It's All Down To You

Today's title is from a Joni Mitchell song which I love. It is a reminder that this life is mine ultimately.  For example, one of the things we all wrestle with whether a musician or in some other profession is the pressure to be good. It is a constant companion. It can be what drives us to commit hours to whatever we are focused on at the time. What I found is that the self induced pressure can also be the difference between success and failure. Who are we trying to be excellent for?

My experience has shown that if I try and do things because of what I think others think of me, I some how end up not very happy in the long run. The number of jobs and fields I entered because of others expectations is way too many to admit. I ended up with a kind of sadness on my spirit. I decided for the next 50 years, I will enjoy what I'm doing. I guess that's why I enjoy the steel drum. I understand that my desire to be good at it is for me only. It would be great if I can share my talents with others. However, ultimately it is for no one else. Isn't that what we all should be striving for? I practice because I want to be good at it. That's my time commitment.

I wonder if all steel pan players do it for the same reason. I would imagine those in Trinidad and Tobago do it because of the expectation from the community, friends, and family.  It may be a little different around the U.S. since the steel drum community is still growing. The only pressure as players we experience is what we put on ourselves. I guess that's why I think the idea of a non-profit dedicated to playing steel drums is a great idea. Without all the expectations bearing down on us, others can be successful and thrive because they want to for themselves. The same is true for me. I guess it really does come down to me and what I expect from my life.

(Button is from Zazzle.com)