Oh my goodness - this comment "Stop being so certain people won’t like you and your artistry. Believe in yourself and your talent." - the reason I gave up on my dream of leading a band for 20 years and only came back to it now, mid-30s. Imagine how far I'd be if I took that advice as a teen when I started guitar!
What a fantastic set of lessons for a younger self! Not many people attain that level of understanding and self-reflection. And thanks for tip - I really have got to try meditation seriously!
We should all write letters to our younger versions. And I can't say enough about meditation. I came to it later in life and it has shifted my world. Thank you, Ann, and keep ROCKIN'. I can so relate. I played guitar for years, payed in a band and many coffeehouses in my younger years, really just for fun. But recently found a producer friend who took me in a studio with songs I had written and fashioned an "album." I'm not sure I would have had the guts to do that with such verve at 25. That 25-year old self would have doubted. But the 66 year old said, "Let's do it!" Your essay reminded me of that transformation. Thank you for that. Sincerely.
I love this series, so thanks, Sari for another great one. And to Ann, this resonated, "Believe in yourself and your talent." So simple and yet, we don't, we forget, we find a way to avoid just sitting with this simple truth. Amen to mediation. Wish I had learned it much earlier in life, xo
Yeah, they’re special instruments. If you’re ever playing in Oregon, let me know and I’ll loan it to you. It sounds amazing. Incredible resonance. Guild reissued them, but I haven’t played one. Mine was from when the factory was in Westerly. Now in Ventura.
Thank you for another wonderful post in this series. My guitar means so much to me. I never played at a pro level, but love guitars. When I was 15, I got my acoustic Guild, an M20 (before the Nick Drake cult following). I was small and it was the right size for me, but of course I felt really self-conscious, it wasn’t a big yellow dreadnaught so popular in the 70s. It was small and mahogany. But I learned to play on it and it will always sound amazing. I feel like I have grown with it, that beautiful resonant bluesy ability to sing that I’ve come to love. Best wishes to you Ann.
Great post! I'm about ten years older than you, and went through a lot of obstacles. I can relate to this and love the idea of talking to your younger self using your well-earned wisdom.
Thank you for reminding us, our inner child is our essence and l for one, have gone back to nurture her through her disappointments and embrace her enthusiasm for life, particularly when out in nature. Approaching 58, l may too write to my inner child re what she too perceived as rejection around that age. Thank you for the inspiration. 🙏💜
This is a good one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ENDYXqYxSI&list=WL&index=6
Also look up Joe Dispenza. He does a lot of lectures on why scientifically meditation is good.
Once you start watching stuff, your feed will fill up with all kinds of stuff. You can pick what resonates with you.
Re the shrug: just shrug it off. Let it roll off your back. Let it go….
Oh my goodness - this comment "Stop being so certain people won’t like you and your artistry. Believe in yourself and your talent." - the reason I gave up on my dream of leading a band for 20 years and only came back to it now, mid-30s. Imagine how far I'd be if I took that advice as a teen when I started guitar!
What a fantastic set of lessons for a younger self! Not many people attain that level of understanding and self-reflection. And thanks for tip - I really have got to try meditation seriously!
We should all write letters to our younger versions. And I can't say enough about meditation. I came to it later in life and it has shifted my world. Thank you, Ann, and keep ROCKIN'. I can so relate. I played guitar for years, payed in a band and many coffeehouses in my younger years, really just for fun. But recently found a producer friend who took me in a studio with songs I had written and fashioned an "album." I'm not sure I would have had the guts to do that with such verve at 25. That 25-year old self would have doubted. But the 66 year old said, "Let's do it!" Your essay reminded me of that transformation. Thank you for that. Sincerely.
Meditating is great advice, as is not taking things personally. I would also add that it's important not to take things too seriously.
I love this series, so thanks, Sari for another great one. And to Ann, this resonated, "Believe in yourself and your talent." So simple and yet, we don't, we forget, we find a way to avoid just sitting with this simple truth. Amen to mediation. Wish I had learned it much earlier in life, xo
I love your singing!
Yeah, they’re special instruments. If you’re ever playing in Oregon, let me know and I’ll loan it to you. It sounds amazing. Incredible resonance. Guild reissued them, but I haven’t played one. Mine was from when the factory was in Westerly. Now in Ventura.
Thank you for another wonderful post in this series. My guitar means so much to me. I never played at a pro level, but love guitars. When I was 15, I got my acoustic Guild, an M20 (before the Nick Drake cult following). I was small and it was the right size for me, but of course I felt really self-conscious, it wasn’t a big yellow dreadnaught so popular in the 70s. It was small and mahogany. But I learned to play on it and it will always sound amazing. I feel like I have grown with it, that beautiful resonant bluesy ability to sing that I’ve come to love. Best wishes to you Ann.
Beautiful
Great post! I'm about ten years older than you, and went through a lot of obstacles. I can relate to this and love the idea of talking to your younger self using your well-earned wisdom.
any particular guided meditations you recommend?
I love this so much, Ann! I think you were talking to 7 year old me, as well. And Today Me :)
Thank you for reminding us, our inner child is our essence and l for one, have gone back to nurture her through her disappointments and embrace her enthusiasm for life, particularly when out in nature. Approaching 58, l may too write to my inner child re what she too perceived as rejection around that age. Thank you for the inspiration. 🙏💜
also- how to do "'the shrug"
Very inspiring. Thank you!