Break Free

A week ago, I had a tattoo on my right wrist.
"A man chooses, a slave obeys" reads the tattoo, that has a chain in the middle, the one the main character from Bioshock (the videogame that inspired my tattoo) has, but with a broken link instead of the original intact chain.

















                                                                                                                                                                   I love Bioshock, mostly because it's not just a game. It makes you really think at a degree no other game does. It mixes gameplay with narrative in a way no other game ever has; it makes both equally enjoyable, so much that one can argue that it merges them. It really makes you think about choices, in a way only a game can. The point here is not the videogame and especially since I don't want to spoil anything (All three Bioshock games are more than amazing, you should definitely play them) I will not continue to talk about the game.

Here's what I wanted to share with you. I decided to tweet a picture of my tattoo, along with an obvious pun ("here's what you made me do"), to the writer and creative director, Ken Levine, who retweeted it

RT @CostasDetroit: Here's what you made me do @IGLevine pic.twitter.com/sWGgTWz4Rx
— Ken Levine (@IGLevine) July 30, 2014

The tweet really took off, with hundreds of retweets, favorites and people were tweeting about it and it was also retweeted by Irrational Games, the company behind Bioshock.

RT @IGLevine: RT @CostasDetroit: Here's what you made me do pic.twitter.com/X4vL3ZaTMd - Share your #BioShock & #BioShockInfinite ink
— Irrational Games (@IrrationalGames) July 30, 2014

People started tweeting at me, saying they liked it and wanted to have exactly the same tattoo, with the exception of the occasional assholes who tried to say something smart and hateful.

Let me stop what I am saying for a bit to explain a point that you need to understand in order to continue reading. I always wanted to have a tattoo on one of my arms/wrists, but I was afraid to do it. Afraid of what other people would think of me if I had a visible tattoo, afraid that I wouldn't be able go get a job, etc. That was the story I told myself. But as time passed, the idea became more compelling to me. I was afraid to do it. So I had to face my fear. I vowed to never have a tattoo without a special meaning; and this one was the perfect example. Not only because I wanted to show love to the Bioshock universe, but most importantly because to me it symbolizes my ultimate freedom and my choices. Facing my fears. And what better way is there to display such a thing, if not for the fear itself? That's why I chose to have that exact tattoo, in that exact spot.
Again, the point in this post is not the tattoo or Bioshock or Twitter or anything of the sort.
The point is that we are all so afraid of being who we really are, so afraid to do what we want, because the world wants to keep us small. The world, our society, our family want us to be a certain way. So, we end up spending our whole lives, being afraid, letting people belittle us, letting them guide our decisions. We choose to live in fear because we don't feel we got what it takes to face it. I'll tell you the same thing I told someone on twitter who wants to get the same tattoo, but is scared.

@IrrationalGames @IGLevine @CostasDetroit I like. I was half tempted to get something similar.
— Oliver Gettings (@ogettings) July 30, 2014

@ogettings go get it brother
— Costas Orfanidis (@CostasDetroit) July 30, 2014

@CostasDetroit I don't think work would let me get away with it. :p
— Oliver Gettings (@ogettings) July 30, 2014

@ogettings just know that who you really are isn't displayed by whether you have tattoos or not
— Costas Orfanidis (@CostasDetroit) July 30, 2014

Again, this is not about tattoos. It's about us. Who we are. Where we are going, as people. It's 2014 and people still see things as small as tattoos as something that show who you are, if you're a nice person or a killer or something. They still think that getting a job is a matter of having tattoos or not.  They still let things that are outside of themselves seem too important, instead of realizing that all valuable things in our lives are within us.
What I want to say is that we don't get to live forever. We have a journey. I believe that on our journey, we must decide to take our own paths, make our own choices. No matter what anyone says or thinks. If you are living a life just to please everyone else, you won't ever be happy.
Stop being afraid!
Are you afraid? Go do the things that scare you; it will make you feel more powerful than ever.
What I hope to do is help people break free of what's holding them back, in order to really live the lives they want for themselves. This is what I want to dedicate my life to, helping people, inspiring them, making them think for themselves, as the game that inspired this tattoo makes you think about choices.

The tattoo is not important to me. I didn't have it just so I can show it to people. I did it because I want to be who I truly am. Whether I chose to have it as a tattoo or not, it doesn't matter.
What matter is what I really believe, deep inside of me. Not what is showing on the outside.
Thank you for reading this and remember;

"We all make choices, but in the end, our choices make us."

~Bioshock~

Poem : Cor Leonis

Hello, once again, dear reader!!!!! I wrote this poem, which is the first free-verse poem I've ever released and wanted to share it with you! If you really want to find out the meaning behind the poem I think you must (!!!!!) check out the poem on PoetryGenius with verified annotations by myself.

I suggest reading it here while you play the song I've embedded here and then going HERE to read the explanations and really understand it. The title is in latin and it means "heart of a lion".

Go on, read it below!

"Look At The Stars" by TsaoShin

He walks proud,

his head tilted upwards,

pointing to the periwinkle blue sky,

the roof of his kingdom.

And as he walks,

the earth shivers and shakes,

the trees fold in half,

the mountains wither, 

the bones of all the lost souls

dance underneath the ground,

as if to salute him.

And they all bow, oh,

how they bow to his divine presence.

The world around him shrinks, 

as if his intimidating presence is the sole reason 

this petty world exists.

The air pushes against his mane,

who is darker than the darkest night,

and his paws, 

stronger than a lightning striking a tree,

move and craft a path anew.

So he moves, exerting his majesty,

oozing power and confidence.

His breath is like fire, 

burning everything it touches,

burying it into infinity.

The crimson red of his fiery eyes, 

whose stare threatens everything it touches,

as if even fear itself is afraid of him,

seem to light the world on fire.

His gaze is fixated on the sunset that is falling over his land

and yet its' greatness does not belittle him,

as if the gods give him praise 

by painting the greatest of all paintings, 

only to entertain and cater to the needs of his fierce soul.

And in all the chaos of the universe,

the only sound that can be heard 

is the beating of his powerful heart,

which seems to give melody to the world,

as if it's a theme to march to,

nothing but his heart, 

that holds infinite power and wisdom.

And yet, as one day his presence will be gone,

not all will be lost, he will never be forgotten,

for his existence leaves a mark upon the world,

a mark that eyes can't see, that ears can't hear,

a mark that is left only in the bravest and most sincere of hearts, 

and that will exist only as long as bravery and courage 

flood the hearts of men,

those who have infinite power, 

yet choose to lead others to no harm,

who have the option to hurt and destroy, 

but choose to stray from such choices,

only to lead others to freedom and love and happiness and power and knowledge,

only to free others of their burdens and show them the path to greatness.

And only men who choose to lead their own path,

only men who choose to risk it all, no matter the consequences 

only men who fight with passion,

only men that look fear in the eye but don't lose their minds,

men that proudly move against the crowd,

will ever know what it feels like,

to have the heart of a lion.

If you liked this, share it and come back once in a while for more (also, become a follower of my blog below!

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Hit me up on Twitter @CostasDetroit to tell me what you think!

Happy New Year!!!!!

I wish a happy New Year to everyone! 

I decided to write a post in order to wish the best to everyone! Let's hope 2014 is better than 2013 was.

I am not going to wish the typical things everyone wishes on a New Years Eve, like "I wish 2014 brings the best to you". I hope YOU will do your best to make the most out of it! I hope YOU will take action and change everything you don't like and become better in 2014. 

That's my goal and my piece of advice to you! 

Be a little better every day! Learn as much as you can! Listen and understand more than you talk! Think more! Be yourself! Don't be afraid to take risks (in the end, we only regret the risks we didn't take)! Don't be afraid to go against everyone for what you want! Do what you truly love and have a passion for and everything else will eventually fall into place!! Always keep your head held high and you feet steady to the ground! 

To all the people that were there for me, that helped me become a better me, that showed me the way every time I got lost, that truly cared for me in 2013 I wanna say: 

Thank you for being there! I promise to always do my best so I can give back to these people, inspire them to be better and help them through their own struggles. I really can't express how much it means to me that you were there for me! I appreciate everything you have done and I hope I can be to others what you were to me!

To all the people that doubted me, that tried to hurt me, that tried to make me go against everything I stand for, that really made it hard for me this year I want to say:

My biggest thanks go out to you! You helped me become stronger, better, happier and smarter than ever! You helped me figure out a lot about myself and who I really am! You helped me become irresistible to pain!

You helped me know who to trust. You helped me grow up a lot and understand so many things better than before; you made me the man I want to be! Because, let's face it, you are the ones that deserve the most 

thanks. If it hadn't be for you, I wouldn't be writing this. I would be sitting on my ass, complaining about everything I don't like! You helped me gain more than I lost in 2013! And that's why I want to say that I appreciate it (even though I know no such person wanted it to have this outcome)! I wish all the best for you, too! 

To all the people I may have hurt or disappointed in some way:

I hope to learn from my mistakes as much as I can. I know that I did many things that I should have done in a different way... but I was always me. So I hope you understand. Sometimes, you may hurt others simply by doing what it is that you want. I don't apologize. I don't want to be better so everyone can like me. I just want to do as many good things as I can and as less bad things as I can in 2014. I am trying to learn from all those times I was wrong this year.

2014 is just a step away. Throw away everything that is holding you back. Sail to new seas. Discover new things. Change. Become better. Help others. Learn from others and teach to others. Give and get back. Love and be loved. 

Don't be afraid of anything. Fear exists only in the mind.

May this year hold the best that are yet to come for all of us.

From my heart to yours,

Costas Detroit!

Poem : Nothing Lasts

If you want to read this poem with full explanations click here : Poetry Genius
(click on a line to read the meaning behind it)

Nothing lasts, no warm summer or cold winter can stand the test of time.

Nothing lasts, you have no recollection of a deed, whether it's charity or crime.

Nothing lasts, because even the beauty of a rose is diminished after a while.

Nothing lasts, no cry of pain or broad smile.

Nothing lasts, no excruciating pain and no overwhelming happiness.

Nothing lasts, no memory remains, no scar or sign of hopelessness.

Nothing lasts, because everything is gone, as soon as it comes.

Nothing lasts, not even a sharp wound upon my hands.

Nothing lasts as long as we wish it to.

Nothing lasts, especially when life is like a dream come true.

Nothing lasts, that's what life has taught me until now.

Nothing lasts, and life is like a maze without a map, no one can tell us how.

And even though nothing lasts and I know this for a fact,

I see that only my strong heart is left intact.

I see everyone around me living a devious lie,

and I know in my heart that I want to live a truth until I die.

Maybe nothing lasts, nothing but my soul, going against all odds,

fighting for a change, ready to face whatever challenge life holds.

Maybe nothing lasts, but my soul will live forever,

because I know that happiness and sadness go together.

Maybe nothing lasts, that's why my fears have disappeared,

I can finally see, my vision has cleared.

It's because of this that I fight, because nothing does ever last,

and I know that, either way, my life will be gone fast.

Nothing lasts.

Be Different, Be Yourself.

Hey there, world. Been a while since I posted anything. I feel ready to break my silence, even though "sometimes silence makes a sound".
Silence may be golden, but I really felt like I needed to write down my thoughts, since, sometimes, it's the only way I can express myself.
My life has been a mess lately and there's only one thing that keeps me from breaking down; being happy about who I am. I bet that sounds weird, but it's not.
All these months, I didn't stop writing as much as I used to. But I felt like all the things that I was writing about were not something I want to share. I get a feeling when I know that I have to post something while I write it, but I haven't felt like this in months. Not until now that I just felt like I wanted to share some of my thoughts.
You see, some times, you have to get to lowest point to really understand what matters. To fully realize what keeps us standing. What keeps us from breaking down, from going crazy.
It's 4 am and I am standing here, writing, so technically I am a tiny bit crazy, but you know what I mean.

Two years ago, I was a totally different person. I couldn't realize that people could be different from me. I used to think that anyone that was different was crazy or abnormal. I used to see things in a totally different and sort of "tunnel vision" way. I didn't realize many things.
But people change and I hope mostly for the better. Because since I don't believe in any religion or any god, I think believing in people is vital for me.
I remember that I used to believe atheists and gay people should be crucified. I remember feeling hate so vigorously that I still laugh at my own self. I thought "being different" meant "being wrong" not "being yourself".
Now, two years later, I am an atheist and a huge supporter of Frank Ocean, an openly bisexual artist. I learnt that I can appreciate and support things without having to be what I support.
I support being different, being honest. I support things I am not. I support pursuing dreams. I support making something from nothing. I support being creative. And I don't need to label it as something as long as I feel it is honest. My point is : I don't need to like football to support someone doing everything in his power to become a football player.
But people don't get that. People can't think outside the box. People are not inspired by something "different". People would rather hate a gay artist without any real reason and miss out on the great art he is creating. But these people won't really live until they open their minds.
In the end we're all the same, no matter how different we are; we're all human, we all make mistakes, we all love and want to be loved, we all need things, we all believe in something. Why hate anyone that's different, when you really are more alike than different? Why disdain someone for being something you're not? It doesn't make sense to me. But then again, it once did.
All these months I realized that the only thing that helped me stand on my own two feet and continue was this; being myself, supporting people that are different and not letting hate poison me. If there's one thing I am happy about is the way I am and the way I see things. I see everything crystal-clear. I see the world as it is.
To me, if someone kills a man, it's not wrong because he is black or Asian; it's wrong because it's an act of hate.
I realized that this motivated me. I motivated myself. Frank Ocean motivated me by risking his career just to be honest and different, not caring what others might think. In the homophobic world of Hip Hop and RnB, that was a first. But it was an act of freedom that inspires me to this day and will inspire me for the rest of my life.
Thanks to some people that are pushing the boundaries every day, others live more easily. More free. More different.

I think "being free" or "different" is mostly a thing that can be expressed through art. Artists are the most free human beings. I hope I can be a great artists one day. A great writer. But the only thing that will get me there is being honest, being free, being me. Because the people I admire the most, fought against all odds to get where they're at. I hope to be like that one day; to make my dreams come true by being who I am, even if it means going against all odds. I hope to be an inspiration to people as some people are to me. 

Now, I can finally understand that, sometimes, the world is not "wrong". Our perspective is wrong. The way we look at things. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this and I hope you understood my points.

 Thank you for reading. But mostly, thank you for being yourself.

Poem : Jamais Vu (In My Dreams)

The flames are here, but where did the fire go?

It's winter, but why isn't there snow?

The world is crowded but I'm still feeling alone.

We're all different, but I still feel like a clone.

The people are empty, where did our souls go?

Is anyone happy or do we all put on a show?

How did we become so vacant, without a soul?

How did this happen? How did we lose control?

I look around, everyone's empty and sad,

looking out only for themselves, always selfish and mad.

I talk to you, but you can't seem to hear me.

Don't you want to hear me? Do you fear me?

I reach out to touch you, you're colder than ice.

Every time I think of this, a part of me dies.

I dream of a day when the whole world will change,

when we'll gain control, when we take over lifes' reins.

I dream of unconditional love, a world full of sisters and brothers,

a world where we'll treat ourselves as we want to be treated by others.

A place where we won't need to hide anymore

A place where it's not a mistake to let you see through my soul.

People won't be blind no more, they'll see the truth.

In a place full of love, a world that's bulletproof,

a world where hate doesn't exist, where we respect each other more than ourselves

where we'll be free, we'll get out of our cells. 

A place where money doesn't matter, because love is not for sale.

A world full of realness, a world where there's no shame.

A world full of difference.

A world full of change.

Maybe I am a dreamer, maybe I don't know what I'm saying,

maybe I'm crazy, maybe I'm insane.

Maybe I despise hate and fear because I am out of my mind 

or maybe I am really dying inside.

I hope that this world will become a better place.

I dream of the day everyone awakes.

Maybe you disagree, but you'll never bring me down.

I'm so happy in my dreams, I feel like I'm dancing on a cloud.

You're in my dreams now, where every day is sunny.

You're in my dreams now, where everyone is happy.

Maybe I'm a dreamer, 

but you're in my dreams now.

Welcome.

(I linked some lines to a song that inspired me to write this.)

Poem : Rise

How many times do we think that it's all over, 

how many times do we say that we'll quit?

How many times do we feel like an impotent rover?

How many times do we think that we can't make it?

But still, through all the hard times that we face

through all the hurt, pain and disappointments in our lives,

we rise, stronger than ever, feeling like the winners of this race,
even if we feel like we're trying to balance steak knives.

How many times do we feel that we live in vain,
how many times do we feel lost?
How many times do we say that we're the only one's to blame?
How many times do we feel like we should pay the cost?

But still, we rise like a phoenix from the ashes,
we rise, walking tall against the rain.
Against all odds, we find light in the darkness.
We rise once more, 'cause it's our time to reign.



(The line "balance steak knives" was inspired by a song, so I thought I should put a link there)

Keep Hope Alive

This is something I wrote as a part of a blogging team a while ago and I decided to post it here, too.
Here you can read my post on how to keep hope alive. Special thanks to all of you who read my posts! My last poem got hyped a lot more than I expected!

Fighting For A Change

Life is so good right now.

If this is a dream (if it is, it's the most vivid dream I've ever had) I don't ever want to wake up. 

Through all the negativity, through the rain, through the pain, through the fire. Friends, REAL friends, still continue to be next to you, while you go through ALL that. The feeling that you can really rely on someone is unique...

Nothing can make someone feel better more than helping others. Many think, that no one in this world is to be trusted. That we're all enemies. That all this is a battle. 

That's why the society in my country is bleeding. No trust, no will to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most. As a wise friend said, the problem lies in the society. It's not just economical. The society is rotten and people like me, who NEED to help others, smell the corpse of this country, slowly decomposing. Many pretend, they try to convince themselves nothing is happening. But as this country turns into ashes, we only try to spread that fire. If we don't help others, how can we help OURSELVES? How can we live our lives, knowing that we live only to please our own desires, which are greedy & ruthless? How can we live, always pointing our fingers at someone else, blaming them, but never blame ourselves ? Why can't we stop talking and start DOING things? I can't figure out how so many people are blind.... 

Friends are not sure if they should trust each other. I believe that true friends have to give everything to their friends. Friends are one of the best things in the world. The term friend, is now misconceived. Friend is the person that is willing to make YOUR PROBLEMS, equally important to his own, if not more. This type of friend is a breed that is almost close to extinction.

However, as I found out these past 2 years, some friends are different. Real friends do exist. You experience, exchange things with them. But no one asks for a reward. We are rewarded by seeing our friends smile.... We feel good, when they do. If you don't feel like that, you're not a true friend.

My life changed so drastically this year, that I don't even recognize myself. And that happened because someone believed in me. Showed me I mean a lot to some people. Showed me I can do things. I can make a change. 

I wanna thank 3 people, without saying their names; they will understand. I would never expect to be who I am. I feel so strong, so happy. And it's all because they're by my side and as long as we help each other, we're happy. We change each others life.
Guidance is all we need. I want to thank the person, that believed in me more than anyone, and with his guidance, changed me to who I am today. I was lost. I was hopeless. But I found my way. And if the way is not paved, I will pave it. 

Right now, when we're in need of support, because we all know bad times are coming, how can we not work as a team, a FIST and make a change? We need to wake up and take action. We need to stop being selfish. 

And that, doesn't come from someone pretending to be perfect, trying to point out other people's mistakes. That comes from someone that did take action. Maybe on a personal level, but before you say it's too small, remember the butterfly effect. A small change, can trigger a mechanism that makes a lot of changes. Huge ones.... 

Imagine if we all made a small change every day. This world would be a better place. 

So, here I AM. 

A little butterfly. I'm flapping my wings.... Hoping for a CHANGE.

And I am not  talking about a small one.