August is my solar return month. And as always, I take a few days to reflect on the year that is passing into the annals of my personal history.

Artistically, this past year has been one of great accomplishment. I finished my book – panties UP dress DOWN:Things My Mama Used to Say, published it (available at Smashwords and Amazon), and had a successful book release. The reviews and feedback have humbled me.

I was accepted into a blues festival, invited to speak at a series of women’s networking events, and was hired for an acting residency, which led to an invitation to perform for some Broadway heavyweights next month.

I am so very proud of my accomplishments. Still…

Though coasting on the high of accomplishment that has come with these achievements, I’ve also spent some time trudging through a few valleys. Valleys so deep that the only light available was a few slivers of light bursting through tiny cracks in the clouds.

There’ve been more than a few days when I’ve awakened with questions such as, “What am I doing with my life now? Why Am I Still Here? What’s the point anyway? With all of my education, talents, and skills, why do I still occasionally struggle to make ends meet? Am I getting too old to (fill in the blank)? Why don’t I just let this performing arts/itinerant teaching thing go and look for a ‘steady, secure’ job?” I’ve questioned my choice of career, residence, hairstyle, everything. You name it, I’ve questioned it. Relentlessly.

Thankfully, I also received the gift of quiet time. And solo traveling. I am convinced there’s nothing like leaving the geomagnetic pull of your zip code to get one’s ‘mind right’ and out of the fog.

I meditated, journaled, and prayed my way out of those foggy valleys. I decided that since I’m still here on the planet, I might as well make the best of it. No matter the perceived challenges, I still have a pretty amazing life. And as long as I’m breathing, I have the opportunity to create even more amazing tomorrows.

So I began to indulge in things that bring me joy, like listening to music. And I discovered the music of Shaun Martin, one of the keyboardists featured in many of the Snarky Puppy productions. I had NOOOO idea that he was such an artist in his own right! His music touched me DEEPLY. The composition Introduction, from the Seven Summers cd really grabbed me by the ears.

In this song, he shares the story of people continually asking when he was going to complete his first record. It took him seven years to do it. He talks about the journey to completion and the struggles…fear, not enough money, doubting his own abilities.

Wow. Just, wow.

This cra-zee talented soul questioned his own abilities and worthiness! And I was reminded once again that NO one is immune to bouts of fear, struggle, and self-doubt. Working through all of that and similar scenarios seems to be part of every individual’s journey to wholeness.

Thankfully, he hiked through those valleys and out the clouds. He finished the album. He realized as he said in that tune…

“I can’t neglect the dream.”

And I ask you, what dream are you neglecting? Don’t let circumstances rob you of your dream. Go back to that valley and dig it up, shine it off, and carry it with you like it’s your most precious asset.

Because it might be.

And if you don’t have a dream or any dreams left, then go make some (new) ones.

Because there’s no time like the present, and as long as there’s a ‘present’, it’s never too late.

Shaun Martin knows…he’s living that FULL OUT.