It was a beautiful spring morning.
The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, but I wasn’t feeling it. Actually, I felt as if my world was crashing down around me. Okay, maybe a bit melodramatic, but man I was bummed!
I was 18 and my band was on the verge of a label deal. This was it I thought, my BIG break!
Then, in the blink of one band meeting gone sour, everything changed. Two band members stormed out. We had officially broken up. Label deal off the table.
So there I was, feeling completely deflated. What should I do now I wondered? Did I even want to keep doing music? It was too hard I told myself.
I needed a sign.
A sign that told me that I was on the right path; that I just needed to stay the course.
And there it was.
Big and yellow and staring me in the face:
CAUTION: BUMP IN ROAD
I started laughing so hard I had to pull the car over.
Yup! The truth was this was not the end (of course) but merely the beginning. Fast-forward a bunch of years and guess what, I’m still here! Still doing what I love and in more ways than I could ever have imagined.
When you embark on a music career, or any endeavor for that matter, know that there are going to be bumps, possibly even a pothole or two, along the way. Some you’ll see coming, others will sneak up on you and leave you on the side of the road with a flat tire and a broken axel. But if you’re doing what you love, stay the course!
The truth is, we need the bumps. The bumps help us to grow, to learn, to dig deep within ourselves and find our magic. Sure, some bumps can be avoided with skillful navigation, but others you have to ride right over with a smile on your face, hair blowing wildly in the wind!
Need help navigating? Give me a shout!
Great reminder Jennifer that we all NEED the bumps in the road. The smooth sailing trip does not serve to have us become the leaders and experts we need to be. The bumps are there to strengthen our resolve, have us question what we are doing and how, and perhaps pay more attention to our surroundings. A simple bump serves so many purposes!
Such an important story! Where we think we need to go is rarely where we really need to go! In fact, the detours are SO often the true path! We just don’t see it at the time! Love it!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Great post! We all know that there will be bumps in the road, but when we’ve hit a particularly “big”, challenging, or painful one, we certainly can use a sign or someone to remind us that all will work itself out!! I love how that sign just appeared at the moment you really needed it and how you were able to notice it and take in the message!!
What a great post! Sometimes we forget that we can ask for directions and other times we simply don’t pay attention to the ones right in front of our eyes.
Life is full of bumps. Any career, entrepreneurship, relationship has its bumps. Thank you for that reminder – just knowing this helps us to be prepared.
Here’s another truth. As we get more experienced, knowledgeable, and confident, the bumps don’t seem as big. Some of them even turn into tiny blips. What seems like the end of the world for a two year old is perhaps a fleeting disappointment for a ten year old. What feels like the end of the world for a teenager might be an annoyance or for an adult, or something that they shrug their shoulders in puzzlement. As we gain maturity, we, thankfully, see life through a different lens.
I love it when synchronicity prevails and gives you info you absolutely have to embrace. I also love it when it sends me into gales of laughter. Thanks for reminding me, Jennifer.
Great post, and a good reminder to not let the “bumps” stop you. We all have them, no matter what we pursue. I had a lot happen to me (2 family member deaths and a relationship breakup close together), and this all eroded my confidence, which was lacking when I was younger. But I’ve always wanted to be a singer-songwriter, and now I’m finally going for it! 🙂
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. One of the things I’ve learned about the “bumps” is that not only do they help us to grow and discover who we really are, but they also help us to better understand and genuinely care about others. I really understand about confidence. Being true to yourself as an artist takes chutzpah! I applaud your brave leap and I’m waving my pom-poms wildly cheering you on!!!! Please let me know if I can help in any way 🙂
Great post Jennifer!! I love how you pulled me in with your story. Man have we all been there. It’s so important to pick yourself up and get going again. Really what’s the alternative? Besides, you never know what’s around the corner. Thanks for the encouragement. You rock!
So true Heather! You really never know what’s around the corner and often it’s something even better! 🙂
Thanks again, Jennifer! It’s still a bit scary to totally change from being an office admin worker…at times I feel I don’t know where to start! I’ll certainly get in touch with you for help…:)
You’re most welcome! Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Baby steps count too. Every single step that you take in the direction of your goals and dreams gets you that one step closer. I’d love to help you! Send me and e-mail or give me a call and we’ll talk!