In my last post, I looked back on the year that was.
And now here we are. In 2016. My 29th year on this earth is underway and life continues to run before me at a rate of knots. Time seems to be speeding up and there is nothing any of us can do about it. Except to embrace it. Enjoy it. And use it purposefully.
So instead of a resolution as such, I pledge to myself that 2016 is the year I will put myself out there. Beyond my comfort zone.
Let me explain..
Everybody has dreams. You have goals. Things you want to achieve. For me, much of that lies within the music I write together with my husband. And I have to say that as Ben and I sat down to review our year, we were able to see the small steps and sometimes even leaps that we have taken. The progress and, for lack of a better word, success we have seen through our music.
But it feels that much of it was indeed small steps – which is fine. But now it is time to turn those small steps into giant leaps.
But then there’s the fear…
…of rejection mostly. And failure.
For all the work you put in – no-one is interested. All those emails you sent and no-one replied. It happens. Until eventually, someone does reply. Someone who gets you. Who cares about you. Your work. Your art.
And you are encouraged to keep going.
And when I have my down moments – and they will come (usually when I feel the rejection and failure – however small), I will remind myself of these three statements… They will be my mantra (coming from the yogi in me) for 2016:
- Surround yourself with those who believe in you. Your own community. Allow them to build you up.
- “Keep your eyes on the prize” as they say. Aim for that goal – you got this!
- Pray. And the right doors will open.
So no, I don’t have a resolution as such, but I do intend to push myself beyond my comfort zone in my music, my blogging and all my endeavours to see what 2016 really does have in store for me, if I give it a chance. I will knock on those doors and trust that God will unlock the right ones.
2016 is the year! Here goes…
Lately more than ever, I feel like I have so many thoughts buzzing around in my head.
Ideas… goals… dreams… wonderings… questions…
So I am going to start on here in the hope that I will blog more regularly… to write… to record… to process… to engage…with myself mostly (as a way of organising my thoughts) but also the world around me.
We have lived in Stockholm, Sweden for almost two years and a lot has happened in this time: including big shifts in perspective and a major career change for both of us. But I still have questions… the main one being: What next?
A question that is tinged with excitement – yet lingers so very dauntingly as it reaches out into the unknown.
I feel that i should say at this point that we have no plans to not continue to be here… but I want to stay open to God’s plan for us, our lives, our music… and I truly believe that the question of ‘What next?’ is one to be embraced… and not to shy away from.
So over these mellandagarna (middle days in Sweden – the days between Christmas and New Year), this question is one i will ponder carefully…
And on that note, I will finish this train of thought with a quote that I came across recently:
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
– Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the current president of Liberia and the first female head of state in Africa:
Sometimes I don’t feel particularly inspired. In fact, I often feel very uninspired. Not good for a songwriter or a freelancer!
And then I read this by Seth Godin. Well, actually Ben showed it to me. In his own words: Seth is a writer, a speaker and an agent of change.
And his words are pretty inspiring:
—
Abbey Ryan has painted a new painting every day for 8 years.
Isaac Asimov published 400 books, by typing every day.
This is post #6000 on this blog.
Writer’s block is a myth, a recent invention, a cultural malady.
More important than the output, though, is the act itself. The act of doing it every day. When you commit to a practice, you will certainly have days when you don’t feel like it, when you believe it’s not your best work, when the muse deserts you. But, when you keep your commitment, the muse returns. When you keep your commitment, the work happens.
It doesn’t matter if anyone reads it, buys it, sponsors it or shares it. It matters that you show up.
Show up, sit down and type. (Or paint).
—
Thank you Seth Godin. I needed that.
So our Kickstarter campaign is well underway – thank you so much if you have already given to help make our new album a reality! How are we doing? Well, with 10 days to go, we need just under 10,000 Swedish kronor to be fully funded – that is roughly $1,100 or £720.
That’s right – we’re 65% of the way there! Here are a few ways we’d love for you to be a part of our new album, ‘Echoes Of Wonder’, which with your support, we plan to release at the end of October…
- Back the project on Kickstarter: how about a bamboo USB stick, an awesome tote bag, or a signed CD (amongst many exciting rewards)?
- Share our music or Kickstarter campaign with your friends
- Join with us on Facebook or Instagram as we continue on this musical journey together.
Doing this one-off fundraising campaign has been such an encouragement to us. Many generous and unexpected people have given to our music making, and we are SO grateful for all this support.
So thank you again.
With every blessing,
Anita x
Many of us like things to be unique. To tell a story. We want art. Creativity. Beauty.
If you have been following me, you will be aware of our current Kickstarter campaign. But this post is not about us. This post is about other independent creative friends who have interesting projects I am choosing to support. They have all chosen to pursue their passion (often in place of steady, stable jobs) which is truly admirable. So if you want to support independent artists…here is a good place to start!
Independent Books
Jess McGlynn – Secrets of the River
Independent author Jess McGlynn has released her first independent book for download on Amazon. I am currently half way through and enjoying the plot twists and turns immensely. As it turns out…some secrets just can’t remain hidden…
Way to go Jess!
Independent Film
My ex-colleague and friend, Joseph Bentil, has taken a career change of late (although he has always been involved in acting), and has played many supporting roles in Independent films. I have yet to download the independent film Sweetboy, which they have had success in being shortlisted for San Francisco Black Film Festival in June 2015 and the 2014 American Black Film Festival in New York. This is just awesome!
You can also support the Kickstarter for one of his latest projects, The Receptionist.
Music
The extremely talented Mara Simpson, who we knew from our university days, is going from strength to strength and celebrated the release of her debut EP this year! You can support her by buying her music from her online store here. We’re looking forward to the next chapter Mara!
Music – CEDM
If this is more your thing, you must must must check out the incredible giftings of CEDM producer Levi Whalen. We were fortunate to collaborate with him (from afar) when he remixed one of our tracks earlier this year. His latest release, Timelines is not to be missed!
Artist
Mercy Kagia is an artist and friend, who we met in London, during the five years that we lived there. unique style. Her artwork captures the most important details in its simplicity. Beauty in its fullest. You can find Mercy on Facebook. Oh…and we may have commissioned her to do a portrait for Salt of the Sound! Coming soon…
You guys are inspiring. Never stop chasing your dreams! x
Photo credits: All the artists’ own work.
