Opening up is very hard, because even once that tall order is fulfilled, there inevitably will follow, sooner or later, a wound, and a crash into darkness. And another very tall order to get past that one and back to the light again. But that’s where the liberation comes from. The stuff of U2 songs, or Madonna (Rebel Heart). How many people go there and return? It can be done (and a few people here and there, not just singing stars, have made the journey).

I never thought I was anything beyond the unhappy and sullen normal thing as a confused and lonely young man. But I found the journey, or it found me. And it gave me a bunch of lyrics and a singing voice, though I’ve yet to find a project to do my singing and performance right. Mostly, the journey just allowed me to find myself and a peace of mind and ability to take whatever comes in this crazy world. My only advice, and the only advice I ever give to people I don’t really know personally, is — don’t let anyone tell you what you have to do or what is right or wrong for you. 
Good luck Abby, Paul Paulcito

PS Recommended reading on awakening to the energy and the spiritual journey, an author named Paul Levy (his work, Awaken in the Dream blog and several books, is recommended by Sting, another artist of the deep soul and the journey that I truly and deeply respect)