have shared so much love for me and my work on both Substack and YouTube) made me so verklempt I ended up reaching out to my sister-from-another-mister to check myself…before I wreck myself. (Hey, gurrrl, hey!)

Whether you're a fan or not of Brian/Trixie’s, I recommend watching this video. Even if you hate drag, I think everyone can relate to someone working so hard at what they love that they end up losing part of themselves in the process.

Note: I rarely recommend watching sponsored ads, but the one in this video is an exception. Though I’ve never tried Better Help (and am not sponsored by them…or anyone), I’ve heard good things. And who couldn’t use a little help in the mental health department these days?

Ultimately, videos like this remind me of the importance of balance and self-care. We often push ourselves to the brink, inspired by the relentless drive of those we admire, but it's crucial to recognize when we need to step back and recharge. Taking a break isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a necessary act of self-love and self-preservation.

Thanks for reading!
Clint

P.S. I’m not planning to take any extended breaks, but I am planning to add more breaks in my daily schedule. Otherwise, they won’t happen. If you’re a Type-A Gay too, you know: Change is hard. But when done slowly and consistently, it can be easier…and nobody gets hurt (much). 🦁🌈✌️

NEWS + VIEWS

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULES THAT FAIR USE MAY BE NARROWED TO SERVE HOLLYWOOD PROFITS (Electronic Frontier Foundation)
Whether you follow IP law developments or not, both Copyright and Trademark laws are in desperate need of an overhaul. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is the last meaningful piece of legislation I’m aware of. And that’s in 1998. A lot has changed since then….and the courts seem determined to make rich artists and their coporate overlords richer while leaving everybody else to die on the vine. Few, if any, recent cases involving IP laws seem to be making real progress. The special interests aren’t interested in progress though…they prefer the status quo. Or worse.
”KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID” (A Friendly Reminder To Myself)
Like most creative folks, I’m always looking for ways to do something better, easier, and faster. I spent a few hours yesterday trying out a new editing software that was recommended to me. Downloaded the trial, got excited by preliminary results, but realized it was both too complicated and too costly. And wouldn’t do a few of the things my current editing software (CapCut) does simply and for free.