Almost a year ago, right before summer began, my friend, Alex, asked me if I wanted to collaborate and do a bullying prevention mix CD for his organization. I spent my summer living in Los Angeles, juggling the stress of working for a major production company, taking a summer class and planning what a bullying prevention music compilation would look like. And even though it was hard and stressful and I’m still nervous about how well the concert is going to go, I think about those first series of e-mails when Alex and I would discuss this and the fact that we made that vision turn into a reality is the most amazing feeling.
So, I look at this photo and think about how this poster was made by a friend of a friend who does design work in Indiana, and now her designs are showing up around Portland, OR. And I think of four of those names on this poster who are musicians that may have never thought they’d be performing alongside Kimya Dawson. And I think about the KZME logo in the corner and how I secured that partnership on my own, even though people will tell you PR is something only professionals can do well.
And then I think about the people who will show up to our concert – people I don’t know but they’re going to come out to an event some girl in Boston has been planning to do in Portland for a few months. And I think about how really fucking cool that is.
So, my point is – don’t sell your dreams when people tell you you’re being unrealistic. Don’t listen to them. Because when you see something you dreamed about or drew on a piece of paper come to life and exist in your reality, it’s a feeling and experience that will always mean more to you than anything. People want to tell you that you’re in over your head or that you need to “get real.” Those people, the people who try to stop you, are only doing that because they let someone else stop them.
Dreamers see everything in color. Don’t ever settle for someone else’s ideas.
Come hang out with me in Portland on 2/23/13 for a night of positive music meant to help inspire youth to overcome bullying and be empowered by music. Tickets are only $10 and I promise you, it’ll be worth it:www.tinyurl.com/HOADconcert
Also, I just decided I’m writing a book. 😉
Adventures of a Childlike Wonder 