Ah, the CityFolk Festival, a place where casual Ottawa music enthusiasts gather to embrace the power of live music. As I stood in the photo pit, eagerly awaiting the iconic band (to me.. 90s kid) Bush to take the stage, I couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. It was a momentous occasion for me, not just as a music lover but as someone who has been on a journey of self-rediscovery as a new mom and battling limiting beliefs.
The Anticipation: As I arrived, about 5pm - when doors were opening, I was nervous leaving my son behind for my husband to put him to bed. Not because he doesn’t know how to put our son to bed, but just having that nagging mom guilt in the back of my head was enough to keep me from going out. How could I possibly sit through multiple bands, let alone stay up until 10:30 after being bombarded with sensory overload!
Limiting Beliefs: But let's talk about limiting beliefs for a moment. These are those nagging thoughts and doubts that can hold us back from fully embracing new experiences or aspects of our identity. They're the whispers that tell us we can't or shouldn't do something.
As my son enters his 15 months of life, my own motherhood journey has been one of self-discovery and growth. Over the years, I've had to confront and overcome many limiting beliefs, particularly those related to my career, identity and interests.
Nostalgia vs. Reality
Seeing Bush, a band I admired in my youth, was a nostalgic event and a dream come true because I get to be at the festival as media, not just a spectator!. But as the music filled the air and the lights illuminated the stage, I realized that sometimes nostalgia and reality don't align perfectly. The bands leading up to Bush were just OK.. with the exception of the side-stage acts surprisingly!
Festival Food Review
And I would be remiss to talk about the festival without mentioning the food. I attended two days and both the Indian food at Bombay and the Thai food at Green Papaya were nostalgic but not as comforting as I’d remembered.
Bombay were simply reheating stuffed naan and bajis to the public and Green Papaya was nothing like I remember having at their restaurant. The pad thai I got was very heavily sauced and the sauce definitely contained ketchup - a more North American substitution for the traditional tamarind sauce.
I hope one day the festival will take into account that the volunteers need something nourishing. I remember volunteering ages ago at Bluesfest (a festival organized by some of the same people) and there was catering behind the scenes. At CityFolk I noticed that volunteers had food vouchers that they used to take food from vendors. It’s so exhausting being out in the elements all day for a few days in a row. While it’s fun to have carb heavy, beer-drinking friendly foods for the festival goers such as poutine and Beavertails pastries available, think about the little people.. like me. Cater to me, is what I’m saying. It’d be great to see some BBQ grilled meats with fresh vegetables - something along those lines. Even if it costs a little extra.
Rediscovering Passions
Yet, this experience did something remarkable. It reignited my passion for music, for interviewing people, and for a dream I held in high school - to become a music video VJ, just like the ones I admired on Canada's Much Music. As I was photographing the event and thinking about what to blog about, I actually had the urge to interview people, something I would do on my previous cooking shows.
Throughout my life, I had occasionally suppressed these passions, focusing on other pursuits. But seeing Bush perform that night brought back memories and desires I had long kept at bay.
And here's some exciting news—I'm thrilled to share that I'll be featured on two episodes of the new season of Blitz, airing on Gusto TV. It's a project that aligns with my dream job of being a VJ on Much Music, and I can't wait to share more about my journey.
Three Tips for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs:
Challenge Your Inner Critic: When doubt creeps in, challenge it. Ask yourself if your beliefs are based on facts or self-imposed limitations.
Seek Support: Share your aspirations with supportive friends or mentors who can encourage and guide you.
Take Small Steps: Start by revisiting your passions in small ways. Gradually, you'll build the confidence to fully embrace them.
The CityFolk Festival was a reminder that limiting beliefs are just that—beliefs. They can be challenged and overcome. I left the festival with a renewed sense of purpose and a determination to embrace my passions fully.
I'd love to hear from you.
Have you ever faced limiting beliefs? Share your experiences in the comments below and let's support each other on our journeys to self-discovery.
As I reflect on my night at the festival, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the path ahead. Here's to breaking free from limiting beliefs and living life to the fullest.
