Self Care
Self-care isn't always comfortable.
We often talk about the challenges artists face when building their careers.
Ignorance of the industry, unfocused budgeting, lack of support, and an under-developed work ethic are things we work
hard to help everyone overcome.
But honestly, you'll struggle to have a fulfilling life if you don't know how to care for yourself. Even if you invest in our unprecedented and industry leading programs and products, there are still some things only you can do for yourself.
Self-care is often shown as expensive shopping sprees or luxurious spa days or simply spending time with a good book or your favorite movie. These are good examples of focusing on yourself, but we rarely talk about the opening to this email.
Self-care isn't always comfortable.
And when we don't engage in certain types of self-care, such as introspection and meditation, it's harder to write music and to enjoy life.
Quite often, we need to sit with ourselves and focus on the thoughts that pass through our minds. This can be a bit confusing and weird, especially if you haven't done it much before.
But the thing is, you know when it's time to be uncomfortable. You can feel it within yourself.
It often sounds like this:
"I should be writing music, but I've been really lazy lately."
"I feel down or hazy and I'm not sure why."
"There's something missing, but I don't know what it is."
"Other musicians are doing so much more than I am."
"Why can't I just sit down and practice?"
In more cases than you might expect, the reason isn't that you're lazy. You're not bad or inadequate or wasting time or just being silly.
You're most likely spending what energy you have to process something important to you. It may not be what you want to do, but it is something you need to do.
I mean, it would be great if we were just constantly happy and writing music as if it were as natural as breathing. We often believe that that is possible and compare ourselves to that expectation.
It isn't.
Life is constantly in flux, and our emotions flow like weather. They often pull us in different directions even at the same time. Sometimes the sky is so dark we can't see the path ahead, sometimes the breeze is so pleasant we have to stand still, and sometimes the sun shines while it rains.
We have to learn to be patient with ourselves. Our best work won't happen if we try to force it. We create when we're ready. And waiting is uncomfortable.
Internal work can be intimidating and overwhelming. Nonetheless, meditation combined with positive affirmations will help you navigate your own universe to find what you need to process.
We've created several resources you can use to help promote your inner peace. These include a daily planner and gratitude journal, a list of super saiyan affirmations, money and abundance affirmations, as well as a couple mp3s to assist you during your positive self-talk. I'll let you know how you can get these in just a moment.
One of the best parts of music is that it is always there for you. It doesn't judge, it doesn't betray, and it isn't envious. It's an ideal form of expression for the things you need to process, a friend always willing to listen.
So sometimes, after working through our thoughts, writing a song is exactly what we need to do. And with that, you are not alone.
The team at Forever Current have put together the Songwriting with Purpose journal, the best companion you can have through the songwriting process. With the songwriter's toolkit, split sheets, and enough pages to write your next album, the SWP provides you with incredibly valuable resources you can use to create your best work. With your purchase of the SWP, you'll also gain access to the resources I mentioned earlier.
Let us know you want one: https://www.songwritingjournal.com/
I'll be clear with this: nothing can act as a substitute for approaching your inner life with the help of a trained professional. If it is an option for you, I highly recommend finding accredited therapy services either in your area or online. Two great ways to do this are researching options online and contacting your insurance company to explore covered providers.
Starting the process of finding a therapist can be difficult, so be sure to ask questions when you can and try not to be discouraged if it doesn't work out at first. You'll find your place soon.
And don't forget: Forever Current is here with you.
Have a great week!