I had some great days in the studio last week. My album is sounding better all the time. I should be flying high.
But when I got done recording in Chicago on Friday, I had a 2 hour-drive back home. That’s when the self-doubt crept in. I started to spiral a bit, feeling down. This happens to me frequently, usually when I’m nearing the end of a project and fearing what others will think of it.
The good news is, I’ve been dealing with this pattern long enough to know my way out of the despair. As counterintuitive as it sounds, for me, the way out of feeling insecure is to go support someone else. In an instant, I can go from powerless to powerful, from scared to confident and full of purpose.
So that’s just what I did. I drove to Madison on Saturday to see my friends Ernie and Brian play at the Bur Oak. They’re two of my favorite musicians, and I knew they needed to fill seats. Being there for them reminded me that I have a lot to give, even when I feel low.
Especially then.
Reader, this week, if you feel lost and worried that the world is giving up on you, go make the world better for someone else. Giving hope to others is a silver bullet for hopelessness. Let’s get out and be there for each other this week, and I’ll see you next Monday. -Em
