8 years ago today, I woke on a friend's couch.
Sunlight pierced my eye like an arrow through my skull.
All my belongings and my guitar, in two duffel bags on the floor.
An evening of high emotions had led to a unplanned exit from what was once my family home.
Recovering from the aftermath of the night before, my head pounding and every part of me feeling what it would be like perhaps 40 years from now, I was strangely aware of an unfamilar yet safe feeling that despite the uncomfortable uncertainty of what was to come next, I was exactly where I needed to be.
So began a journey of not just self discovery, but also self-RE-discovery. A challenging journey of mental, emotional and physical level-ups. Years of learning not just who I was, but who I had become and who I wanted to be.
It's often too easy to become a creature of habit; a creature of comfort; falling into the tempting embrace of an ambiguous existence.
Following the well beaten path is not always the right road for you, and it's not until you fall over (several times) that your direction becomes clear.
Hard times can break you. But if you persist; if you survive; if you learn and keep growing; if you continue to love and continue to strive to be the best version of yourself you can... then the hard times can be your chrysalis. The catalyst for your own evolution.
Time is the great equalizer and is neither a friend nor foe.
It is just the playing field in which we live our lives. If I've learned anything in my life, it's that there is no greater ally than your belief in yourself.
Support this by filling your world with what adds value your spirit, cultivates your emotions and challenges your mind and body.
Let go of what detracts from your constant creation - shed that which no longer serves you. Do this without hatred or contempt. Like standing in the water, you can allow the wave to carry you out and drown you, or you can allow it to wash over and cleanse you so you can keep walking forward.
Be grateful for all the universe brings to you. Allow life to bring you new connections - some of these will be short; others will be to stay. Some will bring you lessons, and others will be joyful. These are all the moments to cherish and learn from.
8 years ago, was the the start of my evolution.
Keep evolving. Keep learning. Keep loving.
