"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~Judy Garland
My husband is a drummer and an amazing drummer if I do say so myself. He is truly gifted. But with so much going on everyday, he doesn't always have the time for his passion. And without his passion, my usually vibrant and energetic husband can quickly start to feel uninspired and deflated. Like so many of us, my husband works hard to be everything for our family and therefore, sometimes forgets to leave a little room for himself. And in my experience, not leaving room for who you are, can lead you to being something else entirely. Let's face it, that's not always the best version of who you truly are.
So last month, I convinced him to take time for himself in some way. Now for some, making time for yourself means taking a walk or doing exercise. For others, it's reading a good book or going out with friends. For my husband, it's playing the djembe drum.
So last month, I convinced him to take time for himself in some way. Now for some, making time for yourself means taking a walk or doing exercise. For others, it's reading a good book or going out with friends. For my husband, it's playing the djembe drum.
It started in our living room. Fifteen minutes each morning before he headed off to work, he played his drum. I watched him as he literally re-birthed the best version of himself each morning before taking on the world. After each session, he seemed more aware, happier and energized. It was inspiring to witness.
It felt so good, that he decided he would go out into Nyack at 7:30 in the morning and actually see if anyone else wanted to join his morning routine. He was so driven by the way it was making him feel, that he thought maybe it could change someone else's day as well. He did this for 21 days as a challenge and a way to be accountable to himself. Setting a specific goal and following through. Taking responsibility for his own happiness and passion. Redirecting his energy for a better and more creative day.
It felt so good, that he decided he would go out into Nyack at 7:30 in the morning and actually see if anyone else wanted to join his morning routine. He was so driven by the way it was making him feel, that he thought maybe it could change someone else's day as well. He did this for 21 days as a challenge and a way to be accountable to himself. Setting a specific goal and following through. Taking responsibility for his own happiness and passion. Redirecting his energy for a better and more creative day.
Rain or shine, he played his heart out. Sometimes he wondered if any passerbyers would join him, but mostly he wondered why he hadn't done this for himself before. Then, he took it a step further by setting up his website called, For Vibration and started blogging about his morning adventures every single day. He was excited to start each day and I was fortunate enough to see him conquer his personal quest. My husband was back and he was making it happen!
This past monday, he reached his final day (day 21) where many joined him at the Nyack square at 7:30 in the morning. They drummed, they danced and they redirected their day. My husband found the best version of himself again and in the process, helped others find the best version of themselves too.
This past monday, he reached his final day (day 21) where many joined him at the Nyack square at 7:30 in the morning. They drummed, they danced and they redirected their day. My husband found the best version of himself again and in the process, helped others find the best version of themselves too.
If you're interested in redirecting your week and finding your own rhythm, come join my husband, Glenn at Memorial Park in Nyack on Sundays at 10am. Bring your drums, your dance and your spirit.