"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." — Aesop
Emma G - TEDx Speaker, Musician and Youth Empowerment coach
Survivor of 10 brain surgeries, and now singing, speaking, and coaching about music and mental & emotional health. 🎶
At a Glance:
Happy Monday, friends,
Well, I finally did it.
I leveled up to level 36. And while I know you might be sitting here reading this going: "um... yuck. I hate birthdays. They're just reminders that we're getting OLDer", I have a different perspective. Life is fragile, and definitely not guaranteed, so the fact that I get to have a birthday every year is pretty awesome IMO. So instead of seeing this as getting older, I like to look at it as if I've just leveled up - and with each level: there's new opportunities for both challenge and growth, but also success and kicking ass. ;)
And this past year has been no exception.a rollercoaster of emotions — a mix of hurdles, lessons learned, and incredible milestones that have shaped my journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined. As many of you know, the energy this year has been tense, uncomfortable, and tumultuous for so many of my loved ones, and I can't help but feel that energy in my own life. On top of that, I’ve dealt with difficult family circumstances that tested my strength in ways that words can’t fully capture.
Ahem that's why I wrote Grieve - and so many other tracks - on my latest album "fight the fear". But more on that later.
Because despite those hardships, I am grateful for the many blessings that this year has brought me. Through the struggles, there have been so many moments of joy and accomplishment that have filled my heart and soul with gratitude. One of the brightest highlights was marrying the love of my life last November — a year ago tomorrow in fact - truly a perfect birthday celebration!
Professionally this year though? I’ve been fortunate to experience some pretty epic milestones that have reaffirmed my purpose and passion for using music to empower others. Performing at NAMM Festival in LA with my incredible bandmate Joey J Drums was an unforgettable experience, and - of course - having the honor of touring the country in partnership with Hard Rock Cafe, where I was able to share my music and message with so many amazing people?
Truly blessed.
I’ve also had the privilege of working with organizations that are making a huge difference in the world—facilitating stress management and mental wellness workshops for journalists, aid workers, and NGO employees headed to high-conflict zones around the globe. These workshops are close to my heart and serve as a reminder of how vital it is to take care of our mental and emotional health, especially in the face of adversity.
Another highlight this year was joining the Alfred Street Baptist Church Royal Priesthood choir and performing at my first service. This experience helped deepen my connection to faith and community, and it reminded me of the power of coming together through music. I've also had the opportunity to deliver keynotes across Maryland, DC, Virginia, Florida, and Pennsylvania, sharing messages of resilience and hope.
Through it all, I’ve had the honor of working with hundreds of teens around Montgomery County, helping them channel their thoughts and feelings into songs and empowering them to express themselves creatively. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do—helping others find their voice and share their stories through the power of music.
In addition to these professional milestones, I got to visit my father’s homeland of Fiji for our honeymoon, where I reconnected with my Fijian family—another beautiful reminder of the importance of community and roots.
Yep. My 35th year was definitely one for the books, but as I move into level 36 and reflect on everything that has happened this past year, I am reminded that I couldn't have done any of it if it weren't the people in my community, my tribe, and my family.
Yes, I'm talking about people like YOU.
Because whilst challenges have certainly reared their heads, I am proud of how far I’ve come, and how I've able to turn the lessons into blessings through song, and share them with YOU. Life isn’t always easy, but it is in those moments of struggle that we find our greatest opportunities for growth, community, and harmony.
I know it's not the most eloquently put catch phrase, but I truly believe that when life gives us shit to deal with; it's our job to turn that shit into fertilizer and use it plant our garden.
So as I look ahead to the next chapter, I’m filled with excitement for the future. There's so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to continue growing, learning, and empowering others along the way. I’m beyond grateful for all that has happened this past year, and for the amazing community of friends, family, and fans who have been a part of this journey.
Thank you for supporting me, for believing in the power of music and connection, and for continuing to inspire me to be better every day. Together, we are capable of so much. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!
With love and gratitude - have an amazing day on purpose.
x Emma G
P.S. Here's a quick sneak peek of what last night's show sounded like with three quarters of my Band of Misfits with me on stage at DC9. Don't worry - there's more where this came from! #watchthisspace