Hello. How are you doing?

While you’re thinking about your answer, I hope you don’t mind me jumping right into a story.  

When we started Combustion Music in 2000, there were 3 employees and 1 intern.  We were doing music supervision on major films, developing songwriters that had never had any cuts, and we also had a full blown studio in the building.  … Lots to keep up with.  

One day, a songwriter walked in and saw me pretty frazzled.  The guy looked me right in the eyeballs and asked … “How are you doing?” 

That question stopped me in my tracks because … he really meant it.  It opened up a door for me to answer honestly and it was a gift. 

So, let me ask you again … how are you doing … on the inside?

I lead workshops every week with incredible songwriters and artists and I get to hear what’s on your hearts.

Y’all are asking questions like: 

• Am I being authentically me? 
• Do I have engaged fans? 
• Did anyone freak out over the song I co-wrote today? 
• A publisher asked me to email some songs and it’s been crickets.  WTH? 

Then, there are the mental wellness pieces y’all are throwing in that are more like: 

• I’m overwhelmed with 99 jobs I’m supposed to do to reach my dream. 
• I’m falling behind. 
• I’m too old. 
• I’m burnt out. 
• I don’t know if I even love music anymore.  

Do any of these hit home?  Dang!  Cause it’s a lot.  

Choosing this creative path feels like a rollercoaster … internally and externally.  

It’s hard to have your own back internally in a career that runs off external validation. 

I was a client in a coaching session not too long ago, and I was venting about the stressors in running my own business.  Much like your artistry,  it’s constantly putting pieces of your heart out into the world and hoping someone resonates with it.  (#respect)

After hearing all of that, my coach thoughtfully said, “Wow it sounds like a rollercoaster.” 
For a moment, I felt validated and responded … “Yes, it IS like a rollercoaster.”

and then it hit me …. 

“Wait a minute,  I LOVE ROLLERCOASTERS!!!”  

God bless a good ol perspective shift!  

Rollercoasters are so much fun!!!  They’re worth all the time you wait in line to experience the thrill of the highs and the stomach drop of the lows.  

Don’t you love rollercoasters too?  Maybe you’re a more of a carousel-type person, but chances are if you’re on this mailing list, you’ve got an appreciation for rollercoasters. 

One thing I’ve noticed is that rollercoasters are a lot more fun with friends.  Not just the friends you love to laugh with, but friends you can show your vulnerabilities to … you know, in case you scream like a toddler, crap your pants, or pass out.  

So, in this month of mental health awareness, (I’m claiming it as Creative Wellness Month), I wanna offer one thing that can be a life saver and keep you mentally/creatively well … 

Surround yourself with a few friends, some real community, who understand what you’re going through in this rollercoaster called the music business.  Not people who want something from you, but real friends who can support you in saying things like … “hey, I really think you could use a rest” or “That social post isn’t gonna make or break your career”  or most importantly, “I believe in you.”

I’ve never heard one person say chasing down their dream was easy.  But I have heard lots of people say – enjoy the ride.  

Why do they say that? 

Because creatives have fascinating stories to tell and they love sharing.  And because they have enough distance on it all to see that the journey is the best part.  

Couldn’t you sit at Dolly’s feet and listen to her stories and wisdom … forever?  

Sidebar:  You can visit her exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame that just opened in Nashville called: 

“Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker”  

Y’all come to my workshops to hear songwriters tell their wildly encouraging stories with all the twists and turns, ups and downs …  the ones about starting at all ages, losing record deals, getting life changing phone calls the same day they apply to work at Starbucks, going back to med school … twice! (Y’all know who you are…) 

What part of the rollercoaster are you on? 

Some of those rollercoasters have those loopty-loop tracks so don’t go it alone.  

But definitely enjoy the ride.  

I can’t wait to hear you tell about it!  

Stay creatively hydrated, 

P.S. If you’d like to book a Creative Wellness Private Session, go to my Private Session page on this website.

P.S.S. It’s not just for Songwriters. It’s for any creative.