We Can Do Better

My weekly chat over coffee. It's a good way to spend a Saturday morning, I promise.
----Otis Tour Dates------
02/09/24 -Indianapolis, Indiana -The HiFi
04/16/24 -Key West, Florida -The Studios Of Key West
04/17/24. -Key West, Florida -The Studios Of Key West
05/29/24 -London, England. -Leytonstone Social Club
05/31/24. -Smethwick, England. -The Thimblemill Library
06/01/24. -Broseley, England. -The Birchmeadow
06/02/24. -Nottingham, England -The Chapel at the Angel
06/04/24 -Newport, Wales -Le Pub
06/05/24. -Sheffield, England. -The Greystones
06/07/24 -Newcastle, England. -The Cluny 2
06/09/24. -Glasgow, Scotland. -The Glad Café
----- Details at otisgibbs.com ---------
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[@mikemorris2159]

A shot of positivity is always nice. Thanks

[@kathrynsmith5750]

It's a wonderful peptalk and I agree wholeheartedly. Yours sincerely, A Happy Person.

[@kelseyland]

Love this! So damn inspiring. Live a creative life and be happy indeed! Thanks for all you do, Otis!

[@rockingron]

This is so good. You just bettered some people's lives. Thank you, friend.

[@ericjohansen1953]

Hey there Otis. My name is Eric Johansen from California. I wanted to wish you a happy New Year and thank you for your video. I just completed my first year of retirement from a day job that I dreaded going to for the last 22 years and my life has been getting better every day since then. I spent most of my free time in the last 30 years building, repairing and restoring guitars and other string instruments. It was the main thing that helped me remain sane and feeling worthwhile in life. Since retiring I have been able to focus all of my energy on my lutherie pursuits and I could not be happier. I built 5 new guitars this year (just completed #43), met some of my musical heroes, become established in my local area as a go to luthier, and finally had the opportunity to drive across the country and back again at speeds that were well below the speed limit for the first time. You’re right that persistence will pay off in the long term. Keep your dreams alive and don’t give up, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

[@charliechappell9391]

Thank you Otis. I love the way you wear your hat. More men need to wear hats and enjoy them.

[@stevetolliver8599]

Thank you sir. Nice guy, humble heart. 65 older drummer here. I a little bit 3very day guy. And my life is so much better than I thought it could be. I see the beauty in everything I can. I look forward to your input . Be safe this new year

[@davidkirk5074]

So good mate, someone has finely hit the nail on the head. "Everyone can do better" Much love from Australia.

[@peterlewis90]

Yeah Otis, I love your stories about people, famous and not so famous I think your own story resonates for a lot of us.

[@robertmumpy324]

Thanks a bunch Otis. Love the stories and the folks you meet. Have a great 24!

[@manuelpagan4077]

Thanks for the shoutout bud! Really enjoyed meeting you!!! Happy new year!!!!!

[@billroberts8982]

Very well spoken Otis. Happiness is worth more than any amount of money.

[@arpeggio62]

Thanks Otis . Great Words !

[@Robert_Bubba_Baker]

Great message today Otis. I really needed to hear it.

[@robinengland5799]

I am fortunate, I have been a Mortician for the last 48 years and still going. Love the work and it allows me to buy nice banjos!!!

[@toddglass2519]

Hi Otis. We’re about the same age.my name is Todd Glass I’m a Detroit based working drummer and have somehow managed to make a living at it for 30 odd years. I totally relate to the guidance counselor story. In those days it was a total mystery as to how to make a life as a musician and no one ever said, “ that’s a great idea kid!” But all these years later I’ve traveled the world playing music and experienced so many sacred musical moments and met more interesting people than I could have imagined. I don’t have much to show for it I’m the material sense, but I wouldn’t trade what I’ve experienced for any money. All that said, I’ve been brewing a change in my mind this last year and the old fear has been doing battle with me. This message was right on time. Thank you brother. Also, I’m not sure if you’ve played Detroit much but if you want to book some gigs around here I can definitely help out. Take care and Happy New Hear to you and yours. Your videos are like medicine for music nerds like me. Absolutely love the stories. Keep up the good work and last but not least I’ve become a fan of the music as well. Take care- T

[@dlmyrs]

Thank you, Otis. And thanks a million for the story of Sputnik Monroe!!!

[@chumbels]

Hey Otis. I've been watching your stuff for a little while now. Very entertaining.Had to pause video to do some things,but I'll finish later .Thanks

[@g.k.dickenson9259]

Great advice. "Real World" Stuff! 🎸💙

[@1gdfoster1]

Damm Otis, You got me beat with the 4 inch vertical leap. I somehow knew that record wouldn't last. You Always Make My Day. Keep On, All The Best with 2024, Gregg

[@anthonywhite2960]

I love it when Otis said, I never think about there's people in my phone. I think about it and sometimes those people make my phone ring. It frightens me.

[@randalclarke5487]

You have NO IDEA how serendipitous this video is for me in my life right now. Ive been at this music business in earnest for 40 years, playing professionally for money for 34 now. I am jaded, burnt out and often depressed beyond comprehension, as well being confused and scared of not being more than i am in the business. This really helped and gave me a much needed boost. Your videos are the best bro. Sorry i cant afford the Patreon thing- its Winter and we often struggle financially this time of year as pro musicians. God bless you Otis.

[@jeffclement2468]

Wise words. I too was always sceptical about that phrase, "You can be whatever you want to be." Thanks for weaving that into a more reasonable, yet still positive idea. 🤠👍P.S. "that corporative after taste!" Indeed! 😝

[@otisgibbs]

I filmed this video at 6am, so my mind was still a little cloudy, A more awake version of me would say something like, A lifetime in the arts will introduce you to a lot of interesting people and to me, those relationships are more fulfilling than money and/or fame. You just have to leave the house. Go to the places where something interesting might be happening. You'll probably stand around awkwardly because you don't know anybody, but if you do that often enough, you're gonna meet some interesting folks. It's not easy, but it's worth it. All the best to everyone in 2024. -----Otis Tour Dates------- 02/09/24 -Indianapolis, Indiana -The HiFi 04/16/24 -Key West, Florida -The Studios Of Key West 04/17/24. -Key West, Florida -The Studios Of Key West 05/29/24 -London, England. -Leytonstone Social Club 05/31/24. -Smethwick, England. -The Thimblemill Library 06/01/24. -Broseley, England. -The Birchmeadow 06/02/24. -Nottingham, England -The Chapel at the Angel 06/04/24 -Newport, Wales -Le Pub 06/05/24. -Sheffield, England. -The Greystones 06/07/24 -Newcastle, England. -The Cluny 2 06/09/24. -Glasgow, Scotland. -The Glad Café ------ Details at otisgibbs.com ----------

[@matt.willoughby]

No dates in the East of England? The Cambridge folk festival? Bury St Edmonds, Norfolk, Ely so many really nice places to visit and play

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

You ever come through Ga?

[@artemisXsidecross]

Your music is a side gig, being who you are as a person is wealth beyond measure. ☮

[@georgesandchopin299]

thank you, otis :)

[@davedeshaw8234]

Thanks for opening up and taking us along!

[@oakdogfu]

Otis, in my 73rd year I have lost 100 lbs. behind 13 years of recovery this year. It’s a lot of what you say absolutely. I’d like to add something. This: to know I am worthy. Worthy of a happy life. Worthy of the love from others. Most of all, worthy of loving myself. Thanks, Brother 🙏♥️🕊️

[@WillyPDX94]

I turned 73 a few weeks ago so I can relate. One of my favorite quotations is from Tim Robbin's Still Life with a Woodpecker: "It's never too late to have a happy childhood." Be well, Brother.

[@TooLooze]

I'm 74, and you impressed me immediately. You are an inspiration.

[@TooLooze]

@@WillyPDX94 Great quote. I had to take my childhood back as well.

[@paleggett1897]

Bless Up, fellow journeyer of Love

[@otisgibbs]

Hell yeah! ❤

[@patmayer7222]

,,,,yes,,,,,.....got the point,,,,,,Mr.Ottis,,,,,........at 63 y.o. ,,,I needed to hear it as well,..............we are always learning,,,,,,,,,conversation is a seldom occurrence,.....now in this instant gratification world we somehow found ourselves in,,,....others will gain inspiration from this vid,,,====me !==I've worked since 16 y.o.,,24 at a lumber mill,,now,,for 11 years I have recycled metal on my own(truck&trailer)cleaning my town,,...and unlike before,I love doing this the most !!...oh,I do know how to tune&play guitar,,,...... .tnx,..land o' lakes,wi..

[@kendallpigg5097]

"That corporate aftertaste." 😀 There's your title! Happy New Year, Otis.

[@dogpaw775]

right on about being miserable or being happy, 'find something you like doing and call it work'. best of health and happiness for 2024 to all.

[@CliffMcAulay]

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Otis. Much appreciated. All the best from Bath UK.

[@TheGamingAltar]

As a journalist stident at Texas Tech (one of the best journalism schools in Texas) I am often laughed at when I say I want to be a music journalist. It's like you said though it's not about the money or being famous, it never has been. Mr. Gibbs you have inspired what I want to do in my career and with the rest of my life. Thank you sir!

[@davidflorence1]

Corporate aftertaste” and an art joke - plenty of humor before having your morning coffee. As for the “crappy hotel room,” remember what Waylon and Willie sang about not cussing the fiddle(r). And the life advice was pretty good too.

[@architypeone8646]

I had a similar guidance counselor meeting. I already knew I wanted to be an Architect since I was about 12. I loved to draw and I loved to make things. I told this to my GC and he looked at my permanent record and said "It's too late. You're not on the right academic track to make it to Architecture school". I said, "How can it be too late?...I'm 14 years old!" So, I went to a local community college that had an excellent 2 year program in Architectural Technology and got caught up academically. I then got accepted at the University of KY College of Architecture, (5 year BA program), graduated with honors, did the required 3 year internship under a professional Architect, and finally passed the 4 day long state board exam, and I've been a practicing Architect for 35 years now. It took 10 years, a lot of hard work, patience and tenacity, but I did it, and there is nothing that compares to setting a goal, working toward it, and achieving it. It really builds your confidence and helps you to keep pursuing other goals in life. It is impossible to eat an apple in one bite, but you can do it if you eat it a bite at a time. Happy New Year, Otis!

[@peterbetts858]

its impossible to eat an apple . . . . ,man that should go on a t shirt . where did u get that from , did u make it up or where did u hear it from? east coast Canada .

[@architypeone8646]

@@peterbetts858 Well, I just made it up, but there are lots if similar analogies out there....like "You take a long journey one step at a time"...etc. Have a great new year!

[@peterbetts858]

@@architypeone8646 if u dont mind me asking what part of the country r u from , i luv colloquialisms .

[@gerrygregg]

Wise, encouraging and humble. All would be better with more of this. Thank you, Otis.

[@burnistuck9499]

Thanks very much, Otis. Hard won wisdom. I'll be 85 in a few days & you speak truth.

[@MCSuperHonky]

Another beautiful post, brother Otis. Keep putting yourself in the room!

[@tomcoy3565]

Rewatching This from Your Prompt today Otis! Love ❤Watching You on Saturday from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and I’m Still Working at 70 Years Old and Subscribing From KZbin for 2-1/2 Years and The Ohio State Buckeyes are Playing Michigan to Finish Their Season as #2! It’s November 30th and Christmas is 25 Days Away and Went To See Blackberry Smoke Live at Pompano Beach Amphitheater three weeks ago! Loved That Concert!

[@NVRAMboi]

"It's hard." = Add 30 years of life and that transforms into "HOW did we pull that off? Those were great times." Thanks for making time for us, Otis.

[@jamessator5564]

Thank you Otis , you give me something to think about !! I’m 54 , owner/operator in a local trucking business, married with 4 kids married for 27 years to the love of my life and in my mind, I’m a hell of a guitar player !!

[@jerrybuzzard8147]

Thanks Otis. I really needed this today. I’m retired and just hangin’ out. I did have a career that I loved. Thanks for reminding me that though that is over I can find fulfillment elsewhere. Thanks for the nudge forward.

[@anotherneglectedhobby8386]

Thank you, Otis. I’m so glad I got to see you perform live and chat with you at The FIre Room in Osage Beach a few years ago, which led to time spent with your music, your podcasts and your videos. My life has been enriched by all of that. Best wishes for 2024.

[@kenbrown9433]

Thank you for this, Otis. There are gurus of all varieties trying to sell people their message, but you hit the nail on the head very simply: we can ALL do more AND better than we think we can.

[@mroche1088]

I think you can add Guidance Counselor to your expanding resume, Otis. Thank you for your curiosity, your insight, and your warm heart! All the best in the new year. #LoveAllAround

[@mrsweettater]

"It's got that corporate aftertaste" That's funny stuff! Blew some of my coffee out my nose when ya said that!

[@ApplesOranges123]

My kid is at this point in her life. "If it makes you happy, run toward it."

[@xjamesramos]

"It's all going to pot." for the art installation. Otis I live just north of you in Frankfort. Thanks for the advice today and videos!

[@xjamesramos]

And Happy New Year!

[@jamesm5547]

Like many others, my early 20's took a hard left turn with the birth of a child. Suddenly (and rightly so) dreaming was replaced with real life concerns - a tiny person who needed a safe place to live, food, cloths, etc. No regrets, my kids are terrific, but until my mid 30's life was Work, Kids, rent, bills, "ware, wash, repeat". Then I found something I was good at and liked. Hard work built a career ~ 😊. Now I have the time & enough free cash, to have a couple guitars and once in awhile stand up at an open mic. To anyone younger, feeling like life is a treadmill, all I can say is relish the small wins, enjoy the good moments and know that good time, and bad times will come & go. Be as honest as you can, do what you say you'll do and try to help others. Happy New Years to all

[@canajian]

There is a saying I've heard, "may you live in interesting times" And you have Otis.. you have...👍

[@scottkidwell3601]

Thank you for this, Otis. I decided I wanted to play music in my teens. Learned some guitar, loved singing, wrote a few songs. I joined the Coast Guard after high school, thinking I needed more direction. Got better at playing guitar and wrote a few songs. Found out I enjoyed doing electrical work, became a journeyman electrician. Kept playing guitar and bass, played bass in a few local bands and had a really good time. Twenty-five years later, I still enjoy being an electrician and doing the work. It's afforded me a pretty decent living. I'm still singing and playing guitar, writing the occasional song. Headed out to a friend's this afternoon to play bass with a few former bandmates and longtime friends. It's been a good ride. Maybe I'll get around to recording my first solo album in '24. I appreciate the talk. Thank you for being you, and doing what you do. 🙏🏻 Be good to you 🤍

[@carlweimer1191]

I'd say I'd vote for you for president, Otis, but upon reconsidering that, I decided it would be better if I just said thank you for being here. You may not fully realize how many people you are giving the gift of humanity to now, but my hat is off to you for living a good life in this mean old world. A couple of songwriters from across the pond once sang "the love you take is equal to the love you make". Nuff said. Happy New Year to you and Amy.

[@WillyPDX94]

I like it. Given the choices we're likely to be presented with, I'm writing in Otis Gibbs on my ballot. ❤

[@ryanjohnson985]

Thanks for your kind words of experience, Otis! Wishing you continued success in 2024. ❤

[@catheryndenton1766]

Corporate Aftertaste..... Now that's my 2024 hashtag !!! : D

[@ClintonCaraway]

I sent a link to this to my youngest daughter. She's a sophomore in high-school and is involved in drama, art and is learning to play the piano. I hope that she lives a life of adventures. I saw a video recently of Mathew McConaughey where he ask his son what he wanted to get out of going to summer camp. The answer was "I just want to meet cool people and do cool things." I hope my daughter can just do those two things her entire life!!

[@birdhousehippie8471]

Thank you, Otis. You're such a blessing, brother.

[@gwbuilder5779]

Happy New Year Otis!🎉 You are so right. I've been on my own since I was 15. Didn't mean much to the people around me, but just started doing things I wanted to do to make money. By 18 years old, I bought my first house, a 2 bedroom fixer upper. It wasn't much, but it was mine. Started playing my dad's guitar when I was about 4 years old, hiding in a closet because my older brother would take whatever I wanted to play with. One day the guitar was gone, but I was infected with musicianitis. Been a musician for nearly 60 years now among many other things and that's just how life goes. I remember the counselor talk and said something similar to the, "You can do whatever you want." speech. They really are not prepared for kids to be brutally honest with them, especially us non-conformists. However, most of us manage to find our way through life and sometimes even get to do what we love from time to time. I'm not rich and have started over several times, but I have the things I need and a few guitars to play and sing with, along with a few good people I call friends. We certainly can do better and every day is another day to make a change.🤙

[@wayneschmiedeknecht8042]

Great message! Thanks for caring about folks, Otis. All the best.

[@shivering_sky]

Really meaningful video for me. Thanks for being steadfast and bringing what you bring Otis.

[@flyemhard]

"that corporate aftertaste"...I'll be laughing at that all day

[@larryconn9771]

Beautiful message Otis. Thank you. Wish I’d had a guidance counselor like yourself, many years ago. ✌🏻

[@jjpdawgs8956]

Love what you do Otis!! I appreciate you making this video Brother!

[@billbush3962]

Thanks Otis. Trying to live to “be good, do good, no matter what”

[@tadmorrison]

I try to take people one-at-a-time, meaning being fully present with everyone I meet. I care little for fame, beauty, or wealth; it's our humanity that matters. Playing and enjoying music sure helps ease the lines of communication. I am grateful

[@henrywit6147]

Good message, Mr. Otis. Each person has an equal *opportunity* to be what they want. All the best to you, sir, in 2024.

[@kaythompson5712]

Yeah, Otis. Life is like cleaning the house or painting a bridge. By the time you get finished it's time to start all over again!😂🎉

[@basicsforbaroqueimprovisation]

Thank you Otis - This kind of open hearted personal communication is rare on KZbin. I felt as if I were listening to an old friend sharing wisdom that they'd acquired through deep living and propelled by the sense that there's something more ahead for each of us. The timing at the end on this year is lovely. I truly appreciate you sharing this way. Best Wishes to you in 2024 - John

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

Otis, you're a good and wise man. Great, touching video, thank you! Happy new year from MI.

[@mikemetague7973]

"We can do so much more than we think we can." -- Otis Gibbs. This is a major truth that took me 45 years of junk jobs, plus several years of senior-age retirement to even get close to seeing that it's so. (Quit smoking 50 yrs. ago, and drinking 4 years ago, slowed down to pay attention, and now it all just gets better.)

[@ChadWellsForReal]

Otis, I've come to cherish these Saturday morning videos from you. I always sit down with my coffee with ya and watch. Thanks for sharing your experiences and advice.

[@tommyraper3895]

Great message for the new year, Otis! I am so glad that I stumbled onto your channel, I really enjoy it!

[@bjorntannberg1581]

Loved your art installation "Flushville".

[@ApplesOranges123]

"It's got that corporate aftertaste" - well stated.

[@DavidStoops-ml8ib]

Otis, I’m always teased that I can’t go anywhere without running into someone I know or have something in common. I can totally relate to what your coming across.

[@gatekeeper65]

Happy New Year Otis. Happy New Year to everyone out there that follows Otis too. I wish you all lasting good health, and happiness.

[@Austin18025]

Otis, your message got me emotional. We so often get in our own way. I appreciate your inspiring words. Keep it up my friend.

[@MrRHWood]

What an inspirational message. Otis, I listen to you not just because we share similar musical interests, but also because you are kind and honest, a rare combination in people nowadays. I hope you feel really good about what you're doing with these videos because, speaking as a listener, more than once you've made a real positive impact on my attitude at a time when I really needed a boost. And I don't think I'm alone in feeling that way. Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@spiritstovelit72]

This is so wonderful Otis, these things I never realized when younger. It's taken my whole life to believe. I'll add it also took me the same time to realize that everyone is just winging it, you don't have to worry that you don't know everything when you start. Just keep at it, enjoy it and keep doing what you want,like Otis see. Wing it and you'll accidentally stumble on some knowledge on the way. Do it now, don't wait. Peace.

[@U_ever]

You are without a shadow of a doubt one of the top 10 kindest souls I have been blessed to encounter on my walk through here and I am grateful for each end everyone of them. Great message, great delivery, and thanks for casting you pearls amongst us swines. You and Bryan Johnson (AC/DC) have something in common. None of us would likely recognize you out and about without your signature hat. Keep up the great work and thanks ever so much for all you do. You are making a difference and you are very important to a whole bunch of us..

[@MrFrogman54]

Very good advice! I passed those words,” you can do so much more than you think you can “ to my grandson who just turned 13 years old today. Peace to you for the new years.

[@johnrichardson1917]

The one thing I learned from this Great one is , the Greatest thing About these videos is , is Otis ! Done so well and quiet . Sneaks up on you like a Dylan song!

[@dhand34]

Yep totally agree. Eddy Stubbs told me one time that the Time Jumpers were God’s gift us all.

[@scottyvanwhalen]

Thank you sir for your wisdom and incredible content! I always look forward to seeing what you have to share. Much love to you! ✌️

[@mattkennedy2470]

Thank you Otis. A fantastic message to reflect on and start a new year. All the best for you and Amy in 2024.

[@1dz2many79]

You’re like one of my buddies I hang with. Ever so often you just need a word and one of your friends somehow delivers it. Thanks man! Keep doing what you do. Be safe!

[@martyaustin6545]

Thank you Otis, awesome video, I watched you for years, we are the same age, great advice buddy, I love you man and Ole Sputnik is one of my favorite songs, and so true, Take Care my FRIEND

[@BrokerBill]

The same advice I got from Rodney Crowell - do it every day. Thanks Otis.

[@greenpointstock6345]

Otis, I think I speak for everyone watching this video when I say thank you - for not describing the smell of the 2 bedroom apartment with 10 guys living in it.

[@TropicalReflections]

Otis, I have watched dozens of your podcasts, listened to several original songs, & have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you through your art. I have also developed a lot of respect for your decision “ to live a creative life”. It’s pretty clear you’ve suffered & paid your dues (whatever that means..lol). I’m going to watch this video again because I need to internalize the encouragement you gave us today. Thank you for being an example of a man who chases his dream regardless of the consequences. I pray you enjoy even more success in 2024. The Lord bless you & keep you sir. P.S. maybe in a future episode, you can show us your process for songwriting. A lot of Nashville folks are starting to offer courses on songwriting but I think, for my money, I’d like to learn some lessons from you. Just a thought amigo…

[@Zavijava1]

Thanx Otis, true words my brother !Never deny the creative life.

[@3dougj]

Otis, thank you for your insight. It is much appreciated. Happy new year to you .

[@brianglaze4654]

"corporate aftertaste" LOL thank you

[@artemisXsidecross]

‘Black and strong darkest coffee’ is same as I drink. There are more like us Otis, we just do not have a Union and our marketing is non-existent. I am a first born American, my father had an eighth grade education and my mother was the first to graduate High School. I am autistic and did not speak until age three and it took three years to reach the Second Grade in school. Luckily my school had an Art section and where I could grow and blossom. By the time I was 18 I left home and would never return. I began doing labor jobs and art. At age 79 I have been married to a woman and best friend for 59 years. I ended up as a Factory Trained Union Journeyman Line-Mechanic for both Toyota and Merceds Benz for earning an income and continue to do art which is now in the form writing. A good life is a self measurement. Thank you Otis, you are what any ‘Guidance Counseling’ should point to as a success. ☮

[@KittyCarlile-490]

School was rough for me. I was small, shy w red hair. Got teased and thrown around by both students and teachers. By the time I hit jr high I had enough of it. It was a small hick mid-westen town so my dressing like Janis Joplin didn't go over well. Another visit to the guidance counselor to hear him tell me the same story "You'll never amount to anything. You're stupid, you stink (he didn't like patchouli, the smell of hippies) I had heard enough and said "Fk U Fkr" then ran as fast as I could. He caught up to me and threw me down 2 flights of stairs. I weighed 90 lbs and I flew like a bird, landing on my feet. I turned around and said "Fk u, Fkr" but that time I out ran him. I was able to make it thru to college. I got a degree as a Medical Technologist and never went back to that small midwestern town/state. I moved to Ca and it suits me just fine. And sometimes I still dress like Janis Joplin and nobody threatens to do me harm for it. All seems silly now

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@KittyCarlile-490 I knew we were spirit siblings since the very first time I read what you had to write long ago. I wore patchouli too and told people with little success it is a natural antidepressant without side effects. Our stories of survival are from the anvil that pounded out how we become the Phoenix to rise out of the ashes. The spirit can transcend the limits of any linguistic language as Shamans and the Crone archetype as a Wise Woman have shown. It is always a deep pleasure when we can meet with mere language and a better day becomes of it. ☮

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@KittyCarlile-490 I would like to hear that guidance counselor story 👍

[@KittyCarlile-490]

@@artemisXsidecross always happy to find you here. Always enjoy your words

[@artemisXsidecross]

@@KittyCarlile-490 I would have enjoyed trading stories, I had spent so much time in detention for who I am, that they decided it best for everyone to let be parked in an art class.

[@THEItchybruddah]

Just started but, had to pause due to spit take over "art installation. I submit my "title" now and will continue to episode. (Title submission: "Thronehenge") Godspeed Otis!

[@cpome7]

Good talk, Otis. Thank you. Very much looking forward to your upcoming UK tour. All the best for the new year.

[@rc6981]

Good video again.Realydug the New Year Hank videos last year or year b4.Always cool.Thanks man

[@jrm2fla]

That makes sense: “You can do much more than you think you can… when you put your heart and effort into it! It makes sense to leverage the talents and skills you already have… but you can ALSO develop abilities in areas you may think you have no natural talent… as long as you’re not afraid, willing to ask for help, learn, and work patiently, moving forward… you can probably reach the goal… It will probably take sacrifices … so you reflect and make decisions along the way … and ask yourself why you are doing it… that’s life!” I hope we also tell children that Whatever you do, if you see yourself as part of the big picture, doing something of value, you can understand your role, and have Self esteem… and don’t worry about what other people think of you. In my field, education, you don’t make a fortune but you can make a living. I admire the people who have been Teacher Assistants for decades. I also admire those that have slowly worked through a four year and teacher training, while being a TA, to become teachers. I admire the office and maintenance staff, I admire the janitors who came from Colombia to the US for a better life. It takes all these people for the school to work. Your words are a more realistic approach but still positive!

[@cmorales932]

Thank you Otis, Happy New Year! What you say is so true. We often dream about our goals in terms of completion and an implied perfection. As you note , a little bit at a time, a day at a time gets us where we need to be. Also, it focuses our attention on the journey rather than the destination. Bless you and all of us.

[@bosscaine]

Ace vid as always amigo. The art installation could be called 'Flushed with success'. Hope to see you when you are this side of the big water. All the best for the new year to you and yours. Much love.

[@IHoMyPo]

Thanks again, Otis. I will try to take some of your advice. Keep up the good work. It is good work.

[@michaelmenet2712]

Great message for the New Year, Otis. Thanks. By the way, there's a song in there somewhere for you to write. The 19 year-old you marveling at the contemporary you....

[@frederickvanpelt6393]

Thanks for the video, a lot to think about. It brings to mind a quote from Admiral McCraven, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed". Happy and healthy New Year.

[@SteveL-bu4fq]

Thank you Otis, I can relate to everything you're talking about and it's very encouraging. I've slogged through (and still am) a soul sucking day job for decades but music is my salvation that pulls me through. After just losing my younger sister, I realize it' s time to re-prioritize life and the things that matter more than money. Playing my bass is my joy. Happy 2024 my friend.

[@georgesandchopin299]

go steve!

[@bradparker9664]

Best wishes, Steve! I can relate to the job thing and music. Let's hope this year we both do better.