Ever want to do something, but you have all the doubt in the world? Even though you say you can do it, there is always that "what if" thought lurking in the back of your brain. "What if" you actually believed in your passion and followed its call? True story; I'm just coming in from a gig. This was a gig that I got as a "fill" in. It was close to a beautiful golf course and I was playing in a beautiful lounge restaurant. Today was my lazy day, so it took me forever just to get up and get out of bed. I was contemplating even somewhat hoping, this gig would be cancelled because of the weather. However, it was not. I entered the building, and looked at the restaurant where I was playing. I just smiled, because I know when I retire, this will be one of the spots I will "chill" at. I set up my keyboard and all my stuff and as the time was winding down, I was just relaxing before I had to get started. I made it to the place in plenty of time so I could get my thoughts together beforehand. I usually write a setlist down when I'm playing with other people, but decided not to this time, since it was me, by myself. No one to hide behind. Just me, in front, with my keyboard, doing my thang.
As I started playing, all anxiety and fear went away. Sometimes when I play, I feel as though I'm zoning in touch with another planet. The songs just flow through me. I didn't need to write any songs down. I played for three hours, with the setlist being called out to me, through my musical intuition. As I finished my first set, there was a lady who said to me, "absolutely beautiful". I thought, hmmm...this whole "setlist in my head" is not so bad after all. Sometimes when I'm playing, I don't hear anything around me, I feel like i'm tuning into another planet. Another spiritual zone. I just follow where the music takes me, I go. So I take my break, then come back up to do my last set. Believe it or not, I'm pretty shy, so I didn't bring a microphone, didn't announce myself, I just started playing my board. I was trying to get in, and get out.
Once my gig was over, I started getting my stuff together to take to my truck. As I was approaching my car, a gentleman stopped me and said, "I really enjoyed your music tonight". I said, "thank you very much, I was just filling in for someone". He then stated, the Vice President of the hotels was listening to you, and he paid you several compliments. "Do you have a card"? Of course, I'm cheezing right now, because I'm thinking, "cha ching"! He then said, we have several other venues and I'm going to pass your card to the director if you are interested. "We certainly could hear your music at several of our other venues and events." I just thought to myself, now this is amazing. As much as I was trying to get out of even getting out of the house and just being a bum today, I decided to step out and help a fellow musician "fill in a spot". If I was lazy, and stayed home in my comfort zone, that director and his boss, would have never heard me. I just went out to a place I've never been before, and played as if I was at home, in my little studio.
When opportunities come your way, and they feel right, go with it. Even if you want to be a bum, and maybe you are scared, move through the fear. Step out of your comfort zone, and operate in your passion. I wasn't even trying to be "seen", neither was I even trying to get more gigs. This opportunity just fell in my lap. All because, I was in the right place, at the right time, operating in my passion. I'm on a high, and I know, when I play, I don't think about time, because I enjoy it so much. Whatever excuses you have to not operating in your passion, drop them now. Something great could be waiting for you, and it all starts with your passion. Until Next Time Peace, D.
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