Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emma Rose Williamson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Emma Rose, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
I’m a huge believer that pain happens for a reason. It teaches us, grows us, shapes us. In college I was bullied, shunned, and misunderstood. At the time I thought, “why me? A people-pleasing perfectionist who wants nothing but to be kind and understood STILL has everyone hating them?” It was unfair. But it was needed in order for me to undertsand myself, and to empathize with others. The truth of the matter is that we were all growing and learning who we are. There are always going to be bumps in the road, and you’re gonna hurt one another due to insecurities, trauma, etc. I think once I understood that everyone was on the same journey, I realized that they needed grace, and so did I. I learned about empathy throygh learning how to give myself grace, in order to love others and give them that same grace.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an artist with an emphasis in performance and musical theater! I just recieved my bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater at Lipscomb University, and I currently perfrom on a showboat in Nashville, TN, where I currently live as well. I was born and raised in the music industry, where I still sing in multiple studios for projects like Disney, Broadway Junior shows, demos for artists and cruise ships, Background vocals for artists, etc.
I am also in some upcoming shows with an equity theater company here in Franklin TN, where I will be playing Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet. In the future, I plan to perform on cruise ships, work for Disney, travel the world, and do the Big Apple thing!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I am still early in my own journey, as I just graduated college, so I am still continuing to learn and to grow. I have learned so much about myself as a human and as a performer over the past few years, one of them being to take up my own space and to not apologize for who I am. You will get swamped by others’ opinions of you, and eventually you have to realize that you know yourself and your heart the best.
I also learned how to give myself grace and allow myself to fail. When you first begin, it’s easy (especially as a perfectionist) to beat yourself up for not doing your best work. Some days you are going to be exhausted. Some days your voice isn’t going to sound as amazing as it did a couple nights ago. Sometimes your brain needs a break. That’s what makes you a human, not a machine!! We push ourselves and beat ourselves to a pulp more than we realize. Take a breath, understand that you have limits, and show up for yourself the next day. It’s okay to fail.
Community is also so important. As beautiful as it is to be confident in yourself and be an independent badass, it’s equally important to have your special people in your corner who know you best and love you so well. It’s crucial for your mental and physical well being!
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Currently it’s learning that I’m allowed to rest and not do anything for a day if I need to. I beat myself easily when I procrastinate, but hey, we’re human and we all do it.
I think the other challenge I’m facing is the fear of not having work/contracts lined up in advance. Now that I’m out of school, I’m learning the hard ways of life as a performer when you don’t have a show for a couple months and yet still need to pay rent. This life is an adventure, yet it can be stressful. I have found so much peace in surrendering my life to the Lord, and letting Him be the author and guide to my life. I know He has a specific plan, and it’s not always up to me to create every detail of my life. I am fully confident that i will be provided for, even if it means I gotta struggle for a bit. Everyone does!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _emmarose_w
Image Credits
Elliot Lopes
