341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition)

Every year, I write up a gratitude list. This year, the list came easily - but it's mixed with what I'm learning, because growth and gratitude feel connected right now. In this holiday edition, I share what I'm grateful for in 2025: 31 years of marriage, the Unstarving Musician community, my health, and the accidental connections that turned into real relationships. But I also talk about the harder questions I'm sitting with about work, stress management, and what "making it" actually means. If you're dealing with the tension between strategic thinking and creative joy, wondering if you should quit your day job, or trying to define success on your own terms rather than social media's terms - this episode is for you. Topics Covered: Why day jobs might be the smartest path for most musicians The cost of strategic thinking (and when it becomes exhausting) Redefining "making it" - still creating in 5 years, not burned out, not broke The question of celebrating versus numbing stress What the "mystery of the quotient" means for finding your tribe Health, sustainability, and the choices that compound over time How loss clarifies gratitude This is the last episode of 2025. The next episode drops on January 2nd of the new year. Happy holidays, and thank you for being part of this community! Show notes at UnstarvingMusician.com Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode was brought to you by Podcast Startup. Ready to launch your podcast or take it to the next level? Podcast Startup gives you the frameworks, systems, and insider knowledge to build a show that actually grows your audience and serves your goals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to improve your existing podcast, you'll get actionable strategies on equipment selection, content planning, audience building, and sustainable production workflows—without the overwhelm. Learn more at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup . Join podcasters who are building shows that last. Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs , by Robonzo Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube

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341 Gratitude, Growth, and What I'm Learning (Holiday Edition) is an episode from The Unstarving Musician's Podcast by Roberto R Hernandez.

This episode is 20:11 long.

This episode was published on Dec 19, 2025.

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