Jim Gaven
Bio
My mission is to write inspirational stories that make you feel good about yourself, put a smile on your face, and think of things in a different way.
www.keyofawesomemusic.com
www.jimgaven.bandcamp.com
www.patreon.com/keyofawesomemusic
Stories (38/0)
Transition, Transition, Transition
For the ‘typical’ person, it can sometimes be difficult to transition from one thing to another. This could mean transitioning from one activity to the next like Arts and Crafts to lunch time, one day to the next like Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, one month (IE: the next holiday, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter), one season (IE: Winter into Spring) or one year to the next (IE: turning a new age from 5-6 years old). We are creatures of habit, and as we all know, a daily routine is key to being the best version of ourselves. In essence, we set ourselves up for success by organizing and implementing a set of things to accomplish or do day after day. Maybe we do it in a particular order, or maybe it's just a set of activities done randomly. At any rate, we feel centered and like all is right in the world when they go as planned. The same thing goes for someone who has a developmental disability, and then some...
By Jim Gaven2 years ago in Motivation
One Good Deed...
As many of us are already aware, small businesses took a big hit during the height of the pandemic in 2020. For Key of Awesome Music, the second half of March, and all of April, May, and June were less than optimal as far as revenue goes for Key of Awesome Music. However, we pushed through, kept ourselves relevant with Facebook Lives, doing pro-bono/volunteer sessions, and, in the meantime, created new relationships with various non-profit organizations, support coordinators, and virtual event companies like Busking Down the House and the Inclusion Festival.
By Jim Gaven2 years ago in Motivation
Musical Conversation Between 2 Souls
Have you ever met someone for the first time, and just knew they were special? I've been lucky enough in my life to have experienced this feeling several times, but nothing is quite like the day I met Doug. We were at a recreation event for and with those who have developmental disabilities in the county he and I both lived in (at the time). A couple months prior, I started as the Music Coordinator, the Music Man, tasked with creating and implementing a comprehensive music program spanning several different developmental disabilities and a wide range of ages for the individuals supported at this particular non-profit agency. He was wearing a cowboy hat dancing up a storm, letting loose, and cutting up a rug. It was as if nothing else mattered. He was in the zone! I absolutely loved his energy, so I felt compelled to go over and introduce myself. We hit it off cracking jokes and I knew I was in the presence of someone self-less and caring.
By Jim Gaven2 years ago in Motivation
The Daily Bridge: 365 More Meditations on Music
Inspired by Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Daily Stoic', The Daily Verse: 365 Meditations on Music is a humble, insightful, and educational exercise in dissecting quotes by famous people regarding music and their feelings about it, applying it to real-life experience. Designed to read and reflect on one page at a time for an entire year, feel free to sit back and relax while improving your quality of life. This is the first 10 days of Chapter 1 titled, "January-Brand New".
By Jim Gaven3 years ago in Motivation
The Daily Chorus: 365 More Meditations on Music
Inspired by Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Daily Stoic', 'The Daily Chorus: 365 More Meditations on Music' is the second book in a third part series of dissecting quotes by famous people regarding music and their feelings about it, and then applying it to real-life experiences. Designed to read and reflect on one page at a time for an entire year, feel free to sit back and relax while improving your quality of life. Below are the first 10 days of the book as a teaser for you to get a sense of what the rest of the book will entail. Hope you enjoy!
By Jim Gaven3 years ago in Motivation
6 Resolutions for 2021...and Beyond
2021, here we are. Since hindsight is 2020, we can look back at last year through a deep and wide lens to best learn from our mistakes, get rid of the things and people who suck our energy away from us, and do more of what fills us with energy. In doing so, we can set ourselves up for success by moving forward with a clearer vision for our lives...this year and beyond.
By Jim Gaven3 years ago in Motivation
City of Angels Recovery Radio Conversation
A little over a year ago, I met with Art Ackerman of City of Angels Recovery Radio (COARR) at their studio in Hightstown, NJ to talk about the latest happenings with my music service company, Key of Awesome Music. Not only did we talk about the company, but we talked about difficult decisions we all make in life, the education system, following your passions, and original songs.
By Jim Gaven4 years ago in Motivation