Often I get too caught up in work I have to do, work I want to do, and thinking about work I should be doing. Sometimes, to relax and get away from the grind, I simply turn on the TV and enjoy turning off the part of my brain that tells me to work.
Make something that did not exist before you created it. Make some art: compose music, write a poem, draw, or, live as only you can. You are the only one living right now, in this moment, with your experiences, with your dreams, with your abilities, and with your unique perspectives. The world needs your art. You need your art.
After my trip to Nashville, for the Song Camp 201 in May 2007, I began voice lessons with Ron Browning. He is a vocal coach who was, at the time, also a teacher at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. In June, he was going to be on the faculty at the Blue Ridge Song Camp. Although I had only had four lessons with Ron, I already deeply respected his opinions and advice. He urged me to attend.
During October, in the South, the earth begins its yearly process of becoming cold and barren. By December, trees look like bony specters with empty, naked arms reaching out to the sky. Their crunchy, brown leaves lay scattered across the ground. People are bundled in coats, gloves, and hats which inhibit movement. The weight of these heavy fabrics press in on our bodies. We are looking for spring and the freedom of the flowing cotton garments of warmer months
I want to be creative, feel confident in who I am, and have inner calm. I want to accept failures, learn from them, and then move ahead. Finding the path to do this and finding inner peace began, for me, with saying, “I am letting go.”
Every day can be a day of creativity. Many people say they feel more alive and are happier when they are creating. We need to create every day to build our creative muscles. It would be good to just simply dive into some project, but what doubt or fear keeps us from being creative?
Being around other songwriters, having classes with pro writers, and hearing live music in classes and concerts was life-changing. Some of the best advice I received was when someone told me, “The only one who’s seen the world through my eyes is me. That is special and unique.”
Being creative is difficult. I have trouble settling on creative projects, working on projects, and finishing projects. My mind often becomes like tangled train tracks not knowing which direction to go or what track to follow.
Staring at a blank canvas or page can be intimidating. Can you make tangible the images, words, or notes in your head? In your mind’s eye? In your imagination? It takes courage to believe in yourself and let your true inner voice be heard.
I am a classically trained musician with a degree in organ performance and a master’s degree in music composition. I have spent my life as a church musician. In 2006 I decided to try songwriting. It has been the most wonderful adventure of my life.
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