Sharing Your Rhythm

A Short Story From My Life

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you have probably seen this story already. But, I think it belongs here on my Substack, so I’m going to start posting more of these in the future. I also love writing posts and stories like this, so this will keep me inspired to keep writing!

This is my favorite story from my life about how a small act can change someone's life for the better 😇

I grew up playing video games with a guy from another state, Kevin, and we have been friends since 2005.

We both loved the same video games, we both played drums, and we talked every day via Xbox, Forums, and AIM (yeah, AIM...)

👉 We never met in person until over 15 years later.

My friend was way better at drums than I was, and far more dedicated. It was a hobby to me, and it was a passion for him.

When I went to college in 2010, I knew I couldn't take my drums with me, so I switched to electric drums instead. I had a full suite of drum recording gear, so I asked my friend if he wanted it so he could start making drumming YouTube videos.

He was hesitant to accept such a gift, but I told him he could pay me back in royalties when he was famous. At the time, I was joking...

I sent it over to him in a box or two, free of charge, and a week later he was already recording YouTube videos.

(Kev & I at one of his shows)

He didn't get a huge following, but a year or two later something amazing happened:

👉 He had made a video recording every single song, played in one sitting, to our favorite band's most popular album. Well, about a year after that video came out, the drummer from that band reached out to him on Instagram to thank him for making that video.

He told him that he often forgets how to play his old songs, so when they go on tour he watches my friend's video to relearn his OWN drum parts!

How cool is that?! 🤯

He also offered my friend free lessons and backstage passes whenever he could make a show.

Well, my friend made it to a show!

👉 Now, my friend is:

✅ Having Thanksgiving Dinner with that Drummer's Family Each Year
✅ In 2 Bands
✅ Touring the World as a Professional Drummer
✅ Living His Dream
✅ And most importantly... he's met me twice at his shows! 😉

Do I take credit for his rock star status? Absolutely, 1,000% 😂

Kidding, but I love this story because I truly did the simplest thing... gave away some gear I was never going to need again... and it changed my friend's life forever.

The shirt in the main photo of this post is one I bought at the first show I saw him play at when he was filling in for this band's drummer for a full tour 🤘

Never forget that the smallest thing to you could be the biggest thing to someone else.

Go spread some love and kindness my friends, you never know when it will change someone's life 💕