Finding Kindred Spirits
Are you feeling the love? It can be really hard to find people who support you, root for you, or follow you. It could be because they’re too wrapped up in their own lives, businesses, or careers or…they just don’t get you.
Marching to the beat of a different drum
This is the story of my life. Perhaps it’s yours, too. I’ve never been in cliques, run with the popular crowd, or had a ton of friends. And that’s ok. In fact, my best friends were (and still are) guys. What’s the common thread? Music.
When I first started my business, I thought I needed to be like the other drummers and drum circle facilitators out there. I even hid my faith. But now, I’ve embraced being different and being the one and only drum therapist in my state, the only Christian in the local therapeutic drumming community, and the only one who adds rock music into the mix. I’m ok with the fact that many people don’t know what I really do, including friends, family, and business acquaintances.
I’m marching to my own beat and you know what? Those who get it are following it. They hear it, it resonates with them, and they want to know more.
Following the beat
I see this happen in my drumming classes. Some people totally match my beat right away (Like in the very quick video above! He’s a natural!). Others get it eventually. Those who really love the classes talk me up and have become my biggest fans. To all of you, I say: THANK YOU! Others like what I post or write. It resonated with them and they reached out to find out more. I’ve met some incredible people this way!
Once you find your personal rhythm and your lane what could also happen is that you lose followers, fans, and perhaps even friends. People may unsubscribe from your newsletter, leave your Facebook group, or no longer follow you on social media.
That’s actually how you discover who your true followers, fans, and friends are. Embrace your weirdness. If they don’t get it, that’s ok. They’re not meant to be on your journey.
As for me, I have to follow my beat…and it’s getting louder. I was the speaker for a recent women’s group meeting at my new church and brought some drums. I’ve shared my testimony before but not like this. At that moment, the Warrior Woman was released. That’s what I call beats that are very confident and powerful. My story was stronger as well.
I’m ready to help people rise up and rock. I’m on a mission to help kids and adults, focus, feel better, find their joy, and find their purpose – with drumming. Those who get it or are intrigued will stick with me. Those who don’t will bounce. I’ve got some big things in the works though, so get ready!
Do you love what you do? How do you stand out? Feel free to leave a comment below! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Dori Staehle, MBA is from the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, drum teacher, percussionist, ADHD specialist, Toca percussion artist, and owner of Next Stage Drumming. She helps people focus, feel better, and find their joy – with drumming! Dori is also an Amazon author, a rockin’ motivational speaker, and a mentor for creative and talented kids and adults. To contact Dori or to hire her for a class, workshop, or event, click here. Instruments are provided!
