We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Bell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Melanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
After Covid-19 shutdowns began in March of 2020, my entire world was turned on its ear. Now, many of us had this same experience so I do not think that my story is unique. Rather, I feel like its one worth telling because so many of us are still trying to find our way into a new beginning. I had a thriving personal training and yoga instruction business that was reaching hundreds of students per week in a gym setting, at home settings, and also in retirement communities. Once we knew that the spread was serious, we had to shut it all down so that everyone was able to navigate to the best of our knowledge.
In one day, like so many others, my career was over as I knew it.
By March 20, 2020, I was a homeschool teacher for my children, unemployed, and isolated.
For months I struggled with where to go next and I really didnt know if the world would ever return to “normal”.
My dreams of being an independent business woman were over and now I was a “stay at home” mom.
Then, something shifted.
I stopped struggling with the past and the things I had no control over. Instead, I was reaching into my heart and finding more love and compassion for my children. The things that they were facing during that time were so difficult that the mom hat I was asked to wear began to mean more to me than it ever had.
I realized that I had to advocate for my children. I needed to comfort them and to be present.
This changed my mind about what it meant to be a woman, a mother, and a partner to my husband.
Once the dust settled about 12 months into the lockdowns and school closures, I was able to reconsider my path as a working mom.
Would I try to recreate my former life or would I take this time to do something else?
I chose the latter.
When I was 14 years old, I began writing songs and poetry.
Way before I was even considering college or a path outside of my initial passions- there was the pen, the paper and the music.
So, now that I have this new moment, I am pursuing a writing career.
I am taking a risk on the things that I always wanted to do but didn’t know if I would survive.
Now that I have survived the past 2 years, I know that this is going to be a cake walk comparatively.
I play with a bandmate once a week and write daily. We have a youtube page and a website ready to go.
We are applying to local festivals and pubs to play live for our local community.
I have even published 2 editorials in the Dallas New Era regarding being a better neighbor and lowering cell phone usage.
I am involved with my children’s lives in a way like never before, and best of all. I love it.
I love being with my children. I do not view my role in this family as anything below essential.
This all came to being after 2020. With a massive career loss, a twist of fate on motherhood, and a new desire to
dare to think outside of the box.
I am happier than I have ever been and I look forward to the day as soon as I wake up.
My hope is to use writing and songs to help others.
In that regard, my passion is the same as it was before 2020.
I was happy to help others before with my fitness business.
Today I am even happier to be with my children more and also to pursue a dream that I ahd long forgotten.
Melanie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In 2015- I became a RYT 200. For those not familiar with those terms- It means I was certified to teach yoga. After a year of teaching at LA Fitness, I branched off into group fitness, aqua fitness, and retreats. I was so interested in the ability of yoga to tune of the mind, body, and soul that I could not stop learning. I was reading all the ancient texts. Krishnamacharya was a teach from the 30’s and I was in love with his book, “The Yoga Makaranda”. I listened to the Vedas. Then there was the vibrational understanding of Sanskrit. I was taking classes and workshops to deepen my own practice and become a better teacher, In all of this- I also became a personal trainer.
All of this was my joy and life was rocking right along until March 13, 2020.
At that point- my career was halted and we all went into safety mode.
Currently- I am a songwriter working on an album.
The band is called The Daydown Collective.
We are a southern folk band with heavy hitting lyrics and a deep rock sound.
Our you tube page just launched and we are looking for folks to check us out!
We are booking events and ready to sing our hearts out for our local community here in GA.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The biggest point I can hammer into this discussion is to objectively learn from those who you admire. If there are people who you want to learn from- then do just that.
If your inspirational leaders are famous and maybe too far out of reach to speak with directly, then read their books.
Listen to their advice and also ask questions.
Even more so, if you can find local artists, writers, musicians, or craftsman of any skill set-
Speak to them about becoming an apprentice. Learn in person when you can!
Apprenticeships are a timeless method of learning from the best.
Find time to practice your craft. Do not fear mistakes- instead look for your mistakes and become objective.
Think about the big picture and also the micro structure of things.
This offers a logical perspective that will deepen insight and sharpen your own gifts and talent.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
As much as social media is a strong hold for communication, I personally prefer to reach as many people as I can in person.
We do have a you tube page to help promote-
we will be showing up to places to make a formal introduction.
There is nothing more heartfelt than a real handshake.
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