Friday, September 14, 2012

It's been Rough, but it's been Real.

Things have been very rough for me lately.  I'm in a very tough spot right now.  I'm waiting for certain things to take off, (potential tour), and I have only a few months that I have to bear with all the prep work and waiting.  The only problem is, where do I draw income?  How do I sustain my financial stability so I can survive happily enough because I'm able to get by without worry?

It scares me that I'm waking up every day not knowing if I will be able to afford a meal, afford my shelter, afford gas; just afford to live without unnecessary financial stress.  There, I said it, unnecessary financial stress.  Yes, I feel it's okay and part of life to have your basic, everyday financial stresses.  But not the stresses of, "will I be able to eat today?"  "Am I going to lose my apartment?"  "Can I even afford to drive anywhere?"


Those questions have been plaguing my mind.


On the bright side, being this poor has really been teaching me to not take life for granted, and to cherish the relationships in my life.  It's also taught me to take better care of things, and to love the talents and graces with which the Lord has blessed me.  


I am not typing this in hopes of your pity, rather, I'm typing this to express the struggles you will most-likely endure when following your dream.  But this makes it all completely worth it.  I already know that the Lord has something really big for me in store pertaining to my music.  I have faith in him and the talents he has blessed me with, but also the manager with whom I have signed.  She is awesome.  She will get things done.  Would I prefer that everything be happening already for me? - YES.  But would it potentially jeopardize my chances of becoming a timeless artist with a life-long career if it were all happening now? - YES.  All in all, I'd rather take an extra few months if it means a life-long career with my music.


I'm going to take this opportunity to thank a few people, (this is not in order of importance).  First, I want to thank my manager and producer for everything they are doing.  They are the best team any one artist could have.  Without them, I'd still be playing the coffee shops in hopes of gaining a crowd, (not that I don't enjoy playing coffee shop shows).  Second, I want to thank the band that will be supporting me when I play full-band shows... they are busting their butt, and they help enhance the sound and will add to the experience that you will witness when my first full-band show occurs.  Third, I want to thank my parents for their encouragement, support (throughout my life with lessons, attendance at shows, financial help, equipment purchases), and the unconditional love they have given me since I entered this world.  I owe them a lifetime of gratitude and love.  Fourth, I want to thank my Dear Friend.  Without this person, I would not be able to feel free in the endeavors that I partake.  I would not feel like home wherever I go.  This person is my best friend, and my biggest inspiration.


Lastly, I want to thank you. Yes... you, the person reading this very post.  Without you, I would not be able to do this... make a career out of the biggest passion in my life.  Whether you know me personally or not, are a friend or family member, or just someone who enjoys my music, it doesn't matter; without you, I would not be able to do this.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You're the reason I can be free in my art.  I promise to grow old with you, and deliver a lifetime of music.  


God Bless.