"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." — Oscar Wilde

At a Glance:

• What does "have an amazing day on purpose" even mean?
• Watch the lyric video for “I’d Be There”
• 10 ways to live each day on purpose
• Are you coming to my birthday?
• Singing on Fridays!

Happy Thursday, friends,

Leading on from Monday's newsletter about navigating life’s ups [spontaneous trips to the Whitehouse!] and downs [finding out a friend has cancer], I've found myself feeling... a lot this week. Seriously, I don't know about you, but I have a habit sometimes of keeping myself so busy that I don't give myself time to actually just sit and feel.

Well, this week: I did just that. And it was hard. But while it’s important to recognize how fragile life can be: it's also important to lean into its beauty. Life can be super f**king heartbreaking, but at the same time, that heartbreak has always pushes me to be even more intentional about how I live each day.

So, while I've talked about my newer song "Grieve" [out now on my album "Fight the Fear"], I want to show you the lyric video for my song, "I'd Be There", which I wrote for my surrogate brother after he passed away from complications related to diabetes, just before his 21st birthday. This song was my way of honoring his memory, and I hope it serves as a reminder to cherish every moment we have with the people we love. You can watch the lyric video here:

You should have met him.

My surrogate brother, Fraser, was the coolest. He was fun, energetic, and NEVER took a day for granted. He idolized Motley Crue, and would joke around that he was the Kiwi version of Tommy Lee [Motley Crue's drummer... not the actor]. And when he was behind that drum kit? He was almost like Animal from the Muppets.

Everyone loved him.

So when he passed - super out of the blue - I was devastated. But the lessons I learned through that loss have only ever reminded me to embrace life with intention.

I put together a little list for you, incase you've ever wondered why and - more importantly - how TF I'm always signing off my emails "have an amazing day on purpose":

1. Be Present: Focus on the moment instead of worrying about the past or future. Fully immerse yourself in the people, activities, and experiences around you. Mindfulness can bring clarity and fulfillment to even the simplest moments.
2. Take Risks and Face Fears: Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new or stepping outside your comfort zone. Courage comes from facing the unknown, and often, the most rewarding experiences come from the risks we take.
3. Prioritize Relationships: Spend time with loved ones, friends, and people who matter to you. Reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Human connections are one of the most fulfilling aspects of life, and nurturing those relationships should be a priority.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Don’t wait for the big moments to celebrate. Acknowledge and celebrate the small accomplishments, milestones, and moments of joy. These are the building blocks of a life well-lived.
5. Take Care of Your Body: Physical health is just as important as mental and emotional well-being. Exercise regularly, eat well, and rest when you need to. When you feel good physically, it’s easier to live life fully.
6. Give Back: One of the most meaningful ways to live each day with purpose is by helping others. Volunteering, acts of kindness, or simply being there for someone can add deeper meaning to your life.
7. Set Intentions for Each Day: Instead of drifting through the day, set a clear intention every morning. Whether it’s to be kinder, more productive, or more focused, having a purpose for the day helps guide your actions.
8. Make Time for Fun: Laughter and joy are essential parts of a fulfilling life. Carve out time for activities that make you happy—whether that’s playing music, spending time outdoors, or simply laughing with friends.
9. Reflect on Your Growth: Take a moment each day to reflect on how you’ve grown or what you’ve learned. Acknowledging your progress can be a powerful reminder that even on difficult days, you are evolving.
10. Stay Open to Possibility: Keep an open mind and heart for what each day might bring. Instead of getting bogged down by routine or expectations, stay curious and embrace the opportunities that present themselves.

These are just a few ways I’ve found that help me stay grounded and live life with purpose—especially when faced with adversity. And while grief can feel overwhelming, it’s through these practices that I’ve learned to process it, heal, and keep moving forward.

If you’re interested in how music can also help you through tough times, I’d love for you to check out my blog post: "Can Music Heal You?".

Read the full blog post here.

Upcoming Shows and Events:

Here’s where you can catch me live or join one of my workshops over the next few weeks:

• October 18: Private event
• October 19: Adams Morgan Apple Festival
• October 25: The Casual Pint
• October 29-31: Stress Management Workshop in Upstate New York [sold out]
• November 9: Private event
• November 10: Birthday Showcase at DC9

I’m also down to just 2 available coaching spots for the rest of the year — on Fridays only — so if you’ve been thinking about vocal or songwriting coaching, now’s the time to get in touch.

Book a discovery call with me here,

Let’s keep living, loving, and creating with intention.

Have an amazing day on purpose,

x Emma G

P.S. If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve blocked off November 10 for my Birthday Showcase at DC9! It’s going to be a night of music, mental health conversations, and cupcakes!

Book a call with me here --> www.emmagmusic.info/meeting