Happy Summer, friends! 

My word of the year is ASK (inspired by Amanda Palmer's Book, The Art of Asking). That brought many transformations in my life as I put that word into practice. 

A little over halfway through the year of asking, I’m reflecting on what occurred simply because I asked.

Here are a few highlights: 

  1. I asked a talented friend and guitarist to play with me for my first-ever Tiny Desk Submission. That gave me the courage to follow through and submit. 
  2. Asking people to listen to my creative work. This always feels vulnerable. But through this simple ask I have brought new friends into my music community and sold some albums so I can keep creating. 
  3. Asking for gigs. I set a simple goal to play more live shows this year in listening rooms. I’ve gotten the chance to play at libraries, a bookstore,  a women's retreat, and a church service that honors and educates the community about breast cancer. 

Not all the asks turned into opportunities. But the act of asking has become easier. The ask has expanded from my creative work into my personal and professional life. I ask when I’m scared; I ask with zero eloquence. I ask meekly at times. But I keep asking. 

What do you need to ask for in your life that you are avoiding?