Things I Learned From Guns N Roses

Things I Learned from Guns N Roses

Steven Adler: Sometimes the people with the biggest smiles have the worst pain. It’s OK to be weak and fuck up, as long as you pull yourself back up. It’s OK to be alone, if you use the solitude to learn to love yourself. It’s OK to let the child in you be free. Things have a way of getting better, even if it takes a while. Change is scary, but you can handle it and you will thrive. You are strong. You are resilient. You are forever optimistic. 

Slash: Be weird. Be different. There’s a fine line between being shy and being a doormat, and you will learn to navigate that line well. Don’t take too much shit from people who don’t show that they appreciate you enough. Make silly fun memories with your closest friends, make idiots of yourselves in public. I know it hurts to get through your day without some narcotic/alcoholic help, but you can do it. You are talented. You are unique. You are a force to be reckoned with. 

Axl Rose: Slow down. Be humble. Be appreciative. Not everyone is out to get you. In fact, lots of people quite like you. Let them. Embrace them. Don’t shut yourself away. Look out for number one, but don’t cross the line into selfishness. You deserve happiness. Your childhood trauma does not define you. Channel your rage into something positive. You can’t please everyone, and that’s OK. You are an acquired taste. You are fierce. You will be remembered forever. 

Duff McKagan: Ambition and love drives you. Keep it that way. Keep on loving, and love hard. Keep pushing yourself, and push hard, because you will excel at anything and everything you choose to put your effort into. Hard work is your core belief. That and loyalty. You’re loyal to a fault. It’s OK to take a break from toxic people and toxic situations. Good karma has your back. You are a rock to so many people. You are an inspiration. You are powerful. 

Izzy Stradlin: Rules and social norms? Don’t know her. People can’t figure you out but they love you anyway. Nature calls you. You want more, but you don’t want too much. Your own company is all you need. Still, let people in sometimes, solitude can be bad in excess. It’s OK to change your mind about things, but it’s not OK to be flakey. You are a free spirit. You are closed. You play by nobody’s rules, not even your own.