Thank you, your post feels timely to me, especially the third to last paragraph with "the more enticing the path of least resistance becomes." I sense I have shifted from being a restless adventurer who needs to get *out there* to a more timid homebody (and I'm feeling that especially this morning as I cope with nerves about traveling solo to the Javelina ultra this weekend, where the scene feels intimidating whereas the younger me would've found it exciting). And, the video inspires me because I'm a beginner guitar player, just three months into lessons. I was at a weird AirBnB the night before an ultra in mid-August, and a guitar hung on the wall as decor, and out of boredom and curiosity, I took it off the wall and played around with it. That was the first step. Now I'm taking lessons and feeling alternately inspired and frustrated. But I'm learning and making (very slow) progress. Your post is a motivator to show up to the starting line Saturday, thanks again.
Fantastic piece. On a long drive back from Massachusetts late yesterday, I played son of dad (deluxe) start to finish. SWJ is simply extraordinary.
The first time you head down the Stephen Wilson Jr rabbit hole you will get lost for 90 minutes finding one incredible song after another. As I did about 15 months ago. Also, his interview w/ Howard Stern is well worth the time.
Sturgill Simpson (Johnny Blue Skies) had a somewhat similar unconventional career path.
Leaving a steady career at 37 to chase the thing you've loved since childhood takes a kind of strength we rarely praise. It's a good reminder for young men that the timeline is longer than they think
I love the "progress is non-linear" framework. I just turned 52 and a year ago shifted my life dramatically and am using all of what led up to right now as both fuel and inspiration, including and especially the really dark and difficult parts. And I am by far the happiest I've ever been.
Thank you, your post feels timely to me, especially the third to last paragraph with "the more enticing the path of least resistance becomes." I sense I have shifted from being a restless adventurer who needs to get *out there* to a more timid homebody (and I'm feeling that especially this morning as I cope with nerves about traveling solo to the Javelina ultra this weekend, where the scene feels intimidating whereas the younger me would've found it exciting). And, the video inspires me because I'm a beginner guitar player, just three months into lessons. I was at a weird AirBnB the night before an ultra in mid-August, and a guitar hung on the wall as decor, and out of boredom and curiosity, I took it off the wall and played around with it. That was the first step. Now I'm taking lessons and feeling alternately inspired and frustrated. But I'm learning and making (very slow) progress. Your post is a motivator to show up to the starting line Saturday, thanks again.
Good luck this weekend, Sarah. You're going to be as ready as you're going to be. Trust your training. Let it rip.
Fantastic piece. On a long drive back from Massachusetts late yesterday, I played son of dad (deluxe) start to finish. SWJ is simply extraordinary.
The first time you head down the Stephen Wilson Jr rabbit hole you will get lost for 90 minutes finding one incredible song after another. As I did about 15 months ago. Also, his interview w/ Howard Stern is well worth the time.
Sturgill Simpson (Johnny Blue Skies) had a somewhat similar unconventional career path.
Agree with all of this. He voice is captivating.
Leaving a steady career at 37 to chase the thing you've loved since childhood takes a kind of strength we rarely praise. It's a good reminder for young men that the timeline is longer than they think
I love the "progress is non-linear" framework. I just turned 52 and a year ago shifted my life dramatically and am using all of what led up to right now as both fuel and inspiration, including and especially the really dark and difficult parts. And I am by far the happiest I've ever been.
"Guitars are meant to be played" is such a great line from him, Brad! Forty-seven and nominated for New Artist of the Year is so inspiring.