WHERE I NEED TO BE

That pic was taken Sunday afternoon after I gave a bass lesson to a student. His mom handed me this sign and I was like “What’s this?” She said, “You said this to my son and we both felt inspired to do this for you.” WOW! I am truly humbled for sure. I didn’t think my words had any impact whatsoever.

It has taken me a very long time to ever utter the following words: I am where I need to be in my life.

What brought such an epiphany? Since last November, well…you know the story. No sense rehashing that. In fact, no sense revisiting the past much anymore. I’m honestly tired of it, and some of you are as well. People and events that came into my life are nothing more than distant memories. Good to have some of those memories but better to move forward and rip the rear-view mirror off.

Damn it feels good!

These past three weeks have seen some unbelievable weather. Aside from a day here and there with rain, it’s been sunny, picture-perfect, clear blue skies. (No chem trails!) Weather like this inspires me, and it does wonders for my physical and mental well-being. I realize that this won’t last forever, so I’m absorbing every waking moment possible. I do my walks, observe the deer feasting on grass, and breathe in how wonderful the weather has been.

What’s wrong with me?!

Nothing! I am feeling like “This is where I need to be exactly in my life.” Teaching has been incredibly fruitful, and as I always say my students love and want to learn from me. When I hear things such as “You make this fun and easy” and “I look forward to this day”, it’s a tremendous feeling. I spent years thinking my guitar skills would skyrocket me into the stratosphere. Instead, my skills are being put to a way better use. It’s a more relaxed vibe, a lot of fun and I learn from my students as much as they learn from me.

And another kicker: I am surrounding myself with more positive people. It hasn’t been easy. I spent years thinking “The metal scene is my tribe” and I was very wrong. Granted, I am friends with some people in the metal community but let’s be honest: I’m too esoteric for some. And that’s totally fine. I’m proud to be the quirky/strange/eccentric person and guitarist. I was made to feel as if there was something wrong with me. There never was. I made/make people feel uncomfortable (not intentionally) because I am a pretty together person. I think outside the parameters of what’s expected. Am I better than some? No, just different.

Once I fully embraced who I truly am, all bets were off. Some of my friends accept me as-is. Others saw themselves out. That’s alright. I wish no harm but was never going to bend to their whims. I can’t be molded or corrupted…THAT’S why people ignore me or walk away over time.

So, as we round the corner of the last few months of 2025, I can honestly say that while it wasn’t a great year for me, it got better over time. I stayed in my lane and that’s that. It was the best thing to do.

Actually, the only thing.