Reflection

Aug 13, 2020:

I’m used to negativity and rejection. I mean, my wife says no to me all the time and my kids barely listen to a word I say. But, to be told (in a not so subtle way) that I’m no longer relevant…well…that hurts. At least, that’s how I feel after finding out that our entry into the “$20,000 summer song contest” didn’t even crack the top ten.

You’re probably thinking, “But Skinny (you know me well enough by now to call me Skinny, or Big Skinny), there were over sixteen hundred entries. Isn’t that kind of presumptuous of you to think that you could actually make it into the top ten?” The answer? Yes. Yes, it is. And, soooo what?! Sour grapes? Probably, but being over thirty was clearly a disadvantage. Try harder next time? Oh yeah! Get the freakin’ hair dye out, cause I’m going back in time! (Well okay, it'll take more than hair dye. Got it.)

Interestingly though, there is definitely a bit of a learning curve going through a process like this. Not unlike acquiring the tools of the trade in any new occupation, or figuring out how to go about scoring that dream position you’ve always wanted, because you’re not the only one that wants that job, right? So, what are you going to do to stand out from the rest? That’s a rhetorical question, but one that I’m going to have to come to terms with.

I was reading an article the other day about Geena Davis and one of her comments was that after she turned forty her acting career fell off a cliff (kind of like my stock portfolio, but I digress). Not that my acting career had ever really started in the first place, aside from the one student short film (which is still in production due to Covid), I’m pretty much a big fat 0-fer. Maybe, I'm suffering from the Geena syndrome as well.

From acting to music, what I’ve gathered though, especially after having watched the top ten video selections chosen out of this summer song contest, is that being considerably younger matters. Being technically savvy, having a bit of money to spend on production and image, plus having an online presence with actual followers, and of course exhibiting a modicum of talent doesn’t hurt either. That said, there was maybe one to two songs that I could actually stand to listen to in their entirety, but I am not the target audience after all.

Here’s the link if you care to listen for yourselves. https://cfox.com/contest/4272/20000-summer-song-voting/

So, with all that in mind, I’m thinking it may be time to reassess and do some reflecting. Where better to accomplish that task than sunny, hot Osoyoos? Perhaps a few days of basking in the sunshine with a couple of friends may help reinvigorate and refocus my energy (or give me an incredible hangover anyway), and yes, I will be practicing safe Covid procedures.

Apparently (from what I’ve been reading anyways), many successful people take at least 30 minutes or more out of their day sitting in a quiet space and reflecting on their goals. That would include, health, relationship, financial, and career objectives. Critical thinking time to analyze one’s current situation and consider any changes needed. Makes sense to me. Add in a few beverages and I’m sold.

Unfortunately, with my shoulder surgery being pushed back to the first week of September now, I’ll probably have more critical thinking time than any one person might need.

This looks like a good spot to do some thinking. Better buy me some more beer.

Until next time.