Hello fellow listeners! Many thanks to all who've subscribed and followed. I'm having a blast with this project and eager to see it grow.

As the host of "Listen to Love," I've been sharing my journey of learning guitar and exploring the transformative power of music. Yesterday felt like a milestone on this path; I shared my story in a meeting, which opened up an inspiring conversation about the barriers many face in pursuing musicianship.

We discussed how people often feel they're not "allowed" to access musicianship, or how life's hardships and challenges get in the way. Many become overwhelmed by imposter syndrome or insecurity. Reflecting on my own journey, I've experienced all these feelings at one time or another. I'm incredibly grateful to have arrived at a place of self-love and confidence. If you've ever felt these things and wanted to play music, I hope my story inspires you to try.

I left the meeting feeling inspired and excited to explore these topics further in the podcast and in my daily life as my musical journey unfolds. Last night marked a pivotal moment in this adventure – I performed my very first original song at a songwriters circle.

The song, fittingly titled "Listen to Love," is the culmination of a few weeks of practice and a lifetime of emotions. Standing there, guitar in hand, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. I'm working hard to overcome a lifelong struggle with stage fright.

Even when doing karaoke with friends, I've experienced intense physical reactions – nausea, shakiness, forgetting lyrics or chords. I find myself unsure where to look or how to stand. The guitar, at least, gives me something to hold onto, both literally and figuratively.

This experience has been both exhilarating and challenging. I'm thrilled to share my music with an audience and am preparing for my first open mic on Monday at the Colony in Woodstock (I’d love to see you there!).

But mostly, I felt good. There's something incredibly validating about sharing a piece of yourself through music and having others listen.

I know I'm not alone in this. Many musicians, both amateur and professional, grapple with performance anxiety. So, I'm turning to you, my dear listeners, for support and advice. Can you relate to these feelings? How do you manage stage fright? What strategies have worked for you when performing?

Your experiences and insights could be invaluable not just for me, but for others in our community who are on similar journeys. Let's create a dialogue about overcoming these challenges and embracing the joy of sharing our music.

Remember, it's never too late to start, to learn, to grow. Whether you're picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after a long hiatus, every small step is a victory. Let's celebrate these moments together and continue to listen to love in all its forms.

Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below. Let's support each other in our musical adventures!

#ListenToLove #BeginnerMusician #StageFright #MusicCommunity

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