Things don’t go as planned
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In my experience, things never go as planned. I’ve come to expect it, as expectations of any other kind are the cause of great suffering. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t strive for great things, or try to achieve our goals. To the contrary, we should try harder to achieve those things that we desire. It has been said that it is expectation and desire are at the root of suffering. I challenge that with a notion that desire is part of the play of life, and necessary to keep the pendulum swinging, so to speak. Desire without expectation is the ultimate momentum with the reward of never suffering the gripping disappointment that the world in which you live offers.
With that said, I hope you are all well during these trying times. Here’s a quick update on the bullshittery with which I’m involved. Before you read it, please note that I’m not complaining. I’m just writing it to write it because I have nothing better to do.
- The freedom from day job oppression is still amazing
- The lack of paycheck is extremely stressful and there’s no income in sight
- Someone fraudulently filed unemployment using my social security number, which my previous employer notified me of, and did nothing about when I reported it as fraud. I’m still unable to apply for unemployment benefits and my savings are dwindling fast.
- For about 6 weeks, I’ve been advertising, self-promoting, and screaming from the rooftops to let folks know I’m taking guitar students. I haven’t enrolled a single student for guitar lessons.
- My new album has been an incredibly underwhelming flop. I think maybe 20 or so people have listened to it. I’m trying to find ways to promote it, but they’re all failing because I can’t afford advertising.
- I’m studying to become a professional day trader. I’ve decided it will be my next career. I know what you’re thinking, and I don’t care.
- I haven’t sold a single t-shirt through my Amazon Merch store or Teespring store.
- I finally got an official YouTube artist channel, which would be great, except now my videos have ads on them that I can’t monitize until I get 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. Thanks YouTube.
- My Patreon page is completely neglected, because I realized that I won’t get Patrons because I don’t have anything to say to them. I don’t like social media or self-promotion, and those are literally the things I need help with most and can’t afford.
- I could go on, but I think I’m done for now.
If you’re looking for some dorky guitar stuff to check out, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Here are links to some of the things I’ve been hurling into the abyss. Please check them out and share with anyone that may be interested. I’m really struggling to find out how to find my audience. If you can help, I could use it. Thank you.
Amazon Merch – Modern Guitar Method
Life’s a Play – Mark Nokes, 2020
Guitar Lessons – Mark Nokes
