My husband Paul and I caught up with some friends last weekend who we hadn’t seen in years. It was great to fill in the gaps and listen to people’s journey from school to middle age. Eek middle age did I really say that!
I am always interested to see who is happy because I know for certain wealth, material possessions and a successful career do not equal happiness. I also know the sure way to unhappiness is to stifle creativity and to stop doing what you were born to do. Our friend David was the classic example of this.
When I first met David he was a musician and that’s how I always remembered him. To me musicians are a unique bunch of people. I believe they are so blessed to have been gifted to play a musical instrument, especially as a profession, or who are musically talented.
From a little girl singing with my hair brush in front of my bedroom mirror pretending I was Sally Boyden from Young Talent Time, I have always wished I was a musician. So I was a bit in awe of David and his talent.
Never turn your back on your gifts!
What I didn’t realize though was that David had given up playing music for 25 years. The impact of this was a whole lot of misery. Musicians have music in their hearts, it is their calling, their way to communicate with the world. To give that up and to stifle creativity is a sure way to unhappiness. Thankfully David’s children couldn’t sit back and watch him going beyond crazy anymore, so they put a guitar back in his hands.
The result is a newly launched EP called Palisade. You must read his intro to the EP below – it is absolute gold!
Heartfelt words
The songs on this EP were recorded over 4 days at LoveHz Studio Sydney between Tuesday May the 4th (yep #Maythe4th) & Friday 13th (yep #blackfriday) 2016. It was the most joyous emotional experience. I demo’ed 6 songs & we recorded 5. These were the first songs I’d written in over 25 years & the first time in a recording studio in even longer.
I started the session crying, got a little drunk in the middle & finished off shedding another tear or two. (hey I’m an emotional drunk just like the rest of you). But, the most surprising & unsurprising thing about this recording session/project was reconnecting with an old friend, who unlike the rest of us (you know who I mean) did not give up on the dream of Music as a life choice & he was there when I needed him. Both of us thinking, apparently, over the last 25 years, when is that bastard gunna call me!?
I could go on about the theme of the EP, the meaning behind each song etc. but that would only spoil the journey for you…sufface to say…the ghosts have risen from the swamp & they are free again…
Happiness evdience
If there was ever any evidence needed to prove that:
- Realising your potential brings you happiness
- Embracing your creativity brings your happiness
- Connecting with people who love you and who you love in return brings you happiness
- Doing the stuff that brings you joy and makes your heart sing, brings you happiness
Then the creation of this EP is all the evidence we need.
If you are unhappy…
Take some time to consider if you are acting on the evidence listed above. If you are not, can I encourage you to follow in David’s footsteps. Go out on a limb, be bold, live your life on purpose and don’t ever turn your back on your potiental, your creativity and your uniqueness.
“The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become” – Ben Herbster
Be happy, colour the world.
Claire
PS If you want some help to become a happier person my new book Happy Art – How to invest in your wellbeing could be just what you need.
PSS If you want to support a local musician and listen to some great music click below to listen and then head on over to iTunes to buy. You can also connect with David on his FB page here.
I started today so sad. So so sad. Had a really rough morning and to be honest felt hopeless. Thank god for you and your blog. Your story hit me very close to home. I know I lift in spirit and happiness when I am singing, writing music, playing music and dancing to music. I felt inspired to listen to your friend’s cd and inspired to sit at my piano or pick up my guitar. Even the anticipation of doing that filled my heart with happiness. Thanks so much for sharing your story and for never failing to inspire. Thank you also for the gift of your beautiful book. With Christmas around the corner, I hope people consider purchasing it for a gift for someone they love. I know I was beyond thrilled to receive one.
Nikki thank you so much for your vulnerable and heartfelt comments. I am so sorry to hear that you had a rough morning, sometimes the sun hides behind the clouds for a while but it will appear again. In the meantime make sure you follow that inspiration and reconnect with your musical talents because that will most certainly bring you joy. Sending much love your way.