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« Last post by Joe on March 25, 2019, 04:48:37 PM »
It's good that you are seeking things that make you smile. I think I know the feeling, and I think it is very common in creative people.
There was a five year period in my mid 30s that feels like a lost time. I was more focused on my job and money, than I was my health and happiness. I was always playing music, I just felt ashamed of my love for it, and put myself down with thoughts that it was for kids, and that I should grow up. One day I was ranting about it on my way to a music session, and my friend said "if you are still doing this at your age, you are a fucking lifer." I don't know why, but hearing it changed everything for me. I became aware that I was fighting myself and what brought me happiness. That I didn't want to die feeling that way. It's like I had to learn to give myself permission to pursue happiness.
I'm in my 40s, now. I play music twice a week with two different groups. I am playing and hosting two touring groups in April who are also middle aged. I was a show last night with a bunch of other middle aged folks, a handful of them brought their kids. I have been taking drum lessons for a year, and I love how much it has added to my happiness. By giving myself permission I have stumbled into a community that values my participation, and the community keeps growing.
Shit, Daun and Chris from The Door-Keys(lesser known PIX band) are now in a band called The Evening Standards and they fucking blew my face off maybe a month ago. Chills through my whole body. They are better than ever. And that youthful punk rock passion still courses through them. Let it. These communities want you.
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