I listened to a wonderful NPR interview with Glen Hansard this morning, and the host was asking Glen what this newfound fame was like. Before Once, before the Frames, Hansard was a street musician, so the host had a good question there. And Hansard gave a really wonderful answer. He said that as overjoyed as he was with all the new experiences and outlets and support, there was a profound sadness to his transition into fame, a sadness that for the longest time, he couldn't put a finger on. As the interview went on, he told the story of having the opportunity to sit down and chat with Bruce Springsteen and they talked about this process, this sadness. And Springsteen's advice was: FEEL IT.

Ahhh! Yes! And how under-appreciated this sentiment is! I think it's important to acknowledge that every choice to do is a choice not to do everything else. Every moment of growth is a movement away. Every wonderful change is a parting with your old self. It's a loss. And it's painful. AND THAT'S OK.

I'm glad to have heard this. I've had conversations with so many friends recently about how our lives are better than we ever could've hoped, we're better equipped than we ever thought possible, and the facts on paper are starting to look more and more like the world we dreamed for ourselves. And we feel guilty for the ache, the homesickness, the loneliness. But to see it through this lens, as a celebration as well as a mourning, to know that it is not only to be expected but that it's important... there is comfort in that. Or maybe just hope.

The response is what matters. The response is what hurts or heals, mars or marries. You can either resist in fear and be torn in half your whole life, or simply commit to allowing the change to happen, no matter the discomfort. No one said it was going to be so difficult. But it's nice to have some company here, even if it is simply a voice on the radio.