Well, I'm 50 now. I've spent the last year trying to remake myself. It started when the doctor told me my cholesterol had finally reached an unsafe level. Instead of taking Statins to control the cholesterol I decided to start an exercise program - slowly at first and then building it up. I also cut back on fats and sugars a bit - not a whole lot, but enough to make a difference.
After 4 months my cholesterol was well within the normal limit and I began to make a plan on where else I wanted to go. At this point I decided I'd better do the things I had put off for so long in my creative career. So I ended a five-year gig that had been holding me back and started to write again. This was no small task. I have tried to write for many years and have hit all kinds of roadblocks. Mainly I have had writer's block that I just couldn't break with all kinds of writer's techniques.
But somewhere between the change in mindset and the change in body something changed. I suddenly could come up with clever phrases and ideas. Rhymes began to fall into place again. I began to enjoy crafting lyrics and melodies. I booked time in the studio and began to listen to the CD Baby DIY podcast and plot a course.
How far am along? I have 9 songs in process in the studio and a huge number of ideas that I have organized and am working on regularly - not quite as rigorously as I'd like to, but it's a good start. I have started to build a better following (I hope), and I am hoping to have an album out by winter, and then I'll start to market myself to the festival and house concert market. I haven't really figured all this out, but I'm making progress.
So how does it feel? Great!!! It's wonderful to be creating and really feeling alive again. I feel really sharp mentally and in shape physically and very capable - as much as I did in my early twenties when life was fresh and new.
I hope to be posting some samples of my work and lyrics as this blog proceeds, and I'm also trying to work FaceBook and Twitter pages in addition to my website. I'm not doing the greatest job so far, but I'm learning.
Join me in my quest.
Tom
OK, You got a follower. I too have been thinking along these lines as I prepare to turn 50 in another 2+ months. Must be something about living a half century that makes you look back and then forward, and try to take care of yourself. Best of luck on your new journey and remember, "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane."
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the makeover, old friend (well, you know what I mean.) I well remember your lamenting writers' block all these years and saying a little prayer deep inside that it would just dissipate and allow the creativity to freely flow. Here's to the second half of life where we finally know what we want, have grown smart enough to get it, are still strong enough to enjoy it, and wise enough to appreciate it! Steady On....
ReplyDelete@armadillo man,
ReplyDeleteThanks! Good luck on your 50th, and good Buffet quote there.
@K,
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope it continues to flow fr the rest of my life.