NickVmusic.net 1-29-17

Don't isolate yourself

January 29, 2017

I wanted to take a quick moment and thank the good folks at Tuvalu Coffeehouse in Verona, WI. I’ve been having a blast hosting the Open Stage (open mic nights) over the last couple of months.

Like many of you, I work from home these days, which can be a bit isolating at times. Events like the Open Stage are such a needed communal experience for which I’m grateful.

In general, we all need a bit more face-time. Our technology-driven modern society makes it rather easy for people to communicate across the globe, but miss out on their own local community.

We had an awesome turnout at the last Open Stage (1/21/17). Many wonderful and diverse musicians who shared their art with our local Verona community. It was positive and uplifting -- everyone supporting each other and making new friends over great coffee, food and the common appreciation for music/art.

The next

. I hope everyone returns and new faces emerge.

Regardless of whether you perform music or write code, what excites you in life should be shared with others.

Your passion is a communications vehicle. I’m guessing, you like to, or can, speak at length about something that is of interest to you.

That, coupled with a willingness to listening to others’ interests when you meet someone new, will help the two of you discover some commonalities among your interests even if they’re not the same. At the least, the fact that you’re both passionate about something will be a common interest.

The point is, sharing your passions with others puts your communication vehicle out into the world (yes, you can do this online, but it has even more emotional resonance when done in-person), and others can experience you as you communicate to an audience of one or many who you are and what you’re into.

This act, even with someone new in a co-working space or at a coffee shop, while sometimes fleeting, can bring you into the present, eyes up from your phone, and a conversation can begin. You can give and receive feedback. These interactions can help you grow, get inspired in new ways, and even lead to friendships that may not have occurred otherwise.

That’s definitely true of how my wife and I got together, and as I think about it, any meaningful friendship I’ve developed in my life.

If you’ve been isolated lately, I challenge you to spontaneously get out and about this week. Try out a new co-working space. Go to a coffee shop for your morning coffee instead of just making it at home. Get out among other people this week.

As always, thank you for your time and attention!

Oh, a quick note, if you want to find out how I’m progressing on my 2017 personal goals, check out the

.

Have a great week!