A Month of Gratitude - Part 1:
From Money to Shmoney: A Journey of Friendship and Growth in Spaces with
@MusiqEast
In the vast digital expanse of Spaces, where voices from around the globe intermingled, I felt like just another echo in the crowd. My first steps into this realm were cautious; the buzz of opinions and occasional ego clashes made me hesitate. But that all changed when I encountered J East, or as many knew him,
@MusiqEast.
Our first real conversation was during his early morning session, "One Time 4 the 1 Time." I remember sharing my thoughts and work-in-progress music, my voice laced with uncertainty. J reciprocated, creating a welcoming space that felt like a community. From that moment, Spaces felt like home.
J had this incredible way of making everyone feel like they belonged. His Spaces felt like a virtual living room where the music played nonstop, and conversations flowed from lighthearted to profound without missing a beat. It wasn’t just the music that kept me coming back; it was J’s perspective—unique, thought-provoking, and rooted in life experience. He’d go from breaking down the latest VeVe updates to weaving deep conversations about politics and religion, always grounded yet open-minded.
We bonded over music production. J, with his deep knowledge of genres and sound engineering, became my mentor. "You've got to feel the music, Shmoney, let it breathe," he’d say, pushing me to explore and feel every beat. These weren’t just music tips; they were lessons in growth, pushing me to expand my creative boundaries.
Our conversations often drifted into heavier topics—politics, religion, societal norms. J had this way of engaging without judgment, opening the floor for genuine conversation. He’d challenge perspectives, not to win an argument, but to widen understanding. That openness inspired me to reflect and reframe my own views, appreciating the depth of listening before responding.
One morning, after an especially fire track, J turned to me with a smile and called me “Shmoney” instead of Money. The nickname stuck, and just like that, I had a new identity in the VeVe community—a name that carried our connection and the growth he’d helped me find.
Through these conversations, through the nickname, J became more than just a friend. He was a mentor, a brother, a catalyst for change in my life. “Shmoney” wasn’t just a handle; it was a badge of our bond, of mutual respect and laughter shared in that space.
In a world where so many voices compete to be heard, I found something rare—a true connection. This friendship with J East shaped my time in the digital space and my growth beyond it. He taught me that in a world full of noise, finding someone who resonates with you can create a symphony of growth, friendship, and lasting impact.
Check out
@MusiqEast, give him a follow, and engage with the wonderful human he is.
Give
@Foreijn's story a read when he posts it later today and also consider posting your own story of gratitude and thankfulness to someone in the community.
Finally, a piece of art that I created in an aim to depict the feelings of connectedness and welcoming I experienced.