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Hello, Kittens :)

J

Jak Angelescu

Guest
Man, I don't even know where to begin because so much has happened. But I've gotten so many amazing messages on here that I just wanted to let everyone know what I've been up to and the like. If you'd like to read this in its entirety, that's totally fucking cool. If not, I don't blame you. It's a pretty lengthy read and it's not me bitching or screaming at anyone. It's just a little bit more personal stuff about what I was going through, what helped me get out of it, and how I'm doing so far and how I've grown as a person. I'm only posting it here because I've had a lot of people reaching out and asking, and there's some things I've learned that I'd like to share if it helps anyone else out.

Okay, so here it goes. I'm getting a lot off my chest so please bare with me...

When this school opened, my life changed. When Syn messaged me and said "What's your Insta?" and he followed me, my life only got better. I deliberately made an Instagram account because he asked about it. Next thing I knew, I was opening up to a world of people I didn't know, and I loved it. I loved helping people, I loved sharing my life and my stories, I loved motivating people, and I loved the idea of building my following. I was exposed to the world of "If you have a huge following, you're famous and you've made it." That's what I started conditioning my mind to see and to believe. I started out just being myself, but as I continued to lose followers because I wasn't A7X related, it started to mentally affect me. I said it didn't, but I was lying. I told everyone "I don't fucking care" but deep down, I did. And it only hurt because you start to feel that unless you post sexy photos, professional videos or you do the same cover everyone's heard a million times, no one cares.

I managed to brave it off and push on. But then the lunatic A7X stalker fans came trolling in. Disgusting things were said, horrible comments were made, and even though I shrugged it off and took care of it again, it only started opening up a door of reality to me that certain people were only close to me because of my connection to Syn. Once again, I shrugged it off. I started to live on the idea of my following. What kind of content should I post to attract more attention instead of what kind of content would I like to share? I don't care who you are, it fucking affects you. When a polished and perfect photo of me with Bastet gains more attention than a pajama video of me just playing guitar, I don't care who you are... it affects you. You start judging yourself in an entirely new light. And that light was starting to get too fucking bright for me and my reality began to distort.

I started editing my photos more. I started posing in ways to make me look smaller although my weight has increased substantially. Being raised as a "model" only pushed this mentality on me even more. I wanted to do everything I could to portray the "Socialite Lie". I started to fucking live my life on whether or not Syn or Bill watched my stories or liked or commented on my stuff. My face was glued to my phone almost 24/7. My confidence plundered, my bandmateship with Holly fractured, it tore her into depression because she was losing me, and eventually I became a malevolent hostile and edgy bitch. Literally speaking, my whole life started to fall apart. I'm going to bluntly say it, I liked the attention. But the attention was only temporary, and it never amounted to anything. Then as much as I tried to deny it, a majority of my "Ask Me Anything" questions were related to sex. I'm an open book, so at the time it didn't bother me. Until Bill messaged me by responding to the story post and said "Why are you putting this stuff up? I mean you can if you want to but these perverts need to mind their own fucking business. The more you feed this kind of behavior the bigger it's going to get." Naturally I told him it wasn't a big deal. And then he was proven right. They didn't stop. My inbox became engrossed with sexually charged messages.

If I wasn't getting sexual messages or men messaging me with stupid shit like "Hey my grandpa is Italian lets fuck", it started to become everyone coming to me to be their mommy or their therapist. In the beginning I loved to help, but if you're a fucking idiot and refuse to practice but complain about not improving that's not my problem.

My life was no longer private, either. Every time I'd post a story, I'd get people messaging me DEMANDING they know what I'm doing, when I'm doing this, when I'm going to do that, etc. Every time I logged in someone was having a meltdown that I couldn't ebb. If it wasn't that, it was students trying to sneak lessons with Bill, in which I practically became his manager for his students. It just became too much. I was having massive confusion about what to do, and I already kind of was considering pulling the plug. When the night happened with Holly, I decided it was truly time to quit.

I will admit, in the first two week of me being off I ended up becoming a manic psycho. I had so many anxiety attacks that I actually blacked out during one. I've never been that kind of person. I had to start taking medicine and was living off of a certain tea or I would have hysterical crying meltdowns at LEAST four times a day. Over nothing. It was because I was stripped of that numbing drug of social media and the societal pressure and excess noise, that I was now sitting with my own life in front of me. And I couldn't figure out how to make my life work. Holly and I have pulled through for each other so much, and I could NOT have made it through these last three weeks without her.
It was Syn who suggested "The Social Dilemma" to me and it was such a refreshing thing to see. Now that I have my life more in order, I'd like to be more active on this school again. But you're going to see me how I use to be. A chunky girl who sucks at guitar still :) There was a long time I didn't play, but I'm doing way better now. I'd like to let everyone know, that even though I'm going to be active again here besides just doing the lessons, please don't come swinging at me with your drama or your pestering questions. Still kindly respect my space a little. I'm working on responding to all of the other messages tonight.
Now that all of that has been dumped, I'd like to share some things that have helped me a lot. Please for the love of God, if you suffer from anxiety consider getting off of social media. You have us here. A lot of people use it because they feel lonely, but it only makes you feel worse. Instead of spending time on marketing my business on Facebook (which literally did nothing for me), I've taken that daily hour to either find more business or take an enrichment course. The $40 a month I spent on advertising I have made STUNNING buyer/seller booklets that make me look like the fucking pro I am. I've gotten more business being OFF of social media. Also, a friend texted me tonight and said "I realized that I use to just watch your instagram for your updates. Now that I can't, I decided to text you to see how you're doing."
Let me tell you what, someone taking the time out to TEXT YOU deliberately feels a hell of a lot more special that a bunch of mindless "likes" on a post.
The other thing I learned, is to not budget your TIME. I learned with extensive research I have massive "time anxiety" from everything in my life and I was operating every single second of my day by what the clock said. Now I don't look at the clock. I have taped that part off on my phone, on my car's display, and on my laptop. I realize that this may be impractical for some, but I still have things like alarms set. Now instead of lazing off, I get up and get shit done because I'm not living in the whole mindframe of "well it's noon and I haven't gotten shit done, why am I such a failure?" I just do it. Instead of budgeting your time, try just giving yourself simple tasks each day. I use to panic thinking I needed to spend HOURS a day on my book in order for it to get finished. I realized that I could write a novel in 10 months if I just wrote 750 words a day, which takes me about 30 minutes to do. It's not based on time, it's based on a goal. I've also applied that to my guitar. Instead of saying "I'm going to practice for X amount of hours today" I just give myself a goal for the day and when I feel satisfied, I stop.
Also, I read that 88% of people can only focus on a task for about 2.5 hours before their brain starts to get taxed out and the time afterwards is not truly productive. I found that to be VERY true. I use to FORCE myself to practice around 5 hours a day, but I was so drained after 3 I didn't really want to continue. Maybe others can do it. And some can't AND THAT'S OKAY.
I'm so happy to say that in these last two weeks I've gained two clients (I struggled to get that in two MONTHS), I've lost 7 inches, my Italian is getting better, my house is STAYING cleaned, I've written 52 pages in my book, I'm eating and sleeping better, I have more leisure time, my guitar is improving a lot AAAANNNND Holly and I have laid down THREE songs for scratch tracks in the studio :) :) I feel pretty good.
Life is finally good, kittens. If you've made it this far, thank you. I just want to say that I use to cry to Holly and say "I just want the noise to stop for once. I just want to be left alone." It's okay to be alone. Whether or not you want to admit it, festering your mind away on social media still means you're alone. Why not use that time a little more productively? Remember, I'm living proof that small changes make the biggest difference. Don't stress yourself out by overloading yourself. You deserve time to rest.
Anyway, enough of my rants. I love you all. And thank you for being in my life.
 

Alicia Willis

Moderator
Legend+
  • Nov 11, 2019
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    Spoken like a true Queen. Jak, I know you’ve been through some massive ups and downs, Holly as well has been affected. When I tell you I am so fucking proud of you, I truly mean it. You know we’ve had this convo a few times and everything you’ve stated here is immensely important for all to read and truly take to heart. I’m glad you and holly both are in a better space mentally now and y’all are kicking ass on the new tracks !
    one thing you said that I personally feel is so important, is that being loved on social media doesn’t equate to being loved irl. You strip away the facade and many will leave, but those left standing are the ones who have always been in your corner rooting for you and exactly who you are. 😘
     
    J

    Jak Angelescu

    Guest
    Spoken like a true Queen. Jak, I know you’ve been through some massive ups and downs, Holly as well has been affected. When I tell you I am so fucking proud of you, I truly mean it. You know we’ve had this convo a few times and everything you’ve stated here is immensely important for all to read and truly take to heart. I’m glad you and holly both are in a better space mentally now and y’all are kicking ass on the new tracks !
    one thing you said that I personally feel is so important, is that being loved on social media doesn’t equate to being loved irl. You strip away the facade and many will leave, but those left standing are the ones who have always been in your corner rooting for you and exactly who you are. 😘
    You have been so wonderful to me! Thank you for being such a giving friend these last three weeks. And thank you so much for the wonderful words. I can't thank you enough for everything you've helped me through recently. I love you so much!!
     
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    Calvin Phillips

    Music Theory Bragger
    Nov 11, 2019
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    1,988
    Never doubted you for a moment. Ill admit I dont reach out but you also seem super busy so i didnt feel like bothering. If you ever wanted to chat or whatever you know where to find me.

    Social media is a nasty place.. if you arent the target you usually find yourself teaming up with others against the target. Never on purpose either.. people take things way to literal these days.

    One thing ill say.. I hope no one here was sexually harassing you. Thats just wrong. I always enjoyed hearing your original jams and tunes. I could care less for covers.

    Could say so much more but you'll hear it all from everyone here. I look forward to seeing more riffs from you.
     
    J

    Jak Angelescu

    Guest
    Never doubted you for a moment. Ill admit I dont reach out but you also seem super busy so i didnt feel like bothering. If you ever wanted to chat or whatever you know where to find me.

    Social media is a nasty place.. if you arent the target you usually find yourself teaming up with others against the target. Never on purpose either.. people take things way to literal these days.

    One thing ill say.. I hope no one here was sexually harassing you. Thats just wrong. I always enjoyed hearing your original jams and tunes. I could care less for covers.

    Could say so much more but you'll hear it all from everyone here. I look forward to seeing more riffs from you.
    You're the fucking man, Calvin. That was the baddest message ever. I couldn't agree with you more, especially the "herd drive mentality" thing about people ganging up on someone.

    I'm very happy to say those who were sexually harassing me are not on this school, or at least not that I know of.

    Thank you for the spark man. I'll have to hit you up sometime and catch up. Love you man
     
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    Calvin Phillips

    Music Theory Bragger
    Nov 11, 2019
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    I would like that. When things settle down we should take time to talk. Its one thing we never really have done. And times we did talk I think we both were going through things. I've love to share with you some of my riffs too I've written for Ryan's drum tracks. You opinion always did mean a lot to me. Even if it didnt look like it at times.
     
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    Synner Endless Summer Collection

    idssdi

    Sold-out Crowd Surfer
    Nov 11, 2019
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    I'm happy you're back and it sounds like you're doing a lot better!

    I had a talk about social media with my stepdad the other day and we both agreed it's fake af. Follower numbers don't mean anything, not even when you follow each other. It's good for surface level stuff but everyone is hiding behind a screen so unless you talk with them in private you won't really get to know somebody. I'm glad stepping away from that is doing you good!
     
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    Daniel Sobota

    Garage band Groupie
    Nov 11, 2019
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    It's good to see you back and doing better. And remember, if ANYONE is harrasing you, you can always say it to your brothers and sisters here on the site. That goes to everyone on here.

    And I agree with your sentiment, pretty much everyone should take some time off from social media - but now it's almost impossible for a lot of us, since we have online classes in college and schools. So you're glued to the screen no matter what. We live in weird times, but that shouldn't discourage us. It's only an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser.

    Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body and working out.
     

    Dominik Gräber

    Hot Topic Tourer
    Contest Winner!
  • Nov 11, 2019
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    www.instagram.com
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    Welcome back! Glad to have you around again.

    And great read!

    The Thing with social Media is, you usually don't become famous through eg. Instagram. Those with Tons of followers and Attention were famous before, Like Syn. That's how it is in the music Business at least.
    I mean, why would Somebody even follow a Stranger that's Posting Pics with her friend or about her food or whatever?
    It's different If you're already a Fan of that Person.

    Regarding your tips how you've overcome all this. Super helpful! Hard to realize for some, but definetly something I should implement more in my own Life too!
     
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    Brian Haner Sr.

    Papa
    Staff member
    Legend+
    Fucking Legend
    Nov 11, 2019
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    Ah yes - the pitfalls of social media "fame". It's a rabbit hole that leads to the gates of hell. I had 300 thousand Facebook fans and roughly the same on Twitter. For the past few years I found myself feeding that beast with useless content instead of creating actual art. Social media became my business instead of music, comedy and this school. You convince yourself that it's important - but it's not. I shut down my accounts and walked away from a half a million fans a couple of months ago. I've never been happier. Social media is a drug. It's a lie. And I believe we are all sadder, angrier, more anxious, and depressed because of its very existence. I admire those who can put it in perspective and not let it rule their lives. I couldn't.

    Jak - you are a beautiful person who is cherished by many here - and rightly so. Everyone wants to see you healthy, productive and living your best life.
    I wish you nothing but happiness.
    Cheers!
    pg
     
    Synner Endless Summer Collection

    Ed Seith

    Supreme Galactic Overlord
    Staff member
    Legend+
  • Nov 11, 2019
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    Reading posts like this reminds me why I'm grateful for Aspergers. The closest I've come to really getting caught up in social media is getting a little too argumentative about politics there, and even that could be linked more back to general frustration in life as opposed to SM being the actual problem.

    To this day, I may NOTICE how many likes or comments a post gets, but I don't analyze, don't think about it, and couldn't tell you IN ANY WAY what posts get more likes than others. It also means I forget to like stuff friends post sometimes, even if I enjoyed it.

    I am also not attracted to Brazilian men. I'm good with that, too.

    So happy to hear you've found your peace. Remember how you found it, in case you lose your way again. Your own breadcrumbs are the most reliable. 💜💜