Borrow Stuff And Make It Your Own
- Oct 31, 2022
- 4 min read
Written by: Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I have a confession to make. Sometimes I borrow stuff! However, I am an Authentic borrower, and I encourage you to become one too! It's all done through inspiration and love. Allow me to explain. Did you know that NOTHING is actually original? The signature line that I have used in my emails for years, "Love grows where Love flows," is not exactly original but adapted from a song that I heard years ago, 'Love grows where my Rosemary goes." I have used that phrase as a signature in my emails since 2004. I adapted it while working as a business consultant for a medical transcription service. It depicted how I wanted others to view me... a person who simply wanted to spread positivity and love around.
"It is exciting to take something and polish it so much that in the future, people will start borrowing from it.' ‒ Beebe Love (adapted from Theo de Raadt)
I'm sure you've heard the saying, "There is nothing new under the sun," and it is absolutely true. History shows that thoughts and ideas have simply been regurgitated in a different form. They have always been, but they are updated, revised, and advertised as 'new and improved.
I read an article a few years ago that encouraged me to 'steal' words from anywhere that resonates in my spirit and inspires me to fuel my imagination. So, I look for inspiration just about anywhere, and I 'steal' or borrow it and make it my own when it resonates in my soul. I am not alone in doing this, apparently. Let me share some examples. I love watching old movies. However, it is expected that some of those old movies have been remade, rehashed, regurgitated, or rebooted. Some are even better than the original. One of my favorite movies is West Side Story which was originally a Broadway musical. However, when you delve closer, it was loosely based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In 1961, it was reinvented as a movie. As a little girl, I watched it repeatedly through the years. And now, another modern version was reincarnated in 2021. Each time I watch this movie as if they are entirely new. I have watched social media videos and been inspired to borrow ideas to create my own videos.
I often pull out my old cassette tapes and my old Sony Sports Groove Mega Bass Walkman cassette player. Yes, I still own one and listen to music from the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, and beyond. My dad loved Sam Cooke. His music brings back memories of my dad driving, smiling, and singing along, listening to his music. I recently listened to a singer named Leon Bridges, who sounds like Sam Cooke. He even appears to dress like him. I love listening to the music of guitarist Roland Gresham and enjoy his music with the sound of waterfalls and birds in the background. He borrowed the sound of nature and incorporated it into his music. Sometimes, I listen to his music when I'm working. It keeps me focused on my work.
I love reading different book genres, and some have inspired me to become a writer. I have written two books so far, and I hope to publish number three soon. Everyone has a story to tell that may even be like someone else's story. It's all in how you tell your story. So, if you have a story inside of you, it doesn't matter how many are like yours. Be inspired to borrow the idea and write your own book. There is someone out there just waiting to read about your life.
I love architecture, but I'm not an architect. However, it didn't stop me from building a house. Yes, I created a house! I was inspired to build it based on a magazine photo. I borrowed the idea and made it in the form of a miniature dollhouse complete with furniture. When time permits, I am inspired to create new furnishings to add to my tiny house.
I only borrow ideas that speak directly to my soul. I have been inspired to start businesses, wear specific fashions, work in different fields of interest, and even build and play with dollhouses. I know that the ideas I borrowed didn't come from the person that I borrowed the idea from. Those persons were likely inspired by someone or something. Even some of my own thoughts have been borrowed and rebooted. When I 'steal' ideas, my work, my crafts, my music, and my writings are authentic. "Authenticity is invaluable, and originality is non-existent." (Goodreads)
I hope I have inspired you to pursue that dream job, business, and the thing that moves you.
What dreams do you wish to pursue? What industry do you dream of starting? Do you hesitate because you don't want to appear redundant? Don't let that stop your dream. Borrow those ideas and make them your own. I encourage you to not conceal your thievery...in fact, you should celebrate it if you feel like it. Jean-Luc Godard once said:
"It's not where you take things from – it's where you take them to."
Barbara Powell Love, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Barbara Powell Love is currently the Office Manager for a small medical practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in Business Development. Barbara is also the owner of Beebe Love's Beauty @www.beebelove.com, a blogging website to promote beauty, motivate, inform, provide mental stimulation, educate, inspire and encourage other women over 50 to embrace their inner beauty and pursue their dreams. Her blog focuses on personal development, leadership, and lifestyle. She encourages women to become Seasoned Beauties instead of becoming Senior Citizens,
