Hearing "No"

Three weeks in to my journey of music as a career and I hit my first roadblock.  No.  Of course, there are tons of reasons why someone says "No".  Mostly I can hear "no" and move on, knowing that my "yes" is somewhere ... closer than I may think.   This is my mindset that moves me forward.  

But this "no", came from an industry professional, who is widely respected in the music industry in Vegas.  It was a hard "no" to hear.   It did not help that this person is a dear friend, and was trying to help me manage my expectations of how my music career may (or may not) bloom in such a dog-eat-dog, youth-sells environment.

How does one get past such a honest and good friend's thoughts of my chances in the industry?   Firstly, I trust his opinion of the world in which he works... and ... I listened.  He will not be the first person to point out my miscomings.  And we all have miscomings.  I let the hard news soak in, permeating my understanding.   For this... this understanding.... is what I must work around.   it is the moat around the castle that I must find a way over.   

Not every battle needs to be fought.  Sometimes one can *see* the battle, let everyone else spend their energy trying to win it, while I calmly and quietly walk around.  The battle consists of societal ideals of a person's value, based on external circumstances, such as age, color, race, sex ... the list is endless.  Truly ... endless.  These are the judgments that others may cast upon me.  But the question is:  Do I accept them?  I can outshine their limitations of me, outlast their limits, or find a way past those that do not see the same potential I see in myself.  For if I spend my energy in my own truth, rather than in battle, I have faith that those aligned with my journey will propel me forward.  

I believe there is a niche for me. It may not look like anyone else's journey.  But it is there.  And now that I SEE what limits people may thrust my direction, I can SEE where my time and energy will be wasted, freeing me to find my own direction.   My path is uniquely my own.

Not everyone is a great country singer.  Not everyone is pop-star potential.  Not everyone is a concert pianist. But all musicians have a place.  I truly believe this in my heart.  Whether is it singing in a Las Vegas lounge, fronting a funk band, or even playing small venues ... I believe in my core, that people want and need to hear my music.  It has value.  

So I can thank the "no" people for their honesty.  Thanks.  Because now I know where I will be wasting my time.