Isn’t life funny? So many people trying to tell you who to be, how to act, where to pay attention or pay your dollars. Leveraging Social Media’s peer pressure. Waving that “carrot,” of who you could be. It’s a real head trip.
“Follow Me, Follow Me, Follow Me!” they say. And it’s all SO in your face.
Sure, technology has freed us up. But every new technology also challenges us personally to maintain our individuality, our wild side, our unique voice.
It has never been so easy in the history of time to launch your individual creation from a technology platform … and shine.
It has also never been so easy to dilute or lose your message in the effort to be “Followed” on Social Media … and lose your soul.
I want to speak with you about your soul. Because if you are reading my posts, you have already experienced a lifetime of challenges, way out of the ordinary. Because of that you… you are gifted. And I am here to remind you of that. You are Gifted.
Our story begins with a walk in the woods. Every day I am greeted with the birds and animals of the forest. The catbird is a constant companion as I walk, with their signature jerky tail-feather dance and cat-like song. They are amazing mimics of other birds and sounds.
When I see them I am reminded of something that dawned on me when I first began songwriting and public music performances. I was invited to a song writers circle, where peers critiqued one another’s’ work. Now, I have never been a fan of this idea. Poems and songs are so personal. It’s not like a math equation, where answers are black and white and can be graded. No, stories, poems, songs … this is art. And I it felt “off” to have “evaluations” on words coming from the heart.
But going public with my songwriting was new. I was willing to see what “group support” might be like. Once I arrived, someone tried to convince me to work with a “great” private songwriting coach. Again, I felt that “off” queasy feel in my belly. But, I just HAD to see what all the fuss was about. (Enter the labyrinth …)
So I paid this coach to critique one song, that I had already recorded by the way. (You see; I REALLY did not buy into this kind of “coaching” for songwriting. I already recorded the song!!!)
When I received the information in the mail, I was struck with one thing.
The song sheet had a large, bold circle around the word “catbird” and a big question mark. Really? I realized in that moment that I had fallen for the Magician’s trick. The hook was reaching out to grab me and pull me in. She “got me” on a technicality.
The coach was finger-pointing: What is a “catbird”? Is this a made-up word?
Ah, now I remember why I don’t ask for others opinions. If you have to evaluate art/music based on that, “is there such a thing as a catbird?” then you have no concept of what art is, what fresh, personal songwriting is. This is also how great writing turns into garbage: no imagination, no freedom!
Anyway, the good news is that just woke me up, like a bucket of ice water. And I took full responsibility for my “walking right into the trap.” And also I reminded myself that is why so many “fresh” songs, ideas, movies are turned into “the same old stuff.”
Of course, we have all been through this. You can be creating a marriage, a business, films, books… whatever. We all have to take the journey to discover what are our strengths, our weaknesses, our friends, our challenges. There is no other way, then to pass through the ring of fire. And while there will be moments with Mentors, true Mentors… for the most part… the best advice is to “keep your own counsel.”
Only you know what is best for you. Only you.
By the way the song became one of my most popular tunes! Fricassee Shufffle
So whenever I see the catbird in my walks in the woods, I am reminded:
“Live your wild spirit. Beware those who want you to mimic them, to conform, to follow the crowd. Listen only to your inner voice. Follow your joy.”
So what does all this have to do with you, dear reader? Pull out your journal and ask yourself …
Are you living your true, wild, organic self or
are you still looking for approval outside yourself, following the crowd?
Please be gentle with yourself as you pose this question. And Tap and clear the emotions that come up.
Then you’ll have a chance at truly living, and as they say about good fortune : “Sitting in the Catbird seat!”
P.S. If you’d like to hear my recorded song with the catbird reference, check out iTunes CD https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fricassee-shuffle/id72983821?i=72983799 Fricassee Shuffle
The CD is titled “TurnAround” and the song is “Fricassee Shuffle.”
Loving the Wild Empowered Essential You,
With Love
SusanJoy
