I hope everyone is hanging in there and staying safe. I know I can’t wait to get back out there with my fellow musicians and start jamming and making music. In the meantime, in between lots of cooking and working on a 5000 piece puzzle, I’m taking a couple online music classes to improve my understanding of music theory and how to record and produce music. Trying to do what I can to keep the mind active and off the chaos I have no control over.
Just like many things in life that look overwhelming, it’s just one piece at a time, and before you know it…
I’ll have to admit, since I got laid off, it’s been hard to keep a regular schedule. I think, like many people, until your life has some stability, it’s hard to look into the future and concentrate on the things that bring you joy. Even though you have all the time in the world, sometime you just can’t get yourself motivated to get things done. And that is a normal reaction to to what is going on all around us.
It’s that normal fight, flight, or freeze reaction that happens when you feel threatened. For me, I’m pretty quick to recognize it and funnel that anxiety into constructive projects and things that keep my mind off the things I can’t control. Which is why I think I’ve not been motivated to practice or dive into my music as much as I would like. It reminds me of the world I just lost, the world I’ve worked so hard to create. I miss my music community, so when I think about music, I think about those I miss and who I’m ready to be with again.
The great thing is, I know at some point this will all be over and we will be able to gather again. For me, it’s time to get back on a regular practice schedule, find some numbers I’m excited about performing, and start prepping for jams and the next round of open mics. I’ve also been channeling some ideas into the ol’ songwriting journal. Not letting all this time go to waste!
For me, it’s time to say, “Oh Coro-no you better don’t” and get back to music. I let myself have some time to react to the changing world with fun projects and food, which I think is good for mental health. But so is a regular schedule, goals and objectives. The schedule is created and it’s time to get back on track. I certainly need to work on my guitar skills. They are still not ready for prime time as they say. However, I was working on a number for a March open mic on piano that could make its way online at some point. ;)
Wishing everyone the best through this trying time. Help if you can, donate if you can, cheer for the heroes if you can. Most of all, stay home, stay safe, and wash your hands!
(Hopefully you got the Drag Race reference. If not, now is the time to binge!)
Took 13 days, but I did get it all put together.