Josh Ritter Inspires You to Do What You Love and Love What You Do

Josh Ritter singing "for the love of it" - !

I love Josh Ritter. I've often played around with the thought of asking him to be my mentor. Why? Because I'm taken away by music like nothing else I know and Ritter's a musical genius who's passion is obvious and contagious! Last fall, Kristi and I attended a Josh Ritter concert at McDougall United church here in Edmonton and it remains one of the most inspirational live shows I've ever seen - and I've seen A LOT of live shows. Inspirational because no matter where you're sitting, you can feel the passion that Ritter has for his music. And, if you're sitting close enough, you can see the passion. Often singing with eyes closed and a giddy grin on his face, Ritter gives an impression of a kid in a candy shop as he delivers a most splendid and awesome performance.

A few days ago, I was listening to some of his music in my car and became very aware of these lyrics from his song Snow Is Gone: "But I'm singing for the love of it, have mercy on the man who sings to be adored..." It really struck me. What a message - are we doing what we're doing because we really love it and it really lights our fire or are we doing it because we think it may please others or position us in the spotlight? I invite you to ask yourself that very question about what it is that you do. Some of you may well know that you're not exactly passionate about what you do. First of all, why are you not doing something you love? Are you unsure as to what it is you'd really like to do in your life that lights your fire? If that's the case, ask yourself what your ultimate sense of purpose is here on earth - that may help. Also ask yourself what - in life - really makes you feel alive and gives you a sense of fulfillment. If you're feeling challenged around those questions, consider taking Wild Oat flower essence that addresses uncertainty about life direction.

Secondly, if you're not exactly fired up about what you're currently doing, why not try loving what you do and considering it a pit stop on your journey towards doing what you love. Chances are your "pit stop" has something very valuable and self-revealing to offer. We don't do anything for no reason and if you dig deep, you're sure to find many ways you could be grateful for the position you're currently in. And while you're digging deep and exploring the reasons to be grateful for your pit stop, challenge yourself to do one thing TODAY that will bring you closer to doing what you love. If, for example, you want to sing in front of people "for the love of it" - like Josh Ritter - maybe you could plan to attend and participate in one open stage down the road or make plans to record one song.

Finally, as if Ritter hasn't said enough in that one lyric, I reflect upon the following from the same song: "But I'd rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know..." This - in my estimation - is a melodic way of saying: risk. It takes risking to gain success, passion and love. It takes taking the risk to jump off the cliffs of life, trusting that the universe will catch you in order that you eventually gain what it is you truly desire and that which truly lights your fire. So Josh Ritter and I encourage you to risk loving what you do right now and moving towards doing what you love today. You deserve it.

I leave you with a beautiful and energetic version of Snow Is Gone by Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

Roberta Shepherd for Prana Holistic