Last night I subbed on drums with a band. It wasn't a huge crowd. "Sometimes, that's when someone sees you and hires you for a nice-paying party," I remarked to our bass player. No matter, we played to a guarantee. That is, we get the same money if there's 1 person or 100 in that small place. It wasn't a high-paying gig, but until I land a day job, I have to take any and all opportunities. Some are more rewarding than others.
I snapped this picture to send to someone. What I didn't know at the time was the woman in the black sweater would come up to me at the end of the night and say "Thank you. That was wonderful. My mother is dying and I needed to get out". I almost didn't know what to say, so I shook her hand and said "Peace be with you". That was gratifying.
That was a fabulous reward. On my way out, with drums in my hand, I saw a woman outside who was also complimentary to me and the band, and I explained that I'm only a sub, not a member, and that I play with a bunch of other projects. She said that I should have my own website and list my gigs and "people would come just to see you!" That was also very nice of her.
Before this post starts to sound like Linked In nonsense, I really do appreciate compliments. Sometimes, they nearly strain credibility, but I'll take them. Sometimes, the compliment is as simple as getting re-hired for a gig, as I did with the Elton John tribute band. But I'll take it. The same goes for the family of the man who sadly committed suicide one year ago; they were reportedly happy that I created a mental health conference in his name. I'll take that, too.
Hopefully, after one plugs enough things back into the universe, things will respond. I hope the nice feedback will continue!
You gave someone comfort when they needed it most. What I have discovered in life is that happiness isn’t demanded, instead it is cultivated through what we give to others. We often find our deepest happiness in making others happy. These moments in your life are a testament to that truth. Ancient wisdom wasn’t wrong about karma.
Your talents are waiting for the right opportunities to flourish. May the kindness you have shared return to you as an abundance of opportunities, fulfillment, and reasons to be proud. And through it all, may you always remain grounded, guided by the hearts you have touched and the perseverance that has brought you this far.
Those types of compliments are just so rewarding. Nothing can replace them. When you know you affected someone and it's for the better, it's like a mini lottery win in life. With a compliment like that, it would be gold to the soul. Thanks for sharing.
@uncalled4 Yeah that stuff blows the mind. As a rock and roll drummer, I go to watch jazz drummers. The things these guys do. I go, like, how the hell is he doing that? What am I hearing? At least you're still playing. I actually reached the point that I didn't want to play in a band anymore. I don't care how many people asked me to play with them. I knew my own limitations whether they could hear them or not.
