Morning Motivation: "The most important six inches on the battlefield are between your ears." ― James Mattis

Over the past few days, I've found myself in conversation with a few folk around my neighborhood about the most DC thing one can converse about: work. I know, I know... how typical. Ever since I moved to this city, I've laughed at how quickly people jump from introducing themselves to then asking what the other person does for work. But I get it - so much of our identities tend to get tied up in what our livelihoods are. We stop being human beings, and get consumed in the human doings.

Le sigh

But one of the conversations I had - on Saturday actually - went a bit deeper than the surface level blah blah of "what do you do for a living?", and moved more into a discussion on the power of words, the emotional and mental fulfillment of our work, and how we use our platforms to encourage critical thought.

Yeah, I'm not very good at small talk.

But it got me thinking. As we go through life, we often find ourselves caught in battles with others, striving to prove our worth and value. But the most significant battle isn't with those around us — it's the battle with ourselves. Recognizing our own value and ceasing the internal struggle is crucial.

Far too often, we focus on what we don't want, pouring energy into worries and frustrations. It's a mindset that keeps us stuck in a cycle of negativity and self-doubt, and discourages us from really even thinking about what it is we do want. What do we desire? What do we deserve?

This is why my latest single, "HARMONY," holds such a special place in my heart. It's a song about breaking free from discord, allowing ourselves to transform chaos into harmony, and finding unity, support, and love.

Here's the lyric video ICYMI:

Now... what else is going on?

Well, if you missed me this past Friday: I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to DC Fray and The Modern in Art Gallery for the incredible showcase. Performing to a full house outdoors was magical, and I'm eagerly looking forward to our next event in June.

This week, I'll be wrapping up my YES workshops in Ellicott City, where I've been working with teenagers on shifting their focus from problems to solutions. I've been really focused on honing their critical thinking skills and helping them use the six inches between their ears as powerful tools for not just recognizing challenges, but thinking outside the box to overcome them - or at least cognitively reframe them.

Of course, if you're interested in finding a coach for your teenager to help them recognize their worth, and find harmony in their overwhelm, let's connect. You can schedule a call with me here to see if we're a good fit.

After all, there are so many outside influences in the world that shape who we are and who we're becoming... and, believe it or not, the music we listen to, write, and sing has a profound impact on our mindset and beliefs. By choosing to surround ourselves with positive, empowering messages, we can foster resilience and strength within ourselves. And by choosing to write, create and sing that positivity and self belief?

Well. I'll just say this:

You have the power to overcome your demons, and music is a fantastic tool to help you on that journey.

Have an incredible week this week on purpose, and I hope to see you at one of my upcoming shows this month!

x

Emma G

PS. I know this note was all about using our brain to focus on the positive - even in a world intent on focusing on negative - but I would be remiss to not wish you a massively Happy Pride Month. Last year, I collaborated with multi-award-winning rapper Nia Monae on a track specifically for Pride Month called "All this Love". Check it out here if you want to have a bit of a Monday dance party.

Want more?

• Click here to read the "Music + Mental Health" blog.
• Click here to listen to the "Reconnect with your Teenager" podcast
• Click here to join Emma G Nation for exclusive content over on Patreon.
• Click here to find out more about, or make a tax deductible donation to Youth Expression through Songwriting coaching.

When you're ready, here are the three main ways we can work together:

• One on one coaching - helping you express yourself safely and healthily, rewrite your perceptions of yourself, and the way the world perceives you: one powerful song at a time?even if you've never written a song before.
• Commissioned song - harnessing your brand, business or organization in one powerful anthem that can be used for teambuilding and rapport, brand-building, and advertising.
• Edutainment + workshopping - using keynote speaking and music together to elevate your business, organization or event: specializing in stress management, developing and maintaining productive and positive workplace culture, mental and emotional health and well-being, and the JEDI mindset [Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion].

Emma G Music

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