DEAR
Mind:
I absolutely hate it when someone tells me, “Don’t worry, it’ll be okay.” Or “Just trust in God to lead you to the right place.” I’m a hypocrite, because I say the first one a lot, but the second gets to me even more. I, as a musician, always wonder if it’s worthwhile to try to pursue my dreams. My dreams of dancing failed in a pretty spectacular way, and I worry that something similar will happen again.
Mind:
I absolutely hate it when someone tells me, “Don’t worry, it’ll be okay.” Or “Just trust in God to lead you to the right place.” I’m a hypocrite, because I say the first one a lot, but the second gets to me even more. I, as a musician, always wonder if it’s worthwhile to try to pursue my dreams. My dreams of dancing failed in a pretty spectacular way, and I worry that something similar will happen again.
I know a lot of people that have similar
worries, and being Christian, when someone voices their worries, the usual
answer, in place of advice, is “Just trust in God.” I’m sorry if you think I’m
being blasphemous or something, but that does not make me feel any better. In
any situation, sitting back and hoping never does anything for me. I need action.
I need to know that I can count on myself to do things. Yes, I believe God
gives me passions and direction, but it’s up to me what to do with them.
I refuse to not take action when there is
even the slightest thing I can do. Most people I know who love music sit in
their rooms and practice, and pray that God will give them a chance. Sorry, but
no chance is going to come your way unless you go out and look for it. I record
music and put it online, I perform when I can, regardless of audience or pay
(or lack thereof in either situation, lol), and I record videos. I enter any
competition I can find, and if a music show comes to town or has open auditions
online, I will be there. I shamelessly annoy people who’s e-mails I find after
long online searches, and because of that, I have a couple great connections in
the music world now.
But even with all of that, nothing
guarantees that I will ever be able to make a living or be recognized for my
music. You think the acting world is cutthroat? Just wait. Talent means
nothing. Connections and sheer luck do. How else do you think terrible singers
get famous? The best talent is in the indie and underground world, where
songwriting is honest and blunt, and being able to play an instrument or two is
almost necessary.
This is what I worry about. When I tell
someone my worries, I don’t want to hear, “God will help you in time.” I want
to hear ideas on what I can do next. God will be there for me, but I already
know that. God is like the current pulling my boat along in life. If I have
perfectly good oars, I’m going to use them, I’m not going to leave them in the
bottom of the boat.
If you worry about something, do
everything you can, even if it’s a little crazy, or you don’t feel prepared.
Taking chances are the only way you’ll ever reach the full potential you were
meant to achieve. Use the oars.
With A Slightly Furrowed Brow,
Joélle.
With A Slightly Furrowed Brow,
Joélle.