DANA WILLIAMS
“I’ve always been really hard on myself. Now I feel like I’m becoming more aware of it and letting up on that a bit.”
Getting older and maturing, understanding that life is short — the older you get, the less invincible you feel.
There are certain ways that I’ve been gentler on myself like setting boundaries with people. That’s a big one for me currently.
Like telling people, “I’m not comfortable with this.”
Otherwise you’re putting yourself in a compromising situation. I’ve always had difficulty communicating my feelings which is part of why I’m a writer and a musician.
Writing has been such a great outlet.
I don’t know what I would’ve done if I didn’t have music.
I’ve just entered this phase in my life where I have clear goals and intentions so I feel more comfortable and at ease with myself.Of course I have bad days. It’s important to remind yourself that the only way to the other side is through.
You have to keep going.
In my twenties, I had spent a lot of time dwelling on the same relationship. Looking back, I wish I would’ve learned to let go more easily. Because I tend to dwell on things.
With music and my career, something just clicked one day. I had goals and decided on how I would do it. Suddenly I had all this drive and determination. I think it’s something I always had but it just wasn’t productive. I was working all the time but it wasn’t productive work. So working smart is something I had to learn.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE, I’ve given myself a schedule for exercise. And I’ve found a class I really love that I get to look forward to twice a week. Just taking that time out is really important, I’ve realized. Caring for myself by seeing exercise as an opportunity to care for my body and my health.
There are things
you can do,
steps you can take,
to accomplish a higher
quality of life.
The first step is to come to terms with yourself and understand that you can get help and it’s not a bad thing. There’s so much pressure nowadays.Life is suddenly so fast-paced. But you can’t always perform at your highest.
That’s why
I make it a point
to be gentle
with myself.
Dana Williams is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and poet
interview, photos and direction by Lauren Pierce-bautista
2018. Los Angeles, CA.