experiences matter

This week I’m managing to see both of my favorite musical performers. On Tuesday, I saw Beck at the Ford. He’s been my absolute favorite since I was a college radio deejay in about 1994. Tonight, we’re going to see twenty one pilots at the Forum. I think I’ve seen Beck twelve times and five for tøp—three times with floor tickets. This is what happened the last time we saw twenty one pilots.

I’m not saying this to brag about how I got tickets.

I’m saying this to remind you of something.

If there is something you really like to do: movies, hiking, museums, gardening, whatever, and you don’t let yourself do it, try to figure a way to actually do it.

When I was depressed, I didn’t want to do anything. And I’m an introvert, so get me to a couch with a book.

But.

These days, I make a point to go to events.

In the past month, I’ve seen Hamilton at the Pantages, been to San Antonio for a book signing, gone to two concerts, a few movies, and next week, we’re going to Disneyland for my kid’s birthday.

That’s a lot for us.

I understand that some of this stuff is merely celebrating freedom from COVID restrictions. (I’m lucky to live in a state with dropping numbers for new cases.) And I realize I have the money to go do these things and some don’t.

But experiences matter regardless of how much they cost.

Years ago, at one of the Beck concerts, I was by myself for some reason—maybe going to buy a drink or use the restroom, and between the tour buses—and I saw him arrive. No one else was looking. Just a moment, a dash, where it was me and him. My own special moment that can’t be replicated. 

My uncle wrote a poem about a pebble. How he was looking at this beautiful scene in nature and moved a pebble so he could keep that moment all to himself. This coming from a photographer.

We can watch footage on YouTube and see things happen on our phones. But being in the room, so to speak, is important.

I’m encouraging you to make experiences happen. I understand comfort levels with being in public and spending money. If it’s just you by yourself in the woods, or if you’re in the middle of a concert hall, go do it.

I’m just encouraging a bit of non-digital life.

It’s worth it.

Beck at the Ford Theater, September 28, 2021.