Be kind, be beyond
Henry Fricker, musician, www.henryfricker.com
More often than not, we cave in to judgements and opinions of others. We become too concerned with what everybody else wants us to do, or what they think would be best for us. It sometimes clouds our vision and confuses our own truth.
While I have always respected the views and input of those around me, I appreciate that sometimes you need not to be alone in decision making. When I wasn’t clear in my vision it had devastating results not only on the situation, but also on my physical and mental health.
As an artist, I always strive to reach higher than I have before and climb to new heights with my songwriting, recording and performing. I have learnt over the last few years that although I surround myself with wise people to guide and mentor me, only I know what is what is truly best for me. While I will always covet, respect and consider their opinions, I must follow what I know to be my truth. That discovery, be it from age, experience or revelation has been such a rewarding and freeing feeling. I know now that I can’t let other people’s expectations influence me to make the wrong decision for me; it might be the best advice for many others, but if it’s wrong for me, it must be discarded.
The confidence to be sure in what I want has led to the confidence to also know what I don’t want. I know who I am as an artist and how I want my music to sound. I’m so fortunate to work with advisor and colleagues that support me in that; they want the best for me personally above all else. I know how lucky I am to have that.
Inner strength is my secret weapon. It’s an extra coat of armour allowing me to be my true self in my music. From my social media to the way I am on stage and interacting with fans, I am always me now. When I perform live, I want my audience to live in a space of positive energy and heartfelt, real emotion. I want to convey that in all aspects from social media to chatting over a coffee. Most importantly I want to translate it through my music.
My new single “Shelter” is a great example of this. Offering Shelter to others in need, if they’re in a dark place, offering your heart and support can quite literally be a lifesaver. It was written from the perspective of my truth but it a collaboration with a producer/songwriter that understands and supports me and was determined to help me express my experience and perspective. That kind of collaboration is easy to trust in and accept.
My daily message is #BEKIND and more often than not, you will see my posts signed with this message or simply, #LOVE. Love and kindness are the strongest powers we have. I allow the love of what I do to further strengthen my vision and willpower. That is why I’m beyond allowing other people’s opinions and judgements put me in a box and influence my decisions and actions.
