I
was looking at some quotes for an idea and the first one that got my attention
was from Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. He said, "Many people die with their music
still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting
ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out." (By the way, he is such a
fascinating person to read about!)
Then,
a couple of moments later, I came across the quote above from Henry Van Dyke.
This caused me to think about things I've tried and done even without much
talent, and how I know many people who aren't willing to risk that small step
to get out there and try it.
I've
talked with people who have a book in them, but they leave it right there, when
it is pretty easy to get it out and especially in today's world of instant
publishing. All it takes is making a decision to actually do it, and the
questions will get answered and the process will unfold
appropriately.
So often,
I think people get hung up on the idea of making a living doing that thing such
as writing a book. If they would only let that idea go completely and just do it
for fun, or because you have a passion about it, or any other reason than making
money at it, doing that thing would become so much more natural. The money idea
gets in the way.
So,
let's take the book for example. Whether it is a novel, something you know a lot
about, a historical perspective, poetry, or a photography coffee table book, you
can get a professional product done through a team of people that are available
to help you get that done. Sure, it will cost some of your hard-earned money,
but you will be amazed that it isn't as much as you might imagine and the
rewards at the the end seeing the product in your hands will make the investment
insignificant.
Like
Nike says, 'Just Do It!' If you need help, you will find it, just as I
have.
I've
also been a musician and wrote and recorded songs. I'll never forget the first
professionally recorded product and how it changed the way I thought about my
music and gave me so much more confidence. I ended up doing an album and then
recorded many more songs, wrote around 150 and though most may not be very good,
there are some that are good, so that works out just fine. I had a lot of
fun doing that, recording and then playing them for others live too.
Though
I was quite shy about it all in the beginning, I gained a great deal of
confidence and increased skill and expertise. When I first got into it, I was
thinking about making money at it, then I just let that go, and had fun with it.
That proved to be the best decision and I highly recommend it.
If
you're a musician and always wanted to record some of your songs, or even other
people's songs, just do it. Finding someone to help produce the recording and
then a recording studio to get the final product is not difficult at all. You
can do it if you want to.
Whatever
it is--building a race car, becoming a sculptor, songwriter, published author,
all it takes is a desire to allow yourself to let it come out. Forget about the
money, take some out of your pocket and invest it in your little project and go
for it. You'll not be leaving with the music still in you and it really doesn't
matter how good you are compared to others. All that matters is your desire
to express yourself.
