Try New Things

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway

I spent the first weekend in May at Women’s Music Weekend. Jane Lewis and Katherine Wheatley co-founded this community-building event in 2012 with Linda McLean. Born of their desire to share their love of music and songwriting with other women, WMW is a delightful retreat weekend Katherine and Jane continue to host with support from the incredible team of Cheryl Wallace, Connie Murch, and Mirella Cazzola.

10 Things I Love About Women’s Music Weekend:

1. Everyone who identifies as female is welcome no matter what their musical background is (or isn’t!)

2. There are people who have attended every single WMW since 2012, and every session brings new voices to the circle, co-creating one of the most inclusive, encouraging environments I’ve experienced.

3. Each session features two talented and enthusiastic guest artists who facilitate workshops alongside Katherine and Jane, which is a lovely way to learn new things.

4. Every morning begins with the Joyful Singing of songs written or co-written by women artists, which is both lovely and powerful.

5. There are always multiple workshops offering a range of experiences using your voice and other instruments, engaging your body, mind and spirit. There is literally something for everyone interested in any aspect of making music together.

6. There are opportunities to try new things at every session. You can stick to the thing you like most, if you want, but when you’re ready, there will always be choice.

7. Every person present becomes a champion for every other person present in this sometimes gentle, sometimes boisterous, always accepting environment. The cheering is often loudest for the brave ones who dare to try something new.

8. Every time you face your fear and do the thing anyway your confidence grows, boosted by the sincere encouragement and appreciation for your courage as everyone rallies around you in support of your musical adventures.

9. Self care is your only priority all weekend long. Want to sing and play? Yes, it’s all about that all weekend long. Need a nap? Go for it! WMW has you covered whether you want to take some space to yourself, or you want the comfort of a hug. It’s all an option and you get to decide what works best for you!

10. Women’s Music Weekend makes me feel like anything is possible despite my fears and flaws. In music, in relationship, and in the world.

I always gravitate to the songwriting workshops. The songwriting bug bit me hard. I really only learned to play guitar to help me pursue my songwriting adventures, and I’m learning but I’m still a pretty limited player. I have had the good fortune of being accompanied from time to time by musicians who are much better than I which means they can easily follow my lead in the simple songs I write and perform.

This spring at Women’s Music Weekend, I JOINED A BAND!!! Even though I was nervous, I learned the song and I played my part and I sang my solo and it was FUN!

Feel the fear and do it anyway! (and does anyone want to make a band with me?)

You can find links to my books and my music here.

Avoiding Amazon and Spotify? You can email me at maureenpollardmsw@gmail.com to order a signed copy of my book mailed by me to you, and look for my latest music on Bandcamp.