Don’t Worry About How Fast, Just Move Forward

So much happened over the last week, and yet nothing much of significance.  Or maybe, it’s the other way around, I don’t know.

1)    I’m still physically tired this morning, after driving back from Nashville yesterday, but it was good to clear my head of a few things and rekindle the fire in my belly artistically.  I guess if there’s one thing I cemented (I can’t say I didn’t already know it, but I was fighting the idea) is that I’m going to give to others a lot more than I get back from others.  When it comes to people, there are no equal transactions, there are no “I owe you ones”… there is only giving of yourself for the sole purpose of giving.  That is not to say I don’t get things back in return, but only that it’s never equal.  With some folks, I’ve received more than I’ve given to them and many others I’ve given to them more than I received and, almost never, has it been anywhere near to equal.

2)    Every artist needs an abundance of confidence, but arrogance will be your death.  Arrogance will stop your artistic growth.  Arrogance will keep more talented people from working with you.  As Edison said, “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” and arrogance will make you 99% short of your goals.

3)    If people are unwilling to accept they need help, there is nothing you can do to help them.

4)    Anxieties never really go away, but giving yourself a break from the pressure of them is beneficial.  It allows you to think things through without the immediate worries of them.  I don’t think I solved any major problems, but I do have a bit more clarity on them. 

5)    Don’t ever under-estimate how good it feels to see one of your favorite artists at a great venue.  This is a human experience that cannot be duplicated with live streams or Zoom calls.  In an ever-divisive culture, being together is more important than ever.  We should rally around our favorite artists and sports teams without talk of things outside those walls.  They’ll still be there when the show is over.

It’s time to circle the wagons and get to work.  What will be will be, but what won’t be won’t be due to lack of effort. 

Jeremy