Killing the Watchman!!

For the longest time, I have wanted to write my own songs. Things that have been built up inside of me, but there has always been that part of me, "The analytical part", that always crushes anything I try to put down on paper. I was talking with Jordan about it a couple nights ago. I told him I had a great idea for a song, but that I couldn't stick with anything I wrote down. His advice was to "Kill the Watchman". I needed explanation, of course, as to what he meant. He told me that there is this antagonist or analytical critic man inside of us that wants to crush and destroy anything creative or original. We have to get to the point where we do our best to kill him. That way we can allow ourselves the freedom to be creative without caring about our so-called "inabilities". That advice was so crucial for me. It was amazing. I know I didn't kill him, he is still lingering around somewhere, but I wounded him badly. It was awesome. In that very same day, I wrote two songs. It has been an unbelievable experience to let myself go and not hold back because of fear. While our band is doing acoustic shows and searching for a drummer, I have decided to do a solo project with these songs, a kind of folky, Denison Witmer or Rocky Votolato thing. I am thanking God right now that he has finally given me enough courage to write what is on my heart without the harsh critic looming over my shoulders. I would encourage everyone who has any doubts or fears about doing something they love just because they think it won't be good enough to fight back against this "Watchman". He's tough to kill, but the more you battle him, the more freedom you will have to be you. It reminds me of this scene in "Little Miss Sunshine". For those who haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it, but there is a scene where Dwayne and Frank are talking after experiencing the beauty pageant. In so many words, Dwayne says that it doesn't matter what people say you can do or what they think of you, you just do what you love and forget about the rest. I think I'm finally there. It's about pouring your heart out in the hopes that others might benefit, but if they don't, oh well!!! Keep the creative juices flowin y'all!!!! I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. Much love.