Doctor’s Note #015

Getting My Flowers 💐

Friday was another step forward for Memory Card Slot 002.

I had a recording session with two talented artists who are featured on one of my beats. This was actually my first time working with both of them, so going into the session, I was excited to see what kind of chemistry we could create.

And man… we got it done.

We recorded, worked through the ideas, put everything together, and completed the entire song live on stream. Another record for Memory Card Slot 002 officially in the books.

But as dope as the music was, something happened during this session that ended up meaning way more to me than finishing another song.

One of the artists gave me my flowers.

And when I say “gave me my flowers,” I mean they took a moment to acknowledge me and the work I’ve been putting in. They let me know that what I’m doing is being seen, respected, and appreciated.

I wasn’t expecting it.

And honestly, it hit me harder than I thought it would.

I’ve been doing this for years. Producing. Engineering. Creating. Building projects. Trying new ideas. Putting myself out there. Trying to improve every single time I touch something.

When you’re constantly working, sometimes you become so focused on what’s next that you don’t realize how far your work is actually traveling.

Sometimes I question whether people notice.

Sometimes I wonder if all the hours, sacrifices, late nights, ideas, failures, and improvements are actually being seen.

Then somebody I barely know sits in front of me and acknowledges exactly that.

That speaks volumes.

It reminded me that people are watching even when you think nobody is watching.

People are listening.

People are noticing the growth.

And sometimes the recognition you’ve been waiting for comes from the person you least expect.

After the stream ended, I teared up.

I’m not ashamed to say that either.

It had been a while since somebody recognized my work in that way, and hearing those words made years of emotions hit me all at once.

That Friday session started as another recording session for Memory Card Slot 002.

It ended up becoming a life wake-up call.

Keep going. You’re doing an amazing job. Your work is being recognized—even when you don’t realize it.

Sometimes we spend so much time waiting until we “make it” to give ourselves credit that we forget to appreciate what we’re accomplishing right now.

Friday reminded me to appreciate the journey.

So yes, another song for Memory Card Slot 002 is complete.

But I walked away from this session with something even more valuable than another record.

I walked away with my flowers.

And this time, I’m allowing myself to accept them.

Memory Card Slot 002 is coming.

I seriously cannot wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been creating.

— Paging Dr. Juan