From Beats to Peace: DJs Finding Balance During the Holidays

“When life throws us obstacles, we have a choice: be Solution-Based or Problem-Based,” says DJ Mike, Co-Host of 2 DJ’s 1 Mic.

By DJ Mike, Co-Host of 2 DJs 1 Mic

This year has been one of those years, one many of us haven’t faced in a while. Work has been slow. For those of us who live and breathe DJing, whether you’re running a multi-op business or working solo, the holiday season has brought more silence than sound. And when work slows down, it can feel like the weight of the world grows heavier, especially for those of us with families, employees, or others depending on us financially.

That kind of pressure is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been in our shoes. And even if they mean well, it can feel isolating when no one seems to fully grasp the depth of what you’re carrying. For some, the reality of this struggle is new. For others, it might be a painful memory buried under years of trying to forget, ignore, or suppress the trauma. Either way, when life doesn’t move as planned, it can be unbearably tough.

But even in these challenging moments, there’s a path forward. It starts with reflection—taking an honest look at where you are and how to move forward. One tool I always turn to is a SWOT analysis: assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This process forces you to face the person in the mirror, to acknowledge where you are right now, and to make choices that move you toward growth and solutions.

I truly believe in living on the side of solutions. When life throws us obstacles, we have a choice: be Solution-Based or Problem-Based.

When you’re Solution-Based, you face challenges head-on. You acknowledge the problem, but your energy shifts toward finding and implementing strategies that lead to resolution. You become invested in progress, step by step, until the solution becomes your reality.

But when you’re Problem-Based, you dwell on the issue itself. You replay it in your mind like a broken record, getting stuck in the loop of frustration and fear. Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, depression, and even physical illness. That’s not where we belong. By nature, we are meant to find joy. But staying Problem-Based robs us of that joy, convincing us to remain in negativity.

So this holiday season, let’s be kind to ourselves and others. Let’s remind ourselves that even in times of stress, we have the power to choose how we respond. Choose to be Solution-Based.

Choose to focus on your mental health, because it matters more than anything else. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to reach out. Find someone who will listen and offer sound advice. It’s okay to need support—seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.

We’re in this together, and we can overcome anything. Let’s keep our heads up, stay positive, and remember that the music of life is always playing, even if we have to listen a little harder to hear it right now. You’ve got this. And we’ve got each other.