Meet Molly Thomas

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Molly Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Molly, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

The task of overcoming imposter syndrome, in my opinion, is closely tied to finding one’s purpose. In my own case, without the difficulties of dealing with imposter syndrome, I may not have come to know my purpose, even though it lay deeply within me even as a child.

Years before my father died, he described me as a late bloomer. I remember that day vividly, thinking to myself, “Oh, good! That gives me some time to figure things out, and I have his permission.” What followed was a long road of dealing with my world of self doubt versus my deep connection with music.

I am a creator, a songwriter, a potter, a jewelry maker, and sometimes a knitter. I have a creative mind, and with that comes an overactive imagination, over thinking, seeing all possibilities, including the ugly ones.

My creativity and natural talent were well supported in my childhood, but along with that came mixed messages. I grew up a very sensitive middle child, never wanting to cause pain for anyone, but making things better for everyone around me. The idea of outshining someone made me hurt inside, because I imagined it caused others to feel inferior. In addition, because music came so naturally to me and didn’t have to work hard at it, I felt like I didn’t earn my place, like I was a fake. But really I was doing the work, putting in countless hours.

I grew up in the Christian church and was attracted to the story of Jesus’ compassion for others—his “walking in others’ shoes.” I believe I took that practice too far. If I sensed someone was hurting or in pain, I began imagining what they must be going through, imposing my thoughts onto them. There is merit in that practice because it allows you to feel others’ pain. But it’s presumptuous to ever assume that you know what anyone else is feeling. It’s a battle for me sometimes because I do empathize tremendously. In doing so, I set myself up for feeling I’m not enough, not showing myself the same compassion I give others.

Although I continued my path in music, churning out continuous creative work, I was not getting the results I expected or wanted. That too impacted my self confidence. The irony is, I was actually getting positive results and earning success. I just couldn’t see it.

After years of this behavior, I began analyzing these negative thoughts, which was the first step in my healing. I dug really deep into myself and asked why did I choose to continue this creative life when so much pain comes with it? Why is it I do what I do when what I experience such a difficult relationship with music? The answer came by defining my purpose in making music: to create a soundscape of feeling, in an effort to help others tap into their inner light.

I have learned to focus on my accomplishments and celebrate my successes and the beautiful things that come my way. I work at giving myself the same compassion I give to others.

I try to keep in mind that every time I have stepped away from music or when life has gotten in the way of making music my career, it has always come back to me. It has a way of sneaking back into my life. The usual way of this happening is by someone randomly telling me how much a song meant to them. That deep meaning and connection that I strive for is what comes to the surface at such times and drives me to continue. This connection is reminiscent of that kid who sat in the backyard making dolls out of cast iron plants, that little girl who played violin with her grandmother playing the piano by her side, that little girl who rummaged through her grandmothers’ jewelry boxes and was awed by the colors, shiny stones and the smells of perfume covering their jewelry. The smells were comforting. These experiences brought about curiosity and sparked something inside. I believe what captivated me was as simple as the experience of possessing a connection with them, both of my grandmothers. It held an all encompassing feeling and sensation, a feeling of great joy. Knowing that, I now recognize that I and others deserve these same feelings of joy and affirmation.

I no longer let self doubt define my worth. Songs come out. I cultivate them. Ideas for string arrangements pop into my head and into my fingers, I let them flow. Finding the flow has been a key for me to disarm that imposter, for the most part. Knowing it will always be a struggle, I have learned to coexist with that part of me, but I no longer allow it to run my life. You keep doing your work and that imposter slowly dissolves. When you can embrace your insecurities and doubts and challenge yourself, your resilience can be a beacon for others to embrace their insecurities and step boldly into their own creativity.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist & producer. I have played the violin since the age of six, and I picked up guitar, piano, viola & cello along the way. I grew up playing in the symphony, playing classical music. In college I discovered folk music and that progressed to where I am now.

I have released 4 records, 3 singles and now have a record on the way, which will be called Tumble Home. The term Tumble Home is a nautical reference, but it is also reflective of a near fatal car accident I was in in the middle of recording the album a year ago, and it’s also a lyric in one of the songs, ironically, written before my accident. Because I like meaning and purpose, my life story (lots of tumbles and falls) and my love for the water, Tumble Home deemed itself a worthy title.

To release the record properly, hiring a publicist and have cd’s and vinyl manufactured, I have decided to start a crowdfunding campaign. That will begin in the next few months, and I hope to release Tumble Home in the Spring of 2025.

I have toured the US, Canada, the UK and Europe with my songs and also as a side musician. As a side musician, I have performed on Jay Leno, David Letterman, Imus in the Morning, and countless local tv performances.

I have a studio in my home, so I also record and produce for other artists. I can be hired to create full string orchestras or a simple fiddle/violin/viola/cello solo in a song.

In addition to music, I am a potter who has incorporated the pieces I make into jewelry.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I was in third grade, I learned patience, being still & quiet, and a little bit of mischief from a sweet elderly lady who picked me up from school on occasion and took me to her house where she taught me sewing and cooking. She was a retired teacher and had a love for things crafty and teaching children. She was a closet smoker and never knew that I knew her secret. That always fascinated me. It brought out my curiosity. Our relationship continued until I was in my 20’s when she passed away. She was a mentor and I think of her often.

If I were to give any advice to youth on the rise, I would say to consider finding someone older and wiser to teach you life lessons, even if it’s just sitting on the porch listening to old stories. It not only gets you outside of yourself, but the experience offers a meaningful depth into what’s greater than your music and your art: Human connection. That is a gift that will serve you in gaining a wealth of intergenerational knowledge and give you the ability to share those lessons with others.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My parents encouraged me to chase my quest for music, and gave me the tools to develop my skills, via lessons, practice and exposure to many cultural activities and events. They recognized my natural talent at an early age and purchased a violin for me, even though they had to watch their pennies. They also both possessed and passed down the need to connect and find meaning in life. My favorite quote is one my mother said so casually years ago. I wrote it down and share it often, “It takes a lot of living to learn to live.”

My husband, Gary, reminds me daily of his unconditional love, and he stands by me fiercely. He is an artist and understands the inner dialogue I have. He offers much support, love and grace. I am very grateful for him.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Gary Brady

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