October 22- Courage and nightmares

“Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death.” Earl Wilson

Courage makes headlines. Courage creates heroes. Courageous moments are splashed across television screens and make magazine covers.

But there is another all together different sort of reaction to the fear and uncertainty that make us courageous, a daily agreement with ourselves to persevere as musicians. Each day we steadfastly put one foot in front of the other on this artists’ way. Years of effort and work can be for naught on the public stage. Often the shiniest, newest, and most beautiful are thought of as the most talented, a confusing scenario for those of us who recognize honest ability and gifts.

A musician’s way is never certain.  There are pitfalls and nightmares aplenty. Our angst over the need to monetize our soul’s calling often leads to stress and anxiety so great it eclipses our connection to source. We find ourselves with cold feet and sweaty palms at the end of a month when we have written our best songs to date, but haven’t had enough work to help ends meet.  Doubt and distress stand in the hall along with the rest of our fears, demanding an audience.

Meet fear with courage. Pick up the phone and call that reporter about reviewing your latest cd. Be brave and contact the super venue in your city and offer to open for a national act. Contact the vocalist you heard at the local coffeehouse about writing tunes together. Put your fears aside, and play your first solo show. Often in the accomplishment of one small thing, you’ll find you’re more courageous than you ever imagined.

 

Courage doesn’t always come with a shiny logo cape. Sometimes courage can be found in tiny steps along an slippery path.  Be brave enough to approach every day  with grace and dignity and with a renewed sense of your true spirit and your noble gifts. God has graced you with the ability to string words into concepts and concepts into songs and songs into performances.  Think of it: you bring an idea, which essentially has no physical presence, into the world. What an astounding and courageous thing to do. How blessed you are to be a part of the creative process of the world.

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