Ghost Lion

Last week, while I was singing, writing, trying to finish a new song, Emily told me she didn’t think she liked the verse very much. I don’t why, but for some reason, that comment just knocked the wind from my creative sails right then and there; I didn’t feel like writing anymore. I mean . . . I couldn’t — how could I keep playing this song over and over knowing that someone, particularly my fiance, in the room over doesn’t like it?

Two things came to mind:

1. Honest feedback in our people-pleasing society is like water in the desert; it should be cherished.

2. Artists, who have made a mark on history, followed their muse despite negative feedback.

Within that dichotomy, there is a delicate chemistry. It’s “how do I fine tune my abilities to communicate well with an audience” but still do it in the way that I want, saying exactly what I want.

How do you balance criticism, feedback, and being true to yourself?

- blake