Hey My Friends,
This post comes to you in the middle of some confusing life events!
I don’t mean for confusing to sound bad. Some of this time has been quite pleasant and exciting. I’ve been reflecting, contemplating, laughing a little and living a lot. I’ve also been getting a LOT of writing done–just not the kind I initially planned on months ago.
The plan was to write new music to release to the world. And Specifically the plan was to release a new single and a video to go with it this month. The song’s been written and rewritten. I have vision boards for the video, costumes, a set budget, I’ve rehearsed and gathered a creative team.
I’ve even circled dates in red ink and made public annoucements on YouTube, IG, Facebook, and here in my newsletter.
Which is why it pains me to admit right now, that it just may not happen this summer.
Why? So far Life has other plans. I’m still learning to balance my many ambitions and passions. I’m still learning how to live as a fully integrated being–Brain, Body and Soul.
I’m still learning when to push through and when to let go of particular timelines and deadlines. Especially since I set most of them myself.
I know that I want to live my life on the Divine timing I believe is set for us all. I would go completely bonkers if I didn’t believe that sometimes I just don’t know best: no matter what I think I know there is a Force that knows more and that is totally OK.
It’s great, actually. I don’t want to be that responsible.
I secretly picked a single release date. One I only advertised once:
June 10th.
June 10th was the day circled on my calendar in red marker. I designed a whole marketing strategy for July and August that included the launch of my new website. All of this is done.
The one thing that isn’t done is the song.
I haven’t recorded the song.
Almost every possible aspect of my life has “gotten in the way” (I use that phrase lightly) of me being able to complete recording.
First it was my health. Then it was my finances. Then it was my other passions and so on.
I have been frustrated, trust me. But I never stay there for long. I don’t have the bandwith for it. So after a little frustration I get still and I listen for messages that can help me gain more understanding.
Two big messages have come my way that I’d like to share with you:
1. I was at a conference about a month ago and one of the brilliant women who spoke said this “It’s not always about when the time is right, but when the time is RIPE.”
In other words, an apple on a tree for instance, can look ready to be eaten. YET if it’s still in the tree, you shouldn’t pull and tug; it isn’t ripe. When it’s ripe it will fall off on it’s own–right into your hand. Then it’s time to feast.
2. Sunday I spoke with the pastor of a church that is going through a rough transitional time. “I just try to think of this time as a slingshot. We are the rock being pressed between the rubberband. It feels like we’re going back, we are going back, but we’ll come out further ahead. We are going to be shot forward. Way past the point we started from”
This really got me.
In that moment. I got it. It applied so easily to this “confusing” time in my life. A time when I’m looking for my happy middle with my ambitions and my flow. I got it.
I am in the rock in the slingshot.
Sometimes it feels like I am back. Waaaaay back behind where I began. And sometimes I am! But I know THIS IS OK. Life is not linear. This is why deadlines can easily be obsolete.
Maybe you feel like you’re experiencing some kind of setback. Maybe you had some money saved for a trip and had to spend it on hospital bills or maybe you met someone you thought was the one and it fell apart.
Whatever the situation I’m encouraging you to think about the apple: remember when it’s ripe, you’ll trip right over it.
I’m encouraging you to think about the slingshot: when you feel the pressure be grateful for you are the rock that will shoot forward. Buckle up and get ready!
I am excited for what is to come. I know with all the writing I’ve been doing that at the very least I’ll have a lot of material for a book or a future album! 😀
In the meantime, I’ll keep you guys posted on when new music and other projects are just about to fall from the tree. Right now I’m giving myself permission to let things be what they’ll be. Low pressure is good sometimes.
So my darling, if you could use some permission, consider this letter your sign. Take it in and breathe a little. Sip some mint tea. Or Sleepytime tea or you know, whatever floats your tea cup.
And definitely keep truckin along. Keep living. Stay buoyant and open and ready for the enormous catapulting leap that is your birthright.
In Love and In Song,
Jillian
P.S. Please share this post with someone you know who needs encouragement! Spread it around!