The last couple weeks have been rather busy between a trip home to Hawai'i and catching up from the time out-of-state. But, it was all worth it. While I was in Hawai'i, I got to meet my beautiful niece who was not even a week old. Not only was it wonderful to meet her, it also encapsulated the fresh start 2010 has brought me.
Perhaps other years and times in my life have offered me new starts, but in 2010, I finally took advantage of the fresh starts that stood in front of me. To say 2010 has been a fresh start doesn't quite capture exactly how much has changed in the first three to four months of the year. I've taken opportunities to change who I worked for and what I do for pay. I've taken opportunities to meet new people. I've taken opportunities to experience new things and places. But, what I've been happiest with was the opportunities I've taken to increase the presence of music and writing in my life. It's taken a lot of faith and effort, but I think it's been worth it.
A few nights ago I performed a short set at LawLawPalooza, a fundraiser for University of Arizona's International Law Journal. I played several songs up on O'Malley's stage looking over the crowd. I felt great up there. I'm starting to feel more comfortable performing. I'm starting to have more fun. I'm starting to love it. And as much as I loved being up there, the thing I remember best from that night was something a friend said to me as soon as I got off stage. "What a difference from first year," she remarked. I responded, "I know! I was afraid of the world then."
The changes I have made since the new year have been tremendous. They're put better into perspective though looking at where I am now compared to where I was just a couple years ago, as my friend mentioned. In my first year, I got up on that same stage shy and meek - afraid of my own shadow. Last year I climbed up on that same stage and played a couple of covers and an original I had written years previously. I remember saying to friends who came last year to see me perform, "I hope you savored that because it's not happening again for another couple years." And now, I requested the opportunity to play several of my very own originals (written in the last six months) and felt so much more confident and comfortable up on stage than I had any of the previous times. I even got to announce the EP I had available to purchase and an upcoming show I was playing. How things have changed. Truly, what a difference it was.
2010 hasn't been all easy. In fact, I've had to make some of the most difficult decisions I've ever made since 2010 began. But, what I can say is that 2010 has been kind enough to offer me a fresh start in so many places in my life that need it. And most importantly, I have been brave enough to capture the opportunities. I can only hope the opportunities continue to present themselves. Even if they don't though, I will be proud of what I have accomplished so far and I will be thankful for everything 2010 has given me. After all, I've got a great new job and employer, new songs, new gigs, new friends, new stories, new experiences, and a beautiful new niece. Even if the rest of 2010 is uneventful, my cup will be overflowing with fortune and fresh starts.
Until next time...peace.
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