August 2022: Persistence Pays Off
“Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.”
Jackson Brown Jr.
Two weeks ago was a whirlwind in the best way possible. Sat 8/4 I got to play at the Jerry Garcia Bash at Basement East, Thursday we had the Los Colognes album release party at the Five Spot, and Friday I went and saw Red Hot Chili Peppers at Nissan Stadium with some of my best friends from Raleigh. All 3 were incredible in their own ways but it is something else to experience back-to-back-to-back highs like that and then show up for work on Monday and settle back into reality. I dreamt about having moments like these during the 2 years of the pandemic. Like a fighter training for a bout, I practiced and envisioned getting to play for people again. For the timing to line up and all three happen in a single week is surreal and gives me an even greater appreciation for experiencing live music again after being deprived for so long. All the time spent at home helped me to find enjoyment in small things, set goals, and wait for big moments to come together.
The End of Summer
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
August is one of my favorite times of the year. You start to take in all that you’ve experienced throughout the Summer and how fast it came and went. College Football is just around the corner, plus you’ve still got time to plan a last-minute trip to a warm destination if you slept on it. If you’re like me, maybe you feel like you’ve overcommitted yourself again and are looking forward to a less active fall season. I can’t help but feel like I’m always in a hurry to to get to the next thing when I should be more intentional about recognizing what’s in front of me. So, for the last few weeks of summer, I’m going to try and be more cognizant of my surroundings and less focused on looking ahead. It’s worth a shot!
The Power of No
“Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish. Anybody who gets upset or expects you to say yes all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Always remember: You have a right to say no without having to explain yourself. Be at peace with your decisions.”
Stephanie Lahart
If you’re like me and have found yourself overcommitted right about now, make it a point to start saying no more often this fall. It’s ok for you to do what you want to do and you should. Thanks for reading and happy end of summer to you all!