Music plays a different role in everyone's life.  For me, it has been an escape, a meditation of sorts, a connection medium, a best friend, a frustration, a money pit, a money maker, and a huge passion.  I  began playing guitar and singing when I was about 13-14 years old and caught on pretty quick.  In high school I thought that music would be my complete future and that I would hit the road playing music and traveling all over.  It has never been a pursuit of riches or fame.

I got to know lots of musicians over the years and realized that many of the old-timers were still playing in crappy bars, playing the same songs for 20-30 years to empty bar rooms, and would constantly glance down at their wrist watch throughout the gig.  This wasn't the life I wanted.  I love to pour my heart and soul into music, and I understand the concept of "doing what you love."  But I never wanted to destroy my passion for music.

Fast forward a little bit.....I have served in the military for 21+ years.  I have taken breaks (some long ones) from performing.  Deployments, training detachments, a short time when I didn't own a guitar, demanding duties all conflicted with what I loved doing.  I viewed all of that as one of the sacrifices I had to make, just like everyone else that serves in the military.  What I gained was the opportunity to share music with people in places far from my home town of Steele, AL. 

I've second guessed myself.  I wondered if I would be good enough to perform for a big crowd.  I wondered if my style, or my take on some cover songs would go over well.  But, like alot of musicians.....I got over it and stepped onto many stages and gave it my best.

I play music primarily because I enjoy it.  I have the opportunity to connect with a "crowd", whether that is a bartender and two patrons on one night, or a special event with a crowd of 400+.  No matter what I have occurring in my life, for the few hours I am standing in front of that microphone with a guitar.......my mind is clear.  I have nowhere else to be.  I'm doing what I love.  Music is my medicine.

No matter what level of experience or talent you have, when times get tough......pick up an instrument, turn on some music, jam out, sing out loud.  Let yourself heal.  You have nowhere else to be in that moment.....