It's hard to believe this was a year ago; this was at the Riverfront Music Festival in MA last August. I was so excited for that day because it was the first time I was seeing Satellite perform as a band (I'd only seen Steven perform solo prior to that). I got even more excited when I saw Steven the night before the festival after The Lone Bellow played a show and we got to talk a bit.
I had no idea that the talks I had with Steven would end up inspiring me so much. After talking to Steven, Darren, Vince and Kyle that day I decided they weren't getting enough recognition and I wanted to connect with other fans of Satellite's music, so I started this page. Looking up videos and interviews to post on here ended up inspiring me even more.
Last September, I opened up about my struggle with mental illness and past suicide attempt, refusing to be ashamed by it. I didn't want ignore it and pretend it never happened anymore; I didn't want it to define me, but I wanted to accept it as the part of my life story like it is. That was the start of me living more in accordance to my beliefs and values. After years of encouraging others to be open and honest about mental illness, suicide, and just the heavy and light things in life, I was finally starting to live that way myself. In early 2014 I participated in a project that tells suicide attempt survivor stories in an open way to help erase the stigma, I started volunteering for a crisis hotline, I finally started applying for full-time jobs and started one that I'm really enjoying. To some people, these may seem like small things, but for someone like me who has struggled with depression and anxiety for years, they're huge accomplishments that I'm proud of (a feeling I haven't had in a long time). I never thought I'd get to this point.
I've been the happiest I've ever been this past year, and while many things helped get me to this point, it was Satellite's music and the conversations I had with the guys last year that gave me the courage and final push I needed to make so many important changes in my life.
And things keep getting better. With World Suicide Prevention Day approaching, I just wanted to write here that: YOU MATTER. Your life is important and no one can play your part. Know that hope and help are real. Life can be scary and difficult, but it can also be beautiful and joyful. Don't let fear and uncertainty keep you from holding onto hope and believing that better days are ahead.
To everyone who follows this blog, thank you. It's been great getting to hear some of your stories and share appreciation about Satellite's music.
So, to the band, THANK YOU. Thanks for creating honest music that inspires and provides hope; that tells important stories and encourages people to tell their own. Thanks for taking the time to talk to and care about the people who support your music. You've made a difference in our lives!
-Melanie
