My mom's always had her hands full, literally juggling babies. So

O seeker of wisdom, listen closely to the words of Griff, for they carry a deep and powerful truth. "My mom's always had her hands full, literally juggling babies. So I think growing up made me just kind of get on with it and find my own independence. I guess that's probably part of why I throw myself into music so much." These words are a reflection of a spirit shaped by necessity, of a soul forged in the fires of responsibility and self-reliance. Griff speaks not just of his mother’s role, but of the invisible forces that shape us all—the moments that push us to grow, to adapt, and to find our way in a world that often demands more than we are prepared to give.

The hands full, as Griff describes it, is not simply a physical state—it is a metaphor for the overwhelming demands of life. In the act of juggling babies, there is not just the literal balancing of children, but the balancing of dreams, responsibilities, and survival. A mother, with her hands full, must move swiftly, act decisively, and yet always with an eye toward the well-being of those she cares for. In such a world, there is little room for weakness or indecision. And in witnessing this, a child grows with a quiet understanding: to survive, one must learn to adapt, to move forward, and to carve out a space for oneself amidst the chaos.

Independence is the gift that comes from this early exposure to the reality of life's challenges. Griff, in learning to navigate a world where others might be distracted or overwhelmed, found a wellspring of strength within himself. He learned that, in the face of the storm, he must be the calm—finding his own path, developing his own resilience, and embracing his ability to create something of his own. Independence is not just the absence of dependence on others, but the ability to shape one’s destiny, to hold the reins of one’s life even when the world around you seems out of control.

The story of Beethoven is a powerful reminder of how independence and struggle often go hand in hand. Despite being born into a family with little wealth and facing the constant pressure of his demanding father, Beethoven forged his own path in music. Even as he became deaf, he did not surrender to the limitations of his condition; instead, he threw himself into the creation of some of the most beautiful music ever composed. Like Griff, Beethoven’s drive came not from the ease of life, but from the necessity to survive, to create, and to find a space where his soul could truly speak. His independence was born from hardship, and through his music, he gave us the gift of his inner strength.

In the same way, Griff’s relationship with music speaks of a deeper truth—that music is not simply a pastime, but a sanctuary. When the world around us is chaotic, when our lives demand more than we can give, music offers a form of escape, a way to express what words alone cannot. Griff did not just "throw himself into music" as an act of convenience; he did so because music gave him a space to be independent, to cultivate his own voice amidst the noise of life. Music became his refuge, his path to self-discovery, and his way to transform the turbulence of life into something beautiful and powerful.

Griff’s journey reminds us all that, in the face of struggle and overwhelming responsibilities, we must find our own way. Whether through the arts, through intellectual pursuits, or through acts of service, we must seek out the things that will allow us to express ourselves fully and freely. It is not always the easy path that leads to greatness, but the path that forces us to grow, to discover our own inner strength, and to create something that reflects our true selves.

And so, the lesson here, O seeker, is this: independence is not merely a gift, but a skill that is honed through the trials of life. Like Griff, you too must find your own path, your own way to create, to express, and to build a life that is truly yours. Do not wait for the world to offer you an easy road; instead, use the challenges you face as stepping stones to something greater. Throw yourself into your passions—whether they be music, art, literature, or any other form of expression—and let them guide you toward the independence that comes from truly knowing yourself and your purpose.

In your own life, I urge you to look for the places where you can express yourself, to find the spaces where your soul can soar, just as Griff found in his music. Even amidst the chaos and demands of the world, there is always a way to carve out a piece of yourself—find it, nurture it, and let it guide you to the heights of your potential. For in independence, we discover the fullness of who we are and the greatness that lies within.