Essential, Random and Frivolous Thoughts of a Cabinet Maker

I’m not sure, but I think one of the reasons why I love music so much is because of the short journey it takes us on. Audibly, emotionally and the images we create in our minds while riding this melodic wave.

There are other ways to journey through similar stories, but not quite like a song. And I guess I do see them as short stories. Maybe it’s the visuals created within me along with the fluid movement and sounds of the instruments that capture the attention of my mind and body – as short as it can be. It’s the perfect mix. Words and melody.

It’s a structured format – the framing of the words that tells the story – that seems to reach deep within and stir our emotions while the melody and rhythms of the chosen instruments seep down to our core and hijack our psyche as we replay the melody in our minds over and over throughout the rest of the day.

It captured my attention even at a young age. I’m not sure there is anything else that can create and envelop us as thoroughly and completely – saturating so many of our senses like music. What a gift.

And being able to play an instrument and participate in that story is a very significant ingredient for me. And something I don’t take for granted – no matter how average I am. I’m not just audience member, I’m creating that journey and maybe just maybe, stirring some emotions within someone – if I could be so lucky.

I chose this title because of the dichotomy of these words; Creative and Grind. One of them should bring about curiosity, playfulness, exploration, free-form experimentation and freedom. The other, a repetitious act of trudging through a task – more times than not, begrudgingly – in order to gain a desired outcome.

They seem to be at opposite sides of the spectrum. Yet, sometimes we can view our creativity as such. When I resist the act of creating, I believe it comes from having the wrong expectations. I’m a bit obsessive and a control-freak or whatever other word applies to someone who goes into a situation with – much of the time – unrealistically high expectations of the results.

However, having that attitude is most contrary to entire creative process. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is real value to “the grind” and here is how I would define it today: Showing up daily to put in a full effort in order to accomplish a desired goal or outcome regardless of how you feel about sitting down and doing the work. And yes, baked into that grind is a discipline that brings you back to that same desk day after day.

This seems to be one of the key lynch pins for me as I stack these creative bricks one at a time. Or another way of saying it, is climbing the grand staircase one step at a time. And yes, that one step can seem so simple . . . we skip it. However, after keeping your nose down day after day and stringing these daily wins together for a decent amount of time, you might just lift your head and see how far you’ve come – one step at a time.

This is progress.

I was reminded once again this last weekend of the power of stillness. There is, no doubt, power in this deliberate choice. There is clarity as well. It would also seem that there is a sense of freedom.

The liberation of breaking free from the chaos and white noise in the world around us as well as in our own heads. An intentional choice to not allow the distractions of life to derail our minds from what is truly important – the stillness within.

The go go go is not an efficient model of success. Not in any field. However, reflection, planning, quiet and intentional steps forward can be. With an honest assessment of the result in order to adjust our compass along the way.

We’re more comfortable with the movement, the distractions and the noise, but stillness is where all the work gets done.

Slowing down and allowing people to be who they are – without judgement – in the moment is quite difficult for me. And it’s something I want to work on.

Yet, there are so many kind and loving people in the world that have and are continuing to do just that. Mother Teresa was a master at it. She was able to see the best version of that person deep within their eyes no matter what their outer appearance showed her. Especially when she walked the streets in one of the most poverty-stricken places in the world!

I’m almost embarrassed that I’m unable to see others in their best light when I come across them in my daily life. Whether that’s loved ones around me or people I don’t know. Especially when I already have so much to be grateful for myself.

What purpose does it serve us to cast a shadow over them as we judge with the harshest of measuring sticks? Most likely it’s because it’s a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.

Maybe we can learn to accept people for where they are in that moment and realize their human beings having an experience of this world doing the best they can with the tools they have. Just like us.

The sun rises once again over the mountains, valley’s and cities below. Another day is upon us and here we are with an opportunity to begin again.

Although it can feel to many of us that it’s the continuation of the previous days – stuck in a pattern that we are unable to clearly define, nor understand how to break ourselves free – we can start anew.

We can begin in this moment to move in a different direction and take on new tasks with a changed perspective and attitude which will take us to new places one single action taken at a time.

Every day is a chance to re-define ourselves looking to become the person we intend to be. That is, if we can find the courage to do so.

The choice is ours.