When it comes to the music I write I am horrible at knowing which songs are good and which aren't. Some songs that I really get excited about don't seem to stir much in anyone else. Some songs I'm almost sheepish to share with others end up getting a favourable response. Why is it that I have such difficulty predicting what others will like? I sometimes try to resolve the issue by saying "Just do what you like and let the chips fall where they may." but when it comes time to share the songs with someone whose opinion I really value I begin to question myself again. The fact is I really like it when others like my music, and feel disappointed when they don't. At some point I'm going to have to get over this, especially as my music is shared amongst an increasing number of people. I know very well that no song I write will be loved by everyone, and I know that this should never be a motivation for my songwriting. But it's one of those taps that doesn't turn off easily. I admire people like Tom Waits, Neil Young, or Matt Kydd who don't seem to care much what anyone thinks of their music. For them it's enough that they were moved to write it. I'm sure this is the right mindset. Even if you want to write music that moves others, it appears that goal only becomes possible if you are writing songs that move you first. So the task before me seems to be: dance as if no one is watching, sing as if no one is listening...and write music as if you're the only person who will ever hear it. Risk-taking has never been a strength of mine, but I'm convinced it's the only antidote to complacency, and mediocrity so I'm on the verge of taking a cautious plunge. How's that for commitment...