Lil Nas X: Overcoming the Battle Between Embracing Authenticity & Navigating Society's Expectations

Lil Nas X's fascination with time travel serves as a form of escapism that he explores in his art. He enjoys the idea of being able to go back and change things in the past or venture into the future to see what lies ahead. However, as he grows older, he realizes that he doesn't want to change anything in the past. Instead, he is more intrigued by the future and wants to ask his future self what actions led him to his current success. Lil Nas X's transformation from the shy and insecure Montero to the confident and unrestricted Lil Nas X persona has helped him break free from any limitations and embrace his true self. This evolution has been influenced by his journey in music.

Lil Nas X's hunger to grow musically pushes him to do things in his personal life that he wouldn't normally do. He believes that in order to continue being Lil Nas X, he needs to take risks and push boundaries. He acknowledges that there is a part of him, the innocent little boy inside, that he wants to protect and maintain. It's not about removing fear, but being able to do things despite the fear. Lil Nas X has faced moments of self-doubt and felt the pressure to live up to his past successes, but he has learned to tap into different sides of himself to keep moving forward. Despite the challenges, he holds onto a favorite childhood memory of running around a tree, symbolizing the purity and joy that he wants to preserve.

Lil Nas X's early memories hold profound significance in shaping his identity and experiences. Growing up in an apartment in Atlanta's Bankhead courts, Lil Nas X recalls a blissful childhood despite the challenging neighborhood. At the age of five, he witnessed the cutting of a symbolic tree, marking a turning point towards a more turbulent life. It was around this time that he began to understand his sexuality, grappling with the realization that he was different. Such heavy thoughts and self-awareness at such a young age were incredibly burdensome. The passing of his great-grandmother, whom he deeply cherished, further propelled his connection to music as an emotional outlet. Lil Nas X's memories highlight the impact of early experiences in shaping his journey towards self-discovery and artistic expression.

The loss of loved ones can impact our perspectives and priorities. Lil Nas X and Jay Shetty both experienced the passing of important figures in their lives, and it led them to reflect on their actions and values. Lil Nas X felt guilty for not being present for his grandmother before she passed away, as he was preoccupied with social media. Similarly, Jay Shetty realized that he had prioritized his career over his relationship with his uncle during his spiritual journey. These experiences made them question the importance of fame and success compared to the love and connection with the people who truly cared for them. It serves as a reminder to evaluate and cherish our relationships while we have the chance.

As we grow older, time seems to fly by faster and we realize the importance of cherishing family and loved ones. Lil Nas X reflects on how quickly his nieces and nephews are growing up, emphasizing the need to appreciate these precious moments. This realization is seen as wise and uncommon at a young age. The conversation with Jay Shetty delves into the fear of change and the struggle of navigating through negative feedback in one's career. Lil Nas X admits to being in a mentally and physically focused state, but feeling uncertain about the reception of his art. Despite this uncertainty, he believes in the possibility of magical moments arising from the chaos, as long as he can maintain control over it. Overall, the key takeaway is the importance of finding balance and appreciating both the controlled chaos and cherished moments in life.

Lil Nas X reflects on the uncomfortable feeling of losing control over his own creation. He shares how his artistic intentions were misinterpreted and turned into something completely different, causing negative effects on his mental health. The situation made him realize the impact his actions could have on his family and fans, leading him to question the perception of his intentions. Lil Nas X emphasizes that while he apologizes for any offense caused by his video involving communion, he stands firm in his belief that he did nothing wrong in other aspects. He also mentions how he has been exploring gospel music as a way to connect with his spiritual side.

Relationships and understanding can evolve over time. Lil Nas X's relationship with his father has grown closer as he has grown older and his father has gained a better understanding of him. Initially, his father had a negative reaction to Lil Nas X coming out, but through time and exposure to Lil Nas X's true self, their relationship has transformed. This highlights the importance of patience, compassion, and open-mindedness in fostering understanding and acceptance. It also reminds us that people's beliefs and reactions are often shaped by external influences, and that change is possible with education and exposure to alternative perspectives. Ultimately, this story encourages empathy and challenges us to seek understanding even in the face of initial resistance.

Fear and discomfort often lead to misunderstanding and judgment. Lil Nas X and Jay Shetty discuss how humans are conditioned to fear what they don't understand. This fear is often sparked by uncertainty and change. Lil Nas X's controversial image and music challenge societal norms, and some people see him as a devilish figure. However, Lil Nas X uses these perceptions to question people's biases and prejudices. He aims to challenge the demonization of certain groups and bring awareness to the power of authenticity. This conversation also explores the balance between positivity and darkness, highlighting the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves for personal growth, including the shadow work involved.

Lil Nas X emphasizes the importance of doing inner work and understanding oneself, rather than conforming to societal expectations. He acknowledges the pressure to always be funny or wise, but he also recognizes the need for personal time and self-expression. Lil Nas X believes that his art is primarily for himself, but he is grateful when it connects with others and helps them in some way. He agrees with Rick Rubin's perspective that true art is not created for consumption, but rather comes from within. Ultimately, Lil Nas X feels most connected to his authentic self when he is creating music and letting go of concerns about how it will be received. Success cannot compare to the fulfillment he experiences in those moments.

We all strive for love and authenticity in our lives. Lil Nas X expressed his desire to find a strong love, acknowledging that it can't be manufactured or faked. He initially wanted to please others and be accepted, but eventually embraced his authentic self. However, he acknowledges the push and pull of wanting to please others while staying true to oneself. Jay Shetty added that finding a balance between being true to oneself and connecting with others is a constant struggle. They both recognized the importance of meaningful connections and the desire to avoid superficiality. Ultimately, they emphasized that love and meaningful connections can inspire us to create greater art and enrich our lives, even though it may be daunting at times.

Having deeply meaningful conversations can create lasting connections and bring joy. Jay Shetty emphasizes the value of vulnerable discussions and shares an example of a dinner where everyone openly expressed their pains and connected on a deeper level. Lil Nas X adds that dancing provides a place of safety and joy for him. Both agree that talking out loud to oneself can be helpful when battling negative thoughts. They discuss the importance of recognizing and understanding the voices in our heads, even the critical ones. Lil Nas X mentions that he sees these voices as a part of himself, acknowledging their purpose but choosing not to listen to them. The key lesson is to embrace and understand all aspects of oneself and recognize that everything has its place in our journey.

We are all the same deep down, just on different life paths. Lil Nas X emphasizes the importance of recognizing that every person, including himself, has thoughts and experiences similar to ours. By understanding this, we shouldn't feel ashamed or guilty about who we are or what we think. Instead, Lil Nas X highlights the need to love and accept ourselves, allowing room for growth and learning from both our accomplishments and mistakes. Jay Shetty adds that we cannot guilt or shame ourselves into becoming better; instead, love is the answer to personal growth. These insights remind us to embrace self-compassion and extend it to others, promoting understanding, acceptance, and personal development.

Lil Nas X recognizes the importance of staying grounded and connected to the people around him, especially his family and team. Despite his success and fame, he values the small things and the genuine care his loved ones have for him. This helps him maintain perspective and humility in the midst of his achievements. He also acknowledges his role as a leader and seeks to understand and support the dreams and aspirations of those in his tribe. Lil Nas X sees himself as someone who can build confidence and inspire others to pursue their own happiness. He understands the challenges of managing relationships and responsibilities, but remains committed to figuring it out and helping his team succeed.

Embracing the insignificance of our lives can help us navigate through the challenges and pressures we face. Lil Nas X compares himself to a gummy bear, acknowledging that while his journey and achievements hold significance, in the grand scheme of things, it's not that serious. This mindset allows him to relax and find strength in facing difficult situations. The fear of settling and becoming too comfortable can hinder personal growth, but Lil Nas X realizes the importance of creating a sense of home and finding balance between relaxation and productivity. By understanding that life is a constant journey of ups and downs, we can learn to cope with the lack of control and find peace within ourselves.

Finding moments of rest and escapism is crucial for maintaining balance and re-energizing in a fast-paced and demanding life. Lil Nas X emphasizes the importance of having a sanctuary, like going to see a movie, as a way to find rest and peace amidst the chaos. For him, watching a movie serves as an escape and a moment to recharge. It's a simple yet effective way to detach from the overwhelming pressures and responsibilities. It's important to prioritize self-care and find activities that bring joy and relaxation, as they can greatly contribute to overall well-being and mental health.

Lil Nas X relies on intuition and spiritual signs to guide his decisions as an artist. He trusts his gut feelings and pays attention to the messages he receives from the universe. For example, when he questioned whether a song would lead him to the next level, he would magically see a cross or experience other meaningful signs. These signs reassured him that he was on the right path. Additionally, when he doubted whether he should release a certain song, he would hear it on the radio or witness a beautiful sunrise, affirming that it was meant to be. This shows the importance of trusting oneself and staying open to the signs and messages that come our way.

Our experiences and the signs we perceive can hold deep meaning and significance to us individually. The story shared about the blue butterfly at the wedding highlights how a seemingly ordinary moment can become extraordinary when it aligns with our personal beliefs and emotions. It reminds us to stay open to the beauty of life's synchronicities and to trust our intuition when we sense something meaningful. Additionally, Lil Nas X's advice to "do it scared" encourages us to push past our fears and take action, reminding us that growth often happens outside of our comfort zone. Lastly, the importance of self-love and valuing ourselves over others' approval reminds us to prioritize our own well-being and happiness.