Hi friends — Tori here!
I had a bit of a gap in responses to submissions, so I didn’t have anyone to feature today. I thought I’d test out this series called From the Writer’s Table where I chat about personal experiences or trends going on in the creative industry.
I am genuinely so grateful (and a little overwhelmed tbh) for all of the love you all have been giving ListenSmall and the amount of submissions I have received. My heart is so full, and the inspiration is FLOWING. We love to see it.
As I have started publishing my first few articles on here, the feedback I’ve been getting is along the lines of “I haven’t seen anybody doing what you’re doing.” And that’s exactly why I created this little platform. Yes, there are different communities for the musicians, the photographers, the graphic designers, for the business owners... but what about the people that do a little bit of everything? I am a creative. Simple as that. I write, I sing, I design, I create content. I do SO MUCH in this space. And I wanted to bring together a community for people like me and also for people that hone in on one thing, so we can find each other and connect. And work together, create together. (The discord is coming, don’t worry.)
Let’s talk about the in-betweens — the treacherous writer’s block, living with your parents because it’s the best financial decision, being #unemployed…
I am personally in such an in-between season of my life. I could up & move anywhere at any time. I could get a new job like that (*snap*). My silly little blind audition on The Voice could help me gain exposure, and my music career could flourish (please Lord). I have NO idea what tomorrow looks like, let alone what the rest of the year holds. (“Elmo doesn’t know what he’s doing in the next 5 hours”)
But over the many years I’ve experienced this “in-between”, I’ve started to realize that it’s these seasons that feel empty and transitional where the magic happens. You don’t see it until you’re on the other side — when you’re finally doing that thing you were dreaming of or pursuing that job you got or you’re all settled into that new apartment. These moments where you feel like the purpose is lacking is when you truly are building and growing. If you have the time (be so for real, you have the time), sit down and grab coffee with another person in your field. And be honest with yourself with the questions you ask. If you are putting up a front, it’s not going to get you anywhere! These conversations will widen your perspective and also CONNECTIONS. We love to network, don’t we?
But seriously, the more I have sat down with people and talked about my vision for my future and what I want to pursue, the clearer it has made the path of finding out how to get there. I encourage you to go grab coffee or hop on a Zoom call with that person you see on your feed and think “man I wonder how they got to where they are… I want to do that.” And if they’re a real one, they will be SO open to sitting down with you.
I also have found that journaling has helped me so much, (said everyone ever), but it’s so true. No one is going to be reading what you’re writing. And you can be honest with yourself in your words there as well. It’s been really eye-opening to see the common themes that I continue to talk about over time. I’m like “OHHH so THIS is what I’m passionate bout.”
Also — I have all the time in the world right now. I would be overjoyed to chat with any of you about your dreams and passions. I am here to remind you that YOU are capable of accomplishing your dreams. That’s what this whole ListenSmall thing is for. I want you all to see that there is room for all of us to create what we love in this silly little world and that your work is worth being shared.
If you never feel like you have anyone in your corner, just know that I am. You may be a stranger to me, but I am always cheering on all the passionate “small-guys” in this industry… and I am so proud of you for going against the grain and being your own person.
Want to chat more and have those cool conversations? Email me at toritempletmusic@gmail.com <3
xoxo,
Tori from the Writer’s Table
(wait that’s so Taylor Swift Tortured Poets Department coded)