Most of what everyone has ever said to us.
So why talk? Why listen?
Because not remembering doesn’t mean it didn’t change you.
A couple things…
It’s scary idea filled that takes responsibility and stewardship and discernment.
Sometimes we do remember, and that’s worth noting.
When you hear something life giving, take an extra second and let it sink down deep, understanding that you’ll probably forget it but appreciate that it makes a difference and deepens connection.
Most people do a bad job of letting others know when things mean a lot to them.
But beginnings and endings are easy targets.
Starts and finishes.
Entrances and exits.
When you see someone beginning something or are around when it’s coming to an end, pay attention…it’s probably worth say something, write a note, calling, sending a text. Worst case, your encouragement comes as a pleasant surprise…best case, they were really hoping someone would recognize this meaningful moment in their lives.
You get to pick it. It’s your band. If you don’t like the setlist it’s not the songs’ fault…You need to go write different songs or figure out a better way to work with what you’ve got.
And writing out the setlist is a bad time to realize that you don’t have the songs to make a good setlist.
The setlist only works when you figure out how to make it work. And all of that happens long before you write it.
The sound of the beach is what you’ve waited for all year…so why put in headphones?
Because when you put in headphones, the stuff in your headphones just got way more important. In the face of the majesty of the beach, you’re putting that podcast you usually listen to at work above it.
Or chit chatting during a Paul McCartney show
Or scrolling while watching a sunset
You have to be not new at all.
In fact, if you’re scheming to get an award like that, be really good and popular in secret for as long as possible.
I remember years ago when FUN won the Grammy for best new artist and everyone, including the band, had a pretty good laugh.
It’s amazing how hard you have to work to be the best new thing.
If we’re talking about favorite we’re talking about you. Learning your taste helps us get to know you. Your favorite songs don’t have to make sense to anyone else…but your favorite songs can help you make sense to others.
If we’re talking about best we’re talking about an assumed shared standard. Of course the assumed shared standard is never completely shared. So talking about ‘best’ stirs up judgement and lifts up some people’s taste and diminishes other’s taste. It’s a tough, never ending conversation. If the ‘never ending’ part makes it more fun, keep having it. If it causes arguments, change the conversation to your favorites.