When I read articles, or see photos or documentaries about people wanting scale the highest, most treacherous mountains on earth, I never think, wow, I’d really like to do that someday. I mostly think they’re a bit crazy, but then again, putting myself in that kind of physical risk for the exhilaration and challenge of a climb just isn’t for me. To each their own.
But I do know that what these intrepid mountaineers and myself have in common are the passionate desire and dedication to see our endeavors through. With the release of my fourth and latest album, Impossible Journey Of My Soul Tonight, I’m not so much having a “mountain top” moment right now — though my music career has had quite a few stunning moments — but instead feeling of sense of closure at having achieved this focused vision. My new album and all the art and music videos associated it with are, I am certain, my most complete vision of my musical and artistic expression to date. In short, I’m incredibly proud of it, and feel very artistically fulfilled.
Still, there is a feeling of exhaustion at the end of this journey, which started more than a year ago with finalizing songs, creating my demo, sourcing recording personnel, a PR company, filmmakers, a photographer, recording the album, mixing, mastering, editing music videos, creating a campaign plan, updating my online presence, setting the album up for distribution, and so much more. It’s no wonder I feel like I just got off of a roller coaster (perhaps the Matterhorn?) and am feeling a bit whiplashed.
This is also coupled with a sense of loss. Loss that the album didn’t “get out there” enough. Loss that I believed in it so much, my best work yet, and feeling it’s just not getting heard. But all this, too, I’m realizing is part of the journey. I’ve done all I could, and then some, and there’s deep satisfaction and resolve in knowing you’ve truly done your best. Sometimes, the final outcome is just out of our hands.
So overall, despite the feelings of fulfillment coupled with exhaustion and some loss, I am nonetheless strengthened by this journey. And also a bit more free… relieved of some kind of karmic burden. A soul’s purpose. I’ve done my work here, for now, artistically and otherwise.
It’s my wish as I close this chapter soon that you, too, are following your soul’s purpose… whatever it may be. Because I truly believe that is our calling here — to turn in, to listen, and act in the ways our souls need us to in order to nurture and express our true being in the world. We need far less hurting in this life, and far more healed and healthy souls.
Thank you for listening to mine. And thank you for being with me on this incredible journey.
