Today’s blog post was inspired by an excerpt from Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.” The excerpt goes as follows:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Allison Merten Photo by Maison Meredith Photography

Tonight’s show at PaintBar Madison marks my 5th show of the year! 😀 I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have had to perform so far this year, and I am looking forward to the opportunities that await me in the future! 🙂 After tonight’s show, I’m planning on taking a little break from performing in order to refocus.

We only have one life to live, and I think it is so important that we do what we love and make the most of everything! ❤

When I booked these past 5 shows, I was working an 8-5 job. I wanted to book these shows in order to make sure that I kept my passion for music still alive-in order to ensure that I was living my life to the fullest! So many people sacrifice their passions because their full-time jobs do not allow them the time/energy to fulfill their passions. I didn’t want to become one of those people, so I decided to fill my free time with performances. 🙂

Although I had made time for my passion of music, I still felt something was missing. I feel that each and every one of us was born with a calling-a way to add value to society, a way to add value to the lives of others.

As a musician, I felt as though I was adding value to the lives of others by bringing them joy through my performances. But I asked myself, what is it that I am contributing to society when I am not on stage? 😮

Some people say things like: “No one likes to go to work,”  “If work was fun, it would not be called work,” or “As an adult, you need to do whatever you need to do in order to pay the bills even if that means giving up on your dreams.”

I disagree with these statements. I believe that if you feel this way, you have not found the right job. There is always a way to incorporate your passion in your life.

Although I am grateful for all of the 8-5 jobs that I have had, I believe that my calling is to share my passion with others and to help others achieve their dreams/goals.

After reflecting upon the professional experience and higher education that I have had, I have decided to open up my own business. It is called Allison Merten Editing & Tutoring. I provide editing services for authors, students, and businesses. I provide tutoring for non-native speakers of English as well as for native speakers of English who struggle with literacy.

I LOVE editing and teaching, and I would like to use that passion to help others achieve their goals! 😀

I am taking a little break from performing because starting up a business takes a lot of time and energy. However, I am still going to find time for my music. I would like to finish the songs that I have been working on; with my shows and this big life decision, I have not had the time to work on them.

I have decided to take the road less traveled. I abandoned the “8-5” and have started my own business. It is a decision not a lot of people make, but I feel that it is the right one for me. By pursuing the things I love through having my own business and keeping music a part of my life, I am keeping my passions alive. ❤

I encourage you to reflect upon your lives. Are you making time for your passion? Are you doing something for a living that you feel adds value to your life/the lives of others?

Make the most of your life! ❤