A friend in San Miguel de Allende was ruminating on his failed acting career. What was the purpose if he hadn’t succeeded? Finally he decided, “I got to have the experience.”
It seemed like a rationalization back then but now I understand. What is life but experience?
Today I played my “I Chose Happiness” show in Bourne, Massachusetts. Unlike my show in Wellfleet which drew 30 people, this drew only 7 and 2 were children. The show isn’t for kids.
I’m good at sensing audiences, and unlike in Wellfleet, this was not the right crowd. But I soldiered on — did my best.
When I was younger, I didn’t have the inner strength to face an unreceptive audience, and I didn’t have a whole lot to say, and I wasn’t as skilled musically.
Now I’m equipped. I’m getting to have the experience. We’re not here for that long. While my voice, feet, and fingers still work, I’m expressing myself.