November 09, 2023
Volume 162
A fruitful couple of years
As Curated by Titus Haug
I'm an artist originating in Japan and residing in San Diego, CA.
My art takes many forms but mostly my energy goes into songwriting and surf photography. This is the stuff that truly makes me come alive.
Editor's Note:
Titus has embarked on a mission to fully fund his third studio album via the support of his creative community. He’s got just over two weeks left and just under $6k left to raise to fully fund this dream.
If you’d like to chip in and join him on this journey, here’s the link to his Kickstarter.
This year has felt like living in a bullet train. Watching life in hyper speed going 300 miles an hour. I’m working on being intentional to slow down but I gotta tell ya, it’s not always easy in this fast pace society. That being said, acknowledgement is step one, right?
I got married last December, and would you believe it? It’s almost been a year! Gosh, I love that girl. Anyway, it’s been a fruitful couple of years for songwriting amidst the many transitions of my life. I’m ready to record my third full-length album, and a few weeks ago I launched a kickstarter to fund the record. To be honest it’s really scary to put myself out there like this. Questions like, “What if I fail?” “What if it’s not good enough?” “What if people think I’m lame for doing this?” are knocking at my door, but I’m pushing past that. Life is too short to not pursue our dreams and I’m doing my best to live by that.
This whole process has reminded me how important my community is and that we can do a whole lot more together than we can do alone. Love you guys.
What's been keeping you grounded?
Surfing and my wife are the two great grounding instruments in my life at the moment. Getting in the ocean has always helped me to re-focus my priorities. It's easy to get caught up in a lot of things that don't matter. Recently, the few surf sessions I've had have really been a game changer for me mentally. I'm forever grateful for the sea and the adventure and perspective it provides. My wife has also been a source of grounding for me. When I'm getting worried or stressed, she has a beautiful way of helping me get back to the light.
What are you into lately?
I've been taking a lot of walks and trying—and rarely succeeding—to drink more water. I need help, lol. But this is reminding me of my goal to do 10 pull ups. I got off track recently, so thanks for reminding me to get back on that.
Oh also Genmaicha, mochi, lap steel guitar, walks in the park with my dog and wife, surf photography and chia seed pudding.
WHAT IM ROCKIN'
The crustier the better.
What are you reading?
“FLOW” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
I'm re-reading the book “FLOW” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It's a profound book on the power of the flow state that I've been very inspired by the last few years.
What are you listening to?
The Wide Open Road
A playlist on Spotify. Listen here.
Quote of the Week
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Growth is an erratic forward movement: two steps forward, one step back. Remember that and be very gentle with yourself. A creative recovery is a healing process. You are capable of great things on Tuesday, but on Wednesday you may slide backward. This is normal. Growth occurs in spurts. You will lie dormant sometimes. Do not be discouraged. Think of it as resting.”
— Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way
