http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7408822n&tag=stack

Alan

I happened to see the spot on CBS Morning Show, which is unusual. Interesting, because I might watch NBC Today if I’m not occupied with something else. Also unusual, I typically don’t read or comment on blogs. I have played golf once in my life, many years ago. I found it enjoyable, but it wasn’t my thing. Occasionally I will watch a tournament on TV with my Dad or Husband, and likewise, enjoy the experience. I don’t know if you believe in such things, but I believe that I was meant to see your interview.

It was evident from the interview that you are aware of the fact that there are many ways to succeed with your project. I feel that you’ve succeeded already, on your own terms and in your own life. I was glad of this, because this fact alone may serve to inspire others to follow a dream, or at least to break free of a lifestyle that doesn’t suit them. Happier people, happier world.

Your TV interview seems to have come at just the right moment in time. Coincidence? Serendipity? More likely, providence. I am a professional musician. I have been a musician my entire life. Though I’ve never looked at it this way before today, I put in my 10,000 hours years ago. Yeah, and it took about 10 years between age 10-20. Since then, I’ve done the 10,000 hour thing several times as I’ve pursued different branches of my music field. One might think that each successive attempt would be easier and take less time, given that the foundation had been laid. To a degree this is true, though each new challenge was a complex skill of integrating movement, communication, and high level analytical thinking. Therefore, the process was not significantly altered. Of course, there is more to it than this brief description suggests. But the point is that it does work.

Musicians and other artists have been doing this for ages. Unfortunately, they usually don’t get noticed. That is, unless some anomoly of nature comes along and is performing like a seasoned pro at the tender age of 9. This draws some notice, though temporarily. Musicians and other performing artists work long and hard, training muscle groups to move effectively and seemingly effortlessly – very much like an athlete. Our society does not seem to value musicians as it does athletes. The reasons for this are myriad, and would be best explored elsewhere.

In the past few years, following another long period of cultivating a new musical skill, I’ve encountered a wall of hardship, injury, and disappointment. I am good at what I do. I am ready to conduct orchestras professionally, but have only had a few opportunities. This is partially due to a struggling economy which cannot support non-essential music organizations. It is also due to a culture of resistence – to women in positions of authority, and to anyone beyond their 20′s entering the field. I had hoped to change this, but I was getting tired of the struggle. I’ve been contemplating giving up, something unusual for me, as I am a person of dedication and determination. Since viewing your TV interview, I have renewed energy to pursue several music projects I began a while ago. You have inspired me. Thank you.

You see, you have already succeeded. I wish for you continued success in all the ways that fulfill your dreams.

All the best,
Theresa

I wish you all the best.

Best regards

I remember reading some of your original posts and take pride in knowing you are working for the best of outcomes. I am aware that with all the golfing/Specials being done about you and your plan, you are having difficulty keeping up with the flood of inbox messages.

But don’t be afraid to shoot me an email Bud!

Just saw the interview on CBS. I thought it went really well. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. There are a lot of doubters out there, don’t let them push you down. Just keep pushing forward and swinging.