Everything builds. Nothing is wasted.

In his eulogy last week for jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter (RIP), Ted Gioia shared a 2016 “Open Letter to the Next Generation of Artists,” which Shorter co-authored with fellow musician Herbie Hancock.

If you’re a creative—and, I swear, everyone is—it’s worth a pause. Not only is the advice sound, but the letter is hopeful that the creative journey, while challenging, is accessible to all. In fact, they insist:

“These thoughts transcend professional boundaries and apply to all people, regardless of profession. ”

— Hancock and Shorter, “Open Letter”

The whole letter is great, but two calls hit a particularly tender place in me: the courage not to conform and embracing the unknown.

I’ve had a winding career, mostly by choice, and I’ve enjoyed it. However, it’s been an unusual one and it doesn’t always make sense to other people. As a result, there’s a tradeoff: I’d probably be higher on The Ladder if I’d accepted fewer side quests along the way.

I never really wanted the traditional climb, so big picture it’s all good. But, I have always feared wasting the gifts I was given. Feeling small in front of gatekeepers or in comparison to folks on higher rungs can make me worry about that.

In enlightened moments, I understand that my curiosity, my multipassionate brain, and my energy for the road less traveled are the gifts—and that my winding path honors them well. There is nothing gained from comparing oneself to others.

However, there are also low moments, when these qualities feel more like obstacles, and I foolishly try to make myself more linear. But that really doesn’t work, because it really isn’t me. Attempts to fit in actually cause the fear to come true.

“It’s up to you to be the pioneers.”

— Hancock and Shorter, "Open Letter"

I know this. In fact, I love encouraging other people to be themselves. It’s great advice! But, trusting it and putting it into action are still scary. The process takes us into the unknown—a place I actually enjoy, but a threshold that can be hard to cross. Gaining this confidence is a lifelong endeavor that constantly levels up, in terms of both challenge and reward.

I take heart from Hancock and Shorter’s encouragement, which makes the work feel less like an impossible lift and more like a groovy experience:

“Every relationship, obstacle, interaction, etc. is a rehearsal for the next adventure. Everything builds. Nothing is ever wasted…Be courageous and do not lose your sense of exhilaration and reverence for this wonderful world around you.”

— Hancock and Shorter, “Open Letter”

Thank you, jazz legends. Your letter has fortified me for another round of gentle seeking, and it inspired me to write this Blue Note Blessing.