After getting a discount on some Sharpie markers, I decided to redecorate my hat. The top features a quote from a famous zen koan in which we’re asked to contemplate our true nature, a personality existing without the burdens of fear, past experiences, career, social standing, etc.

The other words are my personal means to attempt attaining this state. LEARN from your mistakes. WORK with what you have. BELIEVE in the future. To me, the message BE REAL refers to my original face. Being real is being grounded, direct, and expressive.