Monday, October 10, 2011

Manton Avenue Musings Part II

I thought it only fitting to share this evening's musical inspiration. Not that anyone actually reads this blog of mine...but if you do, lady or gent, this is Andrew Belle.


http://youtu.be/ymJvCqECR44      

Manton Avenue Musings

From the cozy recliner of my sister's living room, I am relishing the beautiful sounds of Andrew Belle and recounting the details of the last few weeks of my life. Three weeks ago, I stepped onto a plane headed for Philadelphia. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived but I knew that this would be one of those days that would signify the moment in my life where I finally pushed through the paralysis of fearing the unknown and took a leap of faith. Starting a new job isn't necessarily the most "adventurous" thing a person can do, but for this girl, it was a big step. And it's not just the new job. It's the travel across the country, the move to Chicago and the vulnerability of making myself more visible musically. It's doing things that are totally uncomfortable and unfamiliar to me.

Not everything is uncomfortable or unfamiliar though. Some things are so welcome and wonderful and everything I've ever wanted. I'm feeling challenged and changed. Pursued and positioned. Interested and intrigued. I'm thrilled to see where it all leads. And so I'm taking it as it comes to me...one day at a time, one challenge at a time, one beautiful adventure at a time. I am meeting the most captivating people on this journey. I feel like each person is a character in this life story that I'm writing. People are everything I had hoped they would be and nothing that I thought they would be. Each character is telling me their own incredible story through their music, adventures, their art and hospitality. It gives me hope and inspiration and a desire to push myself to reach beyond the ordinary.

This is really just the prelude of my journey. There is still so much more to be lived, learned and fulfilled. I reflect as I go. Mostly out of disbelief and awe at the beauty of change and second chances. But also because reflection is a wonderful catalyst for growth. I want to learn, grow, change, reflect, respond, and look back at life 50 years from now with no further regret but contentment at a life lived to its fullest potential.