"ON BEAT": OCTOBER
the temperature is dropping and this is what she feels like:
Fall is here to stay, and October has made its presence known with a tone that I have been unable to ignore. But you know what? Sometimes a strong tone is needed to convey a strong lesson.
I’ve heard the saying “march to the beat of your own drum” a thousand times, but this month, I am hearing it differently. It is a saying that can be applied in various scenarios, including but not limited to explaining someone’s nontraditional behavior, praising someone for doing things their own way, or trying to inspire someone to be more independent. But the meaning of the phrase is often dulled down, and the messaging becomes too simple. Marching to the beat of your own drum is no casual feat or throwaway decision; it’s an intentional choice. A choice that, like all choices, comes with consequences.
When looking up this idiom and its potential origins, I found this quote by Henry David Thoreau, which states, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Now, I’m sure there are numerous interpretations of this, but I have not been able to get the “however measured or far away” portion of the quote out of my head. I feel like it touches on a vital part of the process that the commonplace phrase excludes. If you are marching to the beat of your own drum, then the path belongs to you and you alone. It is a choice that sets you apart from the group, regardless of pace. Beautifully, this marching leads to self-discovery, alignment, and joy, but painfully, it can also produce distance, isolation, and disconnection from those who are no longer in rhythm with you. Parallel paths can transform into winding roads that lead in opposite directions. The unknown, the on your own, is intimidating, and allowing this separation to live is uncomfortable. Is it as uncomfortable as shutting out your own heart’s beat and abandoning yourself?
To move to your own rhythm is a commitment to yourself and to your beliefs. It’s an act of love for who you are, and it leads to places, people, and connections you might not have ever dreamed of. It is an ever-evolving process—one that may only be rewarded by you. You have to decide if that’s enough.
7 Songs KEEPIN ME ON BEAT:
Going to California: Led Zeppelin
Pairing menu: a joint, the changing leaves, decorating your porch for fall
Words: Soda Blonde
Pairing menu: mood lighting, red lipstick, an all black outfit
Dissaray: Lianne La Havas
What a treat to have a new Lianne LaHavas track! The vocal production is so intimate, and the pace of the story is deliciously unhurried. Her tone, plus the guitar, pulls you in close and lulls you into a relaxed, self-reflective state.
Pairing menu: taking a bath, lavender essential oil, a messy ponytail
Man Like You: Tom Misch
Pairing menu: taking a nap, stargazing, cinnamon
The Hudson: The Favors, FINNEAS, Ashe
Pairing menu: the smell of a bookstore, a cardigan, writing a love letter
Send It On: D’Angelo
This month, D’Angelo passed away. After hearing the news, I have been revisiting his music. He was an unmatched talent. The beauty and feeling infused into his music are hard to describe. As soon as this track starts, a chill runs down my body, and I immediately settle in for the joyful journey it will take me on. What a gift to be able to experience his art.
Pairing menu: morning meditations, honey, family dinner
All About Our Love: Sade
Sade could be on every single one of my monthly playlists. Rarely is one of her songs not in my daily musical rotation. No one writes love songs quite like her. She can describe love with a lyrical simplicity that feels so accurate it makes you want to cry. To describe love and emotion with such precision is an offering of the highest accord. I feel grateful to be able to feel my life through her art.
Pairing menu: fresh flowers, surprises, slow dancing
Link 2 Spotify Playlist:
I DARE U 2 LISTEN:
MY NEW SINGLE GUILTY IS OUT! click the link below to listen!
& if U R a visual learner—WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO!!!
WANNA KNOW? NOW U DO!
I was on the radio this month y’all! KXT (91. 7) featured me for their North Texas radio show. It was v cool. Check out this little blurb they wrote! My first blurb! WHOOP!
ALSOOOOOOOOOO: STAY TUNED FOR SOME EXCITING PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENTS *WINK* *WINK* EP *WINK* *WINK*
sorry for the delay AGAIN y’all! i’ll have it 2getha for Nov. happy almost halloween! thanks for your patience & thank you for reading!
FREE PALESTINE!
i’ll see ya next month & i warn you 2: Listen @ Your Own Risk
sending love,
AVRA BOOM xx