IN THE RIGHT ORDER

I’ve written about this before, but if words are put in the right order they can build, destroy, invent, kill, praise or humble the reader. I don’t claim to put the words in the right order too often but when I get close, I love sharing them with you. To be honest, I’ve spent a large chunk of my life playing and studying music and lyrics while trying to write both. It’s hard. It’s hard or everyone would do it….as I say to my kids. Actually, let me clarify, it’s not hard to write chord progressions, lyrics or this blog. It’s hard for it to not be boring, uninspiring or different. You should hear everything I have ever tried to compose (you shouldn’t…it sounds like every other musician ever) or all of lyric sheets (mostly terrible lame rhymes that have been done to death). Blog drafts? I have at least 20 that are in various stages of development. Truth be told, I never thought I put chords, notes, or lyrics in the right order. I didn’t know that I could write either. I started this hobby a few years ago as a way to cope with a chronic illness while at the same time balancing the heavy cross that I have been given to bear with humor, silly observations of our world, and trying to sound like “me” when I write.

I write music for myself simply because I think it’s cool and I want to challenge my brain. I write words for the same reason, but with an added caveat: it’s therapeutic for me to put my feelings and thoughts on paper (or a screen). I believe that writing positively affects my mental health and I’m going to write as long I have something to say. With that in mind, below is a recent quote that I just discovered that feels timely not only for me, but for a few friends that I have recently shared time and conversation with. You know who you are. These words are in the right order:

I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by It.

Maya Angelou

I was preparing a whole response to this quote from where I sit, but I have just decided to leave it here for all of us. I know that some of my readers are going through challenging times right now. I’m thinking about you all and sending love through the universe. Read the quote a few times and internalize it. As humans, we are all programmed for resilience. Sometimes it’s just harder to see it.

Stay awesome, stay safe, and stay tuned.

This one’s for Jake. I love you my friend. Nothing but happy memories of playing music and living life.