ARTICLE: Sushi, Laughter, and Birthday Cards
On March 7th, a year ago, it was the eve of my birthday, and I was gathered with family and friends at a favorite Chinese buffet. Surrounded by sushi, laughter, and birthday cards, it was such a great time... and such a normal time.
Little did we know, that was our last "normal" for a long, long time.
I turned 39 this week.
I can't believe it has been a year since that happy lunch at the Chinese buffet.
Saying that this past year has been a crazy roller coaster ride is a grave understatement. The many new streaks of gray in my hair attest to that.
Struggle. Uncertainty. Heartache. Unrest.
Everywhere.
In the midst of a global pandemic is maybe not the ideal time to embark on a new entrepreneurial endeavor. But, here I am.
For nearly 20 years, I have worked as an independent contractor in the performing arts world. For 15 of those years, I was concurrently a school music teacher.
This year - the year of change - I chose not to return to the classroom. Instead, I am investing all of my time and attention into my freelance work, aiming to build it up into a full-time business.
Recently, I was very excited to announce the launch of my brand new website, where people can now easily contract my services for their upcoming performances, presentations, and video editing projects!
Life is not always about sushi, laughter, and birthday cards. Darkness crowds in.
But, though it may flicker, the light of hope still shines.
We press on. We adapt. We grow.
And, the next time we're blessed to be surrounded by sushi, laughter, and birthday cards, may we savor that moment all the more for all we've faced in the time between.