WTF Weds: Inspiration on the Thames

Posted on
Jun 6, 2012

There’s a gentleman who plays guitar on the banks of the Thames, near the Tate Museum in London.


He plays, surrounded by the cold and grey, to the masses that wander by. He plays whether they pay attention or not.

In fact, many do not.

He goes by the name “Flame Proof Moth.”

Looking at him, I’m reminded of the fact that life is short, and you have to do what you love. That you only get one chance to make your existence count, and if that means playing guitar on the banks of a murky river in frigid weather, that’s what you have to do.

Looking at him, and I think of the opportunities I’ve wasted. I think of all the times I’ve been too scared to put myself out there.

And here he is, doing just that. He’s literally out there.

 

The opportunities to perform for an audience are there. It’s just a matter of how far you’re willing to go.

Are you willing to stand in the cold? Are you willing to have strangers criticize you? Or, perhaps worse, ignore you?

Or would you rather stay inside where it’s cozy and warm, and every day is just like the one before?

I wonder if, next time I’m in London, I should take my laptop to the shore and sit down next to him. Maybe I’ll write something amazing. Maybe not. But either way, I’ll be doing something.

Just like he is.

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