leaving the matrix

today was supposed to be ocean’s last day in amsterdam. we knew it would be painful to go back to our “real” lives, me returning to the academic grind at my abroad university and him going back to class at our college in california. inspired by the matrix, a rick and morty episode, and our own art, we made the life-changing realization that allowed us to reject the rigid expectations of modern society and academia in favor of a kinder future full of meaningful work. we stayed up all night discussing the details of the life we wanted to create, and i became confident in the possibility of a world that values individuality and creativity over productivity and the promise of material wealth.

for the first time in my life, my mind felt completely free. i felt like as i had escaped from a mental prison that i didn't even know was detaining me. i'm finally prioritizing my own dreams, and i can't wait to give the world a taste.

xo,

hannah