The Art of the Brick

94

You’re CrazY

GrasP

I knew I had it pretty good as a lawyer. I knew thatI

would have a pretty successful career and life if I

just stuck at it. My parents were proud that I had

graduated from law school and was making my way

in New York, and I didn’t want to let anybody down.

We all have second thoughts about the decisions

we make, and that’s why any kind of negativity is

dangerous. It scratches at your own self-doubt and

makes it itch.

If you hear others say it often enough, you start to tell

yourself that you can’t do it. You don’t need that. Life

as an artist is insecure enough.

When someone tells me “no,” it doesn’t mean

I can’t do it, it simply means I can’t

do it with them. —Karen E. Quinones Miller

95

When people around me started chipping away at

my convictions, I found myself at a crossroads. Do I

listen to what they are saying, or do I keep faith in

the leap I’ve made?

So while it was hard, I had to cut some people out of

my life. It was a difficult time. But I don’t think I could

have gotten to where I am and done what I’ve done

if I’d kept them in my life.

I made Grasp for them. Grasp is breaking away from

that negativity—pulling away and escaping all of

those things trying to hold you back.

When I quit practicing law, my parents picked up the

slack, helping me pay some bills so I could follow

my dream. They were an amazing support and never

showed any doubts or disappointment. I wouldn’t be

where I am without that support.

96

97