"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." - Maya Angelou

In case you tried joining me on Saturday, you probably noticed that I had a bit of a snag this weekend - my show got canceled last minute due to a double booking. Not the fault of the venue, however it's definitely not the first time this has happened, and - let's be real - it probably won't be the last, but it's always a bit of a downer, especially when you're all geared up to play. [*pun*]

It got me thinking, though.

Life happens, but sometimes these hitches are actually a wake-up call, a reminder to step away from the hustle and bustle of work, work, work [can you relate?] and actually just take a minute to check in with ourselves.

I'll admit, self-care doesn't always take precedence in my life - in fact, it often takes a backseat to my gigging and speaking schedule, writing, coaching, and everything else. But this weekend was a nudge to slow down and pay attention to what really matters: rest.

After all, we can't pour from an empty cup!

For me, songwriting is a FANTASTIC way to help me to take pause, refill my cup, and make sense of things. Music helps me to clear my head. For me, it's always been an almost necessary outlet.

That's one of the reasons why, in my second TEDx Talk: I decided to share all about how I've used music to help me channel my overwhelm, stress and struggle into something that serves me positively: songs.

Do you want to know something surprising, though?

There's a lot of crossover between using music and songwriting productively to help me understand and make sense of myself, and general physical fitness.

Why? Because being physically active isn't just about fitness; it's about keeping everything in tune, especially when your voice is your main tool [my husband - who runs a self defense school - is always talking about how your voice is your first line of defense].

Yup. This isn't just musician talk. It's life advice, really. I try to pass this on to the teens I work with too - the importance of finding healthy ways to deal with the unexpected, and work through it if - and when - it happens.

I'm curious, what's your strategy when plans fall through or things get hectic? How do you reset? Drop me a line. It's always good to share tactics and maybe pick up some new ones along the way.

Have an amazing day on purpose, Emma

Now, in case you missed it:

Here's what's coming up this week:

1. Make sure to tune in TOMORROW at 6pm EST on YouTube, Facebook or LinkedIn for the final episode of the Reconnect with your Teenager podcast, where I'll be chatting with mindfulness therapist: Jessica Hartley Woelkers
2. This week on the musical front, I will be back at Lost Generation Brewery on Friday from 8pm - 11pm, AND if the weather stays relatively warm and clear, I'll hopefully be back at Silver Spring Farmers Market too!
3. Lastly, I want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who's already gone ahead an make a tax deductible donation toward the upcoming Youth Empowerment Tour. The donations will not only ensure that the workshops can happen smoothly [and every teen who attends will get a free interactive shadow-work meets songwriting workbook], but all funds will also go to helping our mission to use music and songwriting to help with the fight for Gen Z to navigate the mental health crisis through turning the tour into a documentary film! You can make your tax deductible donation here.

Want more?

• Click here to find out where I'm playing this month.
• Click here to read the "Music + Mental Health" blog.
• 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 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.Perfect for those of you who are interested in unconventional coaching.
• Commissioned song - harnessing your brand, business or organization in one powerful anthem that can be used for teambuilding and rapport, brand-building, and advertising.Perfect for companies, organizations, or entrepreneurs wanting to enhance or improve workplace culture, and are mission, vision, and purpose oriented.
• 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].Perfect for event planners and coordinators who are looking for something impactful for their next retreat, conference, or training day.

Have an amazing day on purpose

~ Emma G