You never know the impact you have on people. Nor do they know the impact they have on you. So, it really helps when you at least try to let people know what they mean to you. And, it is also important to keep in mind that your actions, and inactions, are being viewed and judged and that they do impact people.
Over the weekend, my buddy Chris Pearson, developer of the Thesis Theme, tweeted the following:
pearsonified: Did you know? @keener was the *very first* Thesis customer and is therefore a barometer for the biz. I lose him; I lose everything.
Until this tweet, I had no idea I was the first to purchase Thesis, or that Chris viewed my continued satisfaction with it as a measure of his business success. So, this is certainly example of having an impact without knowing it.
In the past few months, a few of my friends have passed away: Buster B Jones, Walter Hunt, and Donny Sullivan. As I reflect on their passing, I am confident that none of us truly knew the impact we had on each other. I remember learning that Walt had written in his journal that he really enjoyed getting a call from me, and considered me a “class act,” when I called him after I found out he had brain cancer. That was a huge surprise to me that Walt consider me a “class act.” Flattering, but a surprise.
And, while Buster knew that I loved his guitar playing, I doubt that he knew how much of an inspiration he was to me. Right now I am feeling pretty damned uninspired, and I can no longer talk with him to pull me out of my “uninspiredness.”
(Speaking of that, I am in the midst of the worst writer’s block I’ve had in a long time, so I am not sure when I will post next.)
Anyway, I wanted to share this thought with you. I’d say the chances are very good that you mean much more to some people than you ever imagined, and that there are people who do not understand how much they mean to you. Enough said.
Hi Bruce, have you ever thought about trying to find a open mic nite somewhere and going out and playing? Usually you only have to play 15 mins or so. Borders and Barnes and Nobles have had them around here. Your playing deserves to be heard, might get you out of the rut you seem to be in. It might even jump start your writing also. I’ve hooked up with a friend of mine and are playing at a local art gallery next month. For me, I’m trying to get over my nervousness of playing in front of people. We also did a video project for the new cancer center here in town. He did the video and I did the soundtrack for it. This has really got me excited about playing again. Just my thoughts. Take care, Ray
Hi Ray. Thank you for the suggestions. They do sound interesting. Guess I could at least try to learn some new tunes. That’s what Buster used to tell me to do is learn some new licks, or make some up.
Glad you’re doing those things, though. Sounds really neat and is a great way to share your considerable talents.
Thanks again and take care,
Bruce
Bruce,
Here are two suggestions for you. A fascinating TED talk on writing.
http://www.ted.org/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
Twyla Tharp’s book on creativity.
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Habit-Learn-Use-Life/dp/0743235266
Speaking of You Never Know
You introduced me to Google Reader and the entire blogosphere. I was looking for tools to use on my new Winmo phone and stumbled upon an article you wrote on that subject, which lead to others, including one where you described Reader. So I tried it, using the subscription list you recommended and it totally expanded my computer tools and access to information. Very much appreciated.
Keep up the good work! And check out the two able ladies above. They might brighten things up for you.
Hi Ron.
Thank you very much for the two links. Sounds like they will be helpful to me.
Glad my Google Reader article worked out so well for you. It’s a valuable tool for me, too.
Thank you again
Bruce