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NowUseYourBrain's avatar

One discovers one’s true character when staring into the abyss. The challenges may seem insurmountable at times, but take it one step and one day at a time and you will be fine.

Two of the most valuable phrases are “what if….” And “what’s next?”

The most powerful word is “yet.” As in:

I can’t…yet

I’m no good at this…yet

I don’t know what to do…yet

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Love that as a reframe, appreciate you sharing this 🫡

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the bast's avatar

Yes! Also, “up until now”…let go of what you now see as no longer serving you…

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Kate Ellen's avatar

It’s all in our perspective! What we make of it all ❤️

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

💯

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the bast's avatar

Hey Michael!

What if “the sky is falling” means our previous ceiling is now our floor?

We are leveling up to a new vista, closer to the stars we dream of, in more free air to create…?🧐

PS I love you man🫶

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

It's all relative!!! You're 100% right... appreciate this, and of course, love you back!

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the bast's avatar

Have fun w the wee one!🥹🥳✨

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Johannes Factotum's avatar

Ummmmentenmannssss.

Just yesterday, my 15 yo daughter and I were talking about how it seems every generation refers to "the good old days" - that they, generally, look back rather fondly of their youth and younger adulthood.

If that's the case, why do we fear, worry, and fret about whatever when we're in the moment?

Life is a gift - no matter your circumstances.

Thanks for writing and sharing. Best wishes on your musical business endeavor.

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Like Andy from the Office said... "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them".... trying to do that now. Thanks for the well wishes and kind words ❤️

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Christina Thomas Taylor's avatar

Thank you Michael, that story has everything to do with music and those of us trying to express ourselves or maybe eke out a living doing it. And everybody else as well. Life is all ups and downs, so let's appreciate this wonderful chance to live life with all of its beautiful complexities and depth of experience.

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Thanks Christina... really appreciate the support. ❤️

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Christina Thomas Taylor's avatar

You got this Michael! I have a quote on my fridge. It says "One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time"- Andre Gide

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Oooh I’m gonna steal that one!! That’s brilliant

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Morpho's avatar

Another potent story, Michael. (I've been so curious to ask about the due date.) Never fear, brave soldier, you are going to make important change with your redesign of the music industrial complex. Your ideas are cherished here and your work will be rewarded. I just believe in you and I also know that your MAD Records company is exactly what the world needs now because money and glitz has effectively devalued music and complicated the basic structures for engagement in one of humanity's greatest expressive art forms. Keep your head up... if the sky is falling, it's simply dropping down to cloak you in stars. Wear them well!

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

End of March! Thanks Laura... you have an incredible way with words and I can't wait to see what you accomplish on here as well. Thanks for always supporting the mission and offering your encouragement ❤️

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Morpho's avatar

I hadn't realized how big a step your plan to sail the MAD ship label was until reading this post, but it's not the whim of slim chance it seems like. You listened to your intuition to chart this amazing journey and I am so glad to be on board. Apologies for all the sea-faring lingo, but I'm a strong sailor and I know how to make a vessel move. Was a laser racer in my youth, so I'm so certain: We've got this! So exciting that the Spring brings you your boy. I can't wait to hear about him. Parenting was the project I chose after losing my brother, even though I could have made an attempt at music in my 20s, something didn't feel right about it. (Now I realize that it was a feeling of general 'ick' about The Industry-- guess I somehow knew something better would emerge, like MAD Records) I told myself that I wanted to have my 'happily-ever-after' first so there might be some people who would enjoy the ride of music-making with me... (haha, now I'm literally paralyzed by the worry that they will not like my music-- which is the same as not liking my soul) At any rate, the three kids are my life's greatest joy. Today I celebrate 27 years of a happy marriage with a dedicated, hard working partner. No, we aren't such hallmark romantics as that may sound-- I was four months along and the 14th was a Saturday, so we went along with the Valentine event. Life is good. Despite the chaos out there, I feel like MAD Records has tossed me a life-line, pulling me out of the doldrums ... and I so whole-heartedly believe in the importance of your initiative that I'm getting ready to shout to whoever might listen about it. (...In a good way, of course.) :)

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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Thank you so much..... and a massive congrats to you and your partner on 27 years, that's no small feat. Appreciate your words of wisdom and I'm so glad we've been a bit of light in the darkness!

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Janice  Mcwilliams's avatar

Thankyou for sharing! You have a keen wit and keener insight!

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Benjamin Raji's avatar

funny…I also turn 30 in a month, and as a federal employee, currently feel like the sky is falling. Potentially near the end of one career, but not ready to make the full transition into my music career and business. Rooting for you 🫡

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Angry Artist Revolution's avatar

Well done. Vulnerability is a superpower if you allow it to be!

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Bernie Sirelson's avatar

Thank You. What you share applies to the rest of our lives right now as well. Don't acquiesce in advance, don't let the despair distract you, and keep on creating like your life depends on it- because your Life (not your survival) does depend on it!

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Feb 14
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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Thanks Linda... you inspire me back. Appreciate the kind words.

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Feb 14Edited
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Michael Gilbride's avatar

Oh 2008? Nothing went wrong that year..... 😂 Thanks Kate, always appreciate the support and encouragement. Can't wait for the baby boy!

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