I have the time to learn new things!

When I was in college, and when I was teaching I was continuously learning new material that was required of me. I read books, articles, curriculum, etc. it was information that I had to consume but had no desire or interest in. In this new stage in life I want to seek out information that I am interested in and want to learn more about. I feel like to do this I need a reset.

I have wanted to set up some new practices that allow me to grow in life, music and songwriting. I have watched countless YouTube videos, read articles (like: https://lookforsmile.com/7-ideas-on-how-to-restart-your-life-when-you-are-ready-for-a-change/ ) and doom scrolled through social media post to get an idea of what types of rituals I can apply to my daily living and so far I have this list in mind.

• Start having slow mornings

• Spend time with my instrument/my voice (at least 20 minutes)

• Write down new words, thoughts, and feelings whenever I have the chance

• Listen to my body, and answer it

Slow morning vibes:

I was recently speaking with my friend Matthew and asked how the past two years have gone for him just focusing on his music and all his many collaborations. His response was so intriguing. He said that he has just enjoyed taking life a little slower and not having to feel like he needs to move with the world's pace. This spoke to me in such a real way, taking time to slow down, look around, and be is a concept I have not experienced before. Slow morning vibes is a new process for me but I am so excited for it to just be a part of what I do.

Practice/Practice/Practice:

Taking time to learn my instruments was/is a difficult structure for me. One reason is because I have always been someone who doesn't have to try very hard in many areas of life, the second reason is i have not any classic training in any instrument I have picked up so, disciplining myself with an instrument/my voice is not natural to me. Playing instruments and moving past my natural vocal abilities has been a real struggle for me. Being diligent and committed to practicing (not perfecting) my skills in both areas has seemed so hard to try before because my brain was so full of information that required my attention. Now I have the time to learn new things. Of course, I want to make sure that I do not overwhelm myself in this practice considering that it will be a new ritual and to learn more means I will have to push through my failure. I want to be able to find peace in the learning process.

Just write it down:

I had a middle school science teacher that said "a short pencil is a much greater tool than the perception of the brain." I think in middle school I thought he was just saying words and didn't completely understand that I would not be able to just remember everything I see and experience as it was, but if I took the time to write down at least the meaningful parts it would serve me a much greater purpose later in life. As a songwriter I want to be able to authentically present my feelings, my emotions, my responses and reactions. Learning to write it all down instead of relying on what I think I remember is going to be a much better writing tool for me. I want to be able to balance in appreciating moments while being presence in those moments as well.

Never stop talking to yourself:

Last week, midweek I woke up at around 6:00am and I was well rested, I felt great and I was eventually productive for the day, but my body said "Just lay here, breathe, you do not have to be anywhere and no one is asking you to move." So, I laid there (til 10am), I took some deeps breaths (for about 30 minutes), I thought about absolutely nothing (not completely true) and when I was ready to get up and get going, I did it. I am hoping that waiting, listening to just me, my body, my mind, and soul will allow me to rest, grow, figure out life and what it needs to be (for me).

This is a picture of me before college, before teaching but not before I started writing more seriously in music.

I know that over time through experience and growth I will need to take away or add to my list, and I am so excited that I am in a position to make that happen. This journey is on going and new through each and ever slow morning, practice time, pen stroke, and self talk I allow myself to have.