As Chapter 25 comes to a close, Chapter 26 begins. That mid life crisis that people talk about getting by age 25, is now beginning to hit me at age 26 really hard. The moment I realized that I am an official adult didn’t quite hit me until a couple of days ago after my birthday, when I got the very adult wake up call of questioning everything I’ve been doing for 26 years, what I have accomplished so far, and what areas in my life that I am still growing. One of my proudest accomplishments this year, was finally taking the very brave step to launch my music career, and then finally releasing my first album, Days In The Midwest, on August 26th. But of course just like any year it was met with me dealing with my demons, my insecurities, getting in my own way, and essentially being my own worst enemy. Many of my performances this year I had recorded, but I hated the quality of the videos, or was not pleased with the way I looked, and sounded. My toxic obsession with perfection, and maintaining a certain image has been my biggest obstacle, and downfall as an artist, and on a personal level.

If there is one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that hard too much perfection is a mistake. I’ve learned to trust, and rely on myself, and the process, more than I rely on other people to help me get things done. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be anybody but myself to be successful. I’ve learned that opportunities seem to flow to me easily when I’m in alignment with myself. I’ve learned that hard times will always reveal true friends. I’ve learned that I am healed when I’m no longer mad at the pain, people, or problems that the Universe used to process me. Here’s to much more success, starting over, and substantial growth.