Methinks not.
I didn’t always think that way. I held somewhere in my mind a subtle (sometimes not so subtle) belief that my kids would be fascinated with my old videotapes and letters and notebooks. How I’ve come to think otherwise is a mystery. Maybe it’s the wisdom that comes with age.
Even the title of this podcast betrays my shaky thinking. The Ben Museum. Guilty as charged.
But it’s not all black and white. There is value in claiming my work as worthy. But that doesn’t mean I need museums built. What if it’s enough just to feel good within myself about my work? And to what extent is my career of trying to get you to look at my stuff a reflection of a self-esteem deficit to begin with? Put another way, if I was solid in my view of my work (and my being) would I even be writing these words?
Okay, I gotta take a break here. I think I’m getting black and white again. Truth is, I do good work. And I’m beginning to appreciate it. Publicly. And if it lifts anyone’s spirits for just a moment, that’s great.
But even that is not necessary. Why? Because I’m getting pleasure from it, all by myself. Maybe I needed to do all this stuff just to get to this point, you know? Like, for me. Any of this stuff sticking?
So, no, I don’t think my kids will be thrilled to look through all my stuff once I’m gone. And why should I wait for that time anyway? Why not bring them the same kind of love and attention I always wanted for myself, right now, while I’m actually here in the flesh and blood?
(To see more Good Mood Maker videos, go here: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodMoodMaker)
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