by Shawn Washburn | Apr 13, 2020 | 30WORDS |
During the month of April, I’m writing 30 Words for 30 Days: Thoughts from Six Feet Away, one topic per day. Find out why here.
“CREATE”
Now is the time to create.
Whatever side passion you have, that was looking for time to grow — well, here it is.
You’ve been given an official invitation to get after it, to take the next step.
I think we’re going to look back on this moment and see it as the birth of so much creativity, innovation, art and expression.
Not only is there more time than we’ve ever had in our schedules to create, but there is more reason as well.
Everything is changing right now.
Out of necessity, yes.
But it is opening up eyes as to what is possible, not just for now, but for the future.
What Are You Creating?
What is your passion?
Is it art? Writing? Food? Music?
Maybe it’s something that’s been tucked away in your closet and you’ve always wanted to get back into it.
Why not now?
Get out that instrument. Dust off those paints. Start a new document on your computer and start writing.
Sometimes it takes something monumental like our current global situation to make us reassess and try something.
Or, maybe you’ve been plugging along for years, doing this thing on the side but never giving it the real attention it deserves.
Now is the time to invest in it, to nurture it, to share it.
I’ve loved watching so many ways that this has been happening.
The nightly online living room jam sessions from musicians.
Martial arts and fitness instructors going live, opening up opportunities to connect and share with people all over the world.
Writers writing. Comedians making us laugh. Artists creating sidewalk art to brighten days and encourage.
Get After It
So, whatever it is for you, I want you to seize this moment to take the next step with it and share it with others.
The world is looking for hope, encouragement, positivity, life-giving art.
We need what you have.
So make it a point to do what you need to do this week to put it out there.
It might make you nervous. You might be scared about what others will think.
But you have a charge to use your gift to better the world. It’s part of why it was given to you.
So write that post. Perform that song. Paint that picture.
With your style, your angle, your unique perspective.
Go create.
by Shawn Washburn | Apr 7, 2020 | 30WORDS |
During the month of April, I’m writing 30 Words for 30 Days: Thoughts from Six Feet Away, one topic per day. Find out why here.
“MUSIC”
There are a lot of things that fascinate me about the way we humans were designed.
I’m especially curious about parts of us that have nothing to do with survival instinct or anything like that.
God’s creative add-ons, per se, just for effect.
Our ability to laugh, our creativity, personalities, noses are on the list….
And near the top is how we’re moved by music.
It always amazes me what music can do to us and for us.
It is truly amazing.
To all my creative music-creating, song-writing, arrangement orchestrating friends… thank you.
How it Moves Us
There are many reasons we may choose to listen to music.
It can pump us up before a big game or when we’re working out.
It can take us to far away places.
It can reassure us when we’ve lost our way or are anxious.
It can console us when we’ve lost something dear to us.
It can tell us a story.
It can resonate with us and show us we belong.
It can sneak into the back door and make us feel certain things as background music in a movie or tv show.
Bottom line is that there is a receiver within us that is tuned in to the music of our lives.
Some Of My Favorites
In these uncertain days, I’ve often come back to some of my favorite worship music.
It’s incredible that I forget how well it can settle my soul and redirect my heart.
I’ve got several playlists on Spotify and if they were people all in a room together it would be quite an awkward dinner party.
Worship. Weird Al. Greatest Showman. Best of 80s. Vacation playlists. Workout playlists. Rock. Instrumental. Pop. Hip-hop. Yes, even some T Swift in there.
And yet each has their own purpose.
It’s like having a musical appetite.
Sometimes you feel like having this. Sometimes that.
But the wrong thing at the wrong time just isn’t a fit.
The Power of Music
As you’re reading this, I’m sure you can resonate with how a certain song at a certain time can hit you right in the chest.
Music can break through hardened hearts.
Music can embolden the anxious spirit.
Music can be a vessel that delivers exactly what we need… right now.
So, if you’ve found yourself getting caught up in news feed after news feed of negativity, fear, doom and you feel stuck….
Grab some earbuds, find some of your favorite music and create a playlist that can be your go-to to reset your mind and get you back on track.
