I was on a beach in Australia. Sounds like the beginning of a good story, huh, well it is. I was stranded, without a dime to my name, without a place to rest or pillow to hold my head. Instead, I used sand to support my body; and my instrument, my guitar, to support the very real hunger in my stomach. I was so dedicated to my craft that I found myself without support at the most crucial time in my life – the opportunity to eat. I inhabited the boardwalk, playing for my next meal; a subway sandwich, which turned out to be the best meal of my life.
In that moment, I decided that, and it sounds cliché, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Today, I expect to get beat down, I encourage it, because no one can affect me the way I was effected for a week on the crushing surf of homelessness. Right there and then, I knew that whatever comes next will not be as harsh as struggling with the fact that my guitar was my best friend. Anyone willing to hurt me could have it as I was overcome with the need to sleep. When I awoke with my instrument intact, I used it to feed my belly, as the desire to play my song fed my soul.
I am here today to tell my story despite the many opportunities life had to take my spirit. My spirit intact, I decided that nothing could stop me. My music is, and continues to be, my destiny. Where it leads, who knows, but every day I survive since then is an example of why I can’t quit. My resolve to share my message is as strong today as ever; to the point where I encourage life’s obstacles to strike me down in order to get back up and show anyone listening that it’s ok to fail. Edison failed a thousand times, and I will fail at that rate if it shows me my destiny.
Who knows where the path leads. Each day presents an obstacle which must be overcome. This blog is my tribute to those who have ever suffered for their craft; to those who have ever questioned why they do what they do; why they choose to overcome as opposed to fail – this blog is for those who dare to dream. Your dream may not be the same a mine, but your dream is as important nonetheless, and it is my hope that through our combined efforts that one of our dreams come true. Nothing is promised, but if you are on your personal island, stranded as I once was, that we will get rescued, and survive to fulfill our dreams. Just as I could not do it alone, as you will find out if you stay with me through this journey, you will also find that you, too, can make it, because I am by your side, as much as you are by mine.
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