Meg of Chandler the Robot has written some very insightful, honest, thought-provoking posts on life, growth, and all of the trivial struggles and accomplishments we go through in it.

I felt particularly compelled to respond to her.

In reference, you can read her post about accepting compliments and accomplishments (“The Wrong End Of The Telescope”) and focusing on your own story, minus the successes of others (“Focus On Your Own Story”) on her blog.

Here is what I wrote in a response that somehow turned into a reflection into myself:

Hi Meg,

You know. I’ve actually grown up listening to your music ever since I was 12 years old. I’m 21 now. And, safe to say, you were the ones who helped me find and inspire my own passions for music and writing. I never knew randomly picking up the guitar from my brother one day would soon turn into a mad dash to want to learn everything about it–only to soon realize that it’s something that connected with me in a much deeper way. I never knew my little blog entries would soon turn into experiences and events that my friends would read and take something from.

I dare say that you were the ones who helped me realize these passions inside of me. To the point where I find myself today publishing tons of posts, sharing stories (either my own or others’), actively interviewing individuals and bands, and producing my own shows (the heck?!). You were the ones who let me feel okay with me being me. (In all honesty, I never had any friends or peers who just seemed to “get me” as well as you all seemed to do… even though you all probably don’t even know who I am.)

I read your other post about focusing on your own story, and, too often within my own life growing up, I wanted to be that “rocker in the band” (like you all. but I’m sure you’ve realized many of your fans, and maybe even yourself, being like that at times). I was so focused on pushing myself to get better and better at everything that I do, because I knew that there were other greater guitar players and writers than me, but never took the time to really appreciate my own accomplishments.

We all have our own voices and own stories. I did not grow up like you all, and had my own experiences in life that led me to the person I am today. It wasn’t until your band recording “Cocoon” and experiencing a sort of fall-out, and then for Dia to find renewal in the Voice, that I was able to let go of this “past me” of wanting to be like other people, and focus on myself becoming a better Me.

(Now, I apologize for the length of this comment… didn’t realize it was going to be this long, haha, but…)

I wrote this in response to an old post you made about “What’s Going on with Meg & Dia?”. I’m not sure if you saw it then or not, but:

“Meg & Dia was almost like a fond memory… or experience… And to live under that for longer would only hinder your growth. All of our growths… Letting go of Meg & Dia will help us all move forward, to where we were meant to be, as musicians, artists, students, performers… wherever and whoever we are. I’ve always known and had faith that you all will never stop being you… sharing your music, your experiences, your selves, with all of us. That’s what you’ve been doing your whole lives as Meg & Dia—it’s just that you’re all beginning to find your places.”

I’m not sure where I’m going with this (ha), but thank you for your constant reassurance in having faith in the moments that happen in our lives–wherever they go. I’ve always admired your honesty and tenacity in everything you do. After all, we all inspire each other anyway, ya? So keep following your bliss. And remember that your work and influence has changed lives (I’d suppose you are looking at one right now).

“Good job.”

In the meantime, I will recognize my own as well. And take the compliments in life with all the gratitude and love in my heart. Is there room for anything else?

Image Source: StoryShelter