A one-way ticket to Miami saved my life
Last week I told you I would share the story of how DivaDance saved my life. I've had a few moments of regretful self-talk …."Stig, you're oversharing already." (For those who don't know, I refer to myself as Stig...) But, I promised you the juice... so here goes.
You may know I spent 18 years working in the music business, and for those really-really-close to me, you know about the last artist I managed. The artist-who-I-won't-name-here (just text me and I'll tell you lol) drained me financially and emotionally, damaged many of my personal and professional relationships, and lured me (willingly, I admit) into a lifestyle that in the words of Gen Z, was SO cringe, as memories of that time flash back in my mind. I'll save specifics for my forthcoming memoir. By forthcoming I mean I have a Google doc started and that's about it. Suffice to say that I was fueled by Adderal, alcohol, workaholism and caring-literally-only-about-myself.
I was in my narcissism era.
Knowing I had to make a big change or I could lose everyone and everything important to me, I booked a one way flight to Miami and checked in to The Standard for 1 night to clear my head. One night became 2 nights, then 3 nights. Each day I did yoga, I dined alone, I sat in the spa for hours, I swam, I ordered room service. I slept in, laid around and did nothing, watched SpongeBob while eating Oreos from the mini bar (most expensive Oreos ever). For the first time in my adult life, I did no work.
On day 4, I woke up with clarity. "I'm better than this," I thought, ::::dusting Oreo crumbs off my pajamas::::
I didn't know WHAT I was going to do next, but I knew my time making rappers and pop stars rich and famous was over.
While in figure-out-what's-next mode, I took stock of my life, work, time, and talent - and recognized that "my little dance business" had been half-assed for many years as I treated it as hobby-that-makes-money. What if I gave it "full ass" .... what if I put in the same amount of effort/time/attention to DivaDance as I had my music business career? If I gave it my best - what could happen?
I was immediately ready to find out. Not knowing my exact next move, I booked my return trip to New York City, ready to make DivaDance my full focus.
Fast forward nearly 8 years, 30+ franchises, over 5 million in revenue later - and most importantly a family that I love (and a person I'm proud to be.) The Jami who flew to Miami could never do what the Jami who flew back to New York City has done.
Thank you, DivaDance (and SpongeBob), for truly saving my life.