So I finished FAWM 2021 (14 songs in 28 days) – not only finished it but finished early! I’m stunned. This may be a first. What was my secret? Music – creating music is my lifeline, giving me focus during these difficult times.
I know a lot of people are depressed now – many of us struggle with depression during ordinary times and these extraordinary times have added to our struggle. Our normal coping mechanisms have been unavailable to us.
For me, it’s mostly situational and, normally, I would take trips, change up my routine or make plans to change things. But that has been pretty impossible with the world shut down. Even my quick trips to California were not possible during the holidays when hotels were not taking reservations for “non essential” travel.
So I’ve focused on the good things that have come my way during this time, appreciate this special time my husband and I have had together with both of us working at home, ordering food delivery from favorite restaurants more than we would have before. Maybe stocking the bar more than usual – lol! Heck, I’m even starting to enjoy the masks and having more personal space in public.
True, I still have trouble sleeping and I find myself doing it in shifts. With way too much time with anxious thoughts or just lying awake with no thoughts interesting enough to engage me – I think that’s the worst part. Just lying there awake!
Thankfully, FAWM gave me a lot of focus and an opportunity to try new music skills, experimenting with new sounds and arrangements. Still, I finished early, but that’s okay because Ableton 11 drops Tuesday. I’m ready to go!
2021 FAWM: Variations on the House
Screamie Birds Studios 