Happy 2/22/22!
What an auspicious day to launch Coach's Corner, with my first guest Coach, Jay Boone. Jay is a beloved Seattle music community figure, as well as the owner of iconic vintage/specialty guitar shop, Emerald City Guitars. I have known Jay many years. He consistently projects a vibe of kindliness, inclusion and care. He is down to earth, real, and someone that LISTENS. I asked him a series of questions about how he got here and what he taps into when things are not awesome. His simple, direct wisdom follows.
Absolutely love this. Thank you, Jay!
BL: Jay, did you have a goal for your life when you were a young person? Is the life you're living the life you imagined?
1) My goal was always to have a career in music from the time I was in primary school. After hearing the Beatles in 1963 I was hooked and my immediate goal was to start a band. The life I live today is far more exciting and fulfilling than anything I could have ever imagined as a young person.
BL: How do you get inspired?
2) My inspiration comes from a few different sources. People are always a big inspiration for me whether it is a person experiencing failure or success. Nature inspires me in a different but equally as powerful way. Just the divine majesty of creation is something that keeps me grounded and in touch with something far greater than myself. And of course music has always been something that moves me profoundly and opens up the creative side of my brain.
BL: What do you do when you encounter obstacles in life? In work?
How do you create resiliency when life is hard?
3) When I encounter obstacles in life the first thing I do is pause and breathe, I try to never react on first impulses and just slow down and let things settle on me before reacting. I believe everyone needs a spiritual aspect to their life in whatever way they choose and to be able to turn to that part of their life for guidance and direction. I often turn to my Creator for strength and understanding during both difficult times and also for times when I just need to make good choices. I also find that age and experience is most helpful in navigating through choppy waters.
BL: What advice would you give your 20 something self
4) My 20 something self probably wouldn't have listened, but I would express the importance of service to others and the open-mindedness to not be too hasty in following trends that appear to be exciting and new. Try to visualize a bigger picture and never settle for anything less than your dreams and the things you're passionate about.
Thank you again, Jay. I know your words will resonate with our readers as they resonate with me. Have a great week, everyone! One love, people xo