Sing Your Truth...

So I recently watched an amazing film; #CallMeByYourName, adapted from #AndreAciman's novel of the same name by Italian film director, #LucaGuadagnino. Seriously, wow! Not only are the cinematography and breathtaking Italian countryside enough to marvel over, but the film portrays such a poignant story and incredible performances, particularly by #TimotheeChalamet and #ArmieHammer, which are so raw and real. Honestly, if you have not watched this film, do yourselves a favour! The film really struck a chord with me and had me thinking about something that has only recently become very apparent to me, and even more so through my recent return to songwriting - how lucky are we to have choices, to experience struggle, to be able to learn and grow, and have the chance to try again.

Spoiler alert; towards the end of the film there is a beautiful moment between Elio and his father where he encourages Elio to embrace the hurt he is experiencing, amongst the joy and life-changing encounter he has shared with the very handsome Oliver:

I mean, you need to watch the movie to really appreciate the sentiment of his father's words, but I found myself thinking - yes! So true! Imagine if all we did was try to forget and bandaid over experiences that didn't turn out how we originally hoped they would, or alternatively, wallow in the sorrows of our past and not look at the positive moments and lessons learned, and forget to look forward to what the future has in store? I think it's so important to appreciate that certain paths aren't meant for us and that some struggles are there to teach us something; so that we don't make the same mistake twice, or maybe a third time...and okay, maybe a fourth!

In all fairness, it has taken me a while to figure this out - when you're in the middle of heartache, loss, frustrations and disappointment, sometimes that's easier said than done. But after the haze of hardship has started to dissipate, when you try to take away the hurt and bruised ego, honest reflection can teach us a thing or two. In case you haven't noticed, most of my songs are about the struggles of relationships of my past and frustrations of everyday life - as are those of pretty much every artist it would seem. But I wouldn't for one second want to change my past and the journey to where I am now, because it has helped shape who I am today; a stronger, wiser, more self-aware woman, and someone who certainly won't settle for less than she deserves #selfworth! And very importantly, it has all made for great songwriting material!

So love, laugh, cry, learn, LIVE...sing your truth, and put it in a song! #musicfeedsthesoul #musictherapy #lifelessons