Change is good.

When I was 19, I tattooed the treble clef of my arm with the Latin phrase ‘there is nothing like change’. Yes, I was that guy (and still am).

Even though the tattoo looks rubbish, and if I wasn’t scared of the pain, I would fix it up, I still believe in that mantra.

Politics are tricky. 

It’s one of my interests outside of my work. I don’t necessarily follow daily news or dramas, but I am interested in geopolitical changes, systems, institutions, and how societies operate.

I also always vote - it’s my democratic right, and my grandparents ensured I understood its importance. During communist rule in Poland, they didn’t have that right. 

When I turned 18, I went and voted for the first time, and they were proud—well, for about five minutes before I told them who I voted for.

But still, I remember it to this day, and after moving to the UK nearly 18 years ago, I always voted.

First in the local elections and then, after gaining my citizenship, in general elections.

When our PM announced new elections, I followed them closely—listening to my favourite podcasts, spending time on Reddit, and trying to understand what the parties were offering.

The verdict was an overwhelming majority for the Labour Party, and it was the biggest change in the system since I moved here.

The word they campaigned for was - change.

People have been ready for change after the last few years—COVID, Brexit, and Ukraine. The incumbent government was as much a victim of events as its actions. 

But even if it’s easy to judge from the sidelines and opposition, British citizens understand it’s time to turn a page and move forward.

The past is in the past, and change can be freeing.

So, I am glad I can cast my vote and participate in regular democratic elections. Some complain, and many people are unhappy with the system, and I get it; it’s not perfect.

But believe me, millions of people would give anything to have that right, no matter how small.

I learned from my grandparents never to take it for granted.

Let’s wish the new government good luck because we will all gain if they do it right.

PODCAST PRODUCER LATEST

Each year, my piano tutor does the recital for the parents (as most of her students are kids). I also performed, and this year was no different.

Even though I had a cold, I pulled my back a few days ago, and Benji kept me up at night because of a storm (excuses); I performed the Succession theme on the piano and duet with my tutor. Paint it Black on the piano and guitar, which we arranged.

My mum was also in the audience, and it was the first time she had seen me perform in more than twenty years since my music school days.

I stumbled a few times on the piano, but my guitar playing was alright, and overall, it was a good day.

The dream of being a rock star is not over yet!

Also, the camera mic broke during the filming of my performance. :( Have no fear, though; I replaced it with audio from my mum’s phone.

YOUTUBE

I did a short on the new Rick and Morty voices a few months ago. It now sits at 45k views and many comments. So, I thought it would be good to make a longer video on the topic, and we did. And it’s doing alright!

BOOKS

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. I didn’t have much time to read last week, but I am still slowly going through the biography, which is very interesting.

FUN

Paulina was away, so I spent the weekend with my mum and Benji, which was nice.

It’s good to relax and not do much occasionally, especially since I often find it difficult (to relax).

Remembering Gene Wilder. We watched this documentary about Gene Wilder. I like watching biopics and biographies about talented people like Wilder, especially actors, musicians, and artists. They always inspire me to keep going and do better in my work. I recommend the watch.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you (hopefully!) next week!

Mike

https://mikemigas.com/

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