Sarah Lightman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes! Pretty often actually. I’ve learned over time to ignore the supposed to and following the industry trends, and instead focusing on my own growth and strength. Doing this has prevented me from making decisions too impulsively, or bending to what others are wanting from me for their own benefit. It has also helped me do what’s more authentic to me and my vision regardless of the results.
One particular example has been that recently I’ve been approached by many distributors or fake labels offering deals, trying to get me to sign with them, but I’ve learned how to discern by not acting fast, and taking my time to go through the decision making process.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name’s Sarah Lightman, I got started in the music industry (officially) as a street performer and transitioned to doing touring, various types of live events and advocating for mental health through music. I do my best to be authentic and whole hearted with everything I do, from songwriting, connecting, performing, and more.
I’m currently working on finishing a song that I wrote not too long ago. I hit a wall as an artist and human last year, realizing that the pressures put on by myself and others is not worth the thought. It got me rethinking my path as a creative and questioning why am I doing this? Why am I still here? Why will I keep going even though I may fail and not get the results I would like? This song Worth It is about caring less and pursuing my dreams because of the genuine desire to be of service to others and bring them peace and joy in ways I would like someone to do the same for me! We need each other to feel less alone in this journey and a sense of belonging. I enjoy helping others feel that more.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Oh! This is a meaty question, which I love! I feel like I notice 5-10 things a week that I could let go of. I’m a big believer in growth and self development. Most recently, I’ve realized more and more how I have certain habits where I forget to prioritize myself in healthier ways, and look after my mind and body in unhelpful ways. I’m pretty sure it was because of past limiting beliefs that I picked up from poor life experiences and thinking the outcome was my fault, or believing that I had more control over a random occurrence, than I actually did. Making myself responsible for others emotions or needs before my own, and I now know that I don’t have to do any of those things, nor do I want to. I’ve let go of so much, and can’t wait to keep letting go of more. However, there are still old survival parts that from time to time creep back up and try to lend a hand in my daily life, especially when I’m out of balance, feeling scared, or sad about something. I know I will never be a perfect human who doesn’t make mistakes from time to time. My only hope is that I continue to keep moving forward without letting the old ways of believing, thinking, and feeling have power over me…and in return live more of the life that I want to live.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
What a deep question! The results of how to be better, to be more successful, and get more desirable results is in the pain and failure. Sometimes learning how to suffer less and how to move through pain is it’s own lesson. The more I learn how to tweak the way I think and observe instead of just acting helps me adjust and not only do better, but to live with less suffering in return. The less I suffer, the more energy I have, the more inspired and openminded I become. Failing bad, is the way to succeed. Small wins and big rewards are awesome, but if you don’t learn how to lose, and fall on your face, how will you learn how to stand and walk the walk?
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. Branding is all about showing the sides of you that you want others to see, and so even though I choose to be myself however I show up, I’m still curating an image that I want people to relate to. They don’t really get to see tired Sarah, or Sarah spending time reseting after a long work week. People also probably won’t see me lounging around to much watching movies with my loved ones.
I do try to show people what I think will serve an authentic connection and also entertaining them when possible, but it’s polished to a point because it’s still a business at the end of the day!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that as a human that my loved ones will remember me for making a positive impact on their life. I hope they feel they were able to be their fullest self because of the impact I had on them finding the strength inside them to be more authentic, and feel supported.
As an artist I hope people remember me for helping them cry and laugh through their good and bad times. That they met some of the most important people in their lives at my concerts or celebrated their anniversaries with their partners. I want to be part of their memories, but also a friend in a spiritual way helping them feel like I made a positive impact!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarah-lightman.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlightman/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sarahlightman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@sarahlightmansings/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahLightman
- Other: https://ffm.to/standupandshout
Image Credits
Chaz Mazzota https://www.instagram.com/itschazmazzota/
Alex Lawrence https://www.instagram.com/thealexlawrence/
Aaron James https://www.instagram.com/aaron_james_photography/
