Midlife Creativity | Short Documentary 

I just would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has watched and commented. What you have said has lifted me more than you can possibly imagine. When I started this journey it was really about me trying to be what I was created for. I had no idea that it might resonate with so many people and I am so humbled and inspired now. There is definitely so much more to the story and I hope to share more in the future. Shout out to Corey and Soul Media for making me look way better than I am. I wish I could respond to every comment, I’ve read every one of them and they all mean the world to me. Blessings on all of you.

Just turned 50 and finally quit my 9 to 5 job to pursue my dream as a full-time photographer. I'm so much happier now .

I'm 51 and just started my new life. Here's to the next 50 years doing what I love!

I wrote and illustrated my first book at 67.

I would have watched a full 2-hour version of this....thank you.

Creation is the affirmation of life. Whether you succeed or not, the reward is being alive.

I’m 57 and I just discovered I love drawing with graphite pencils and I’m getting better at it everyday.

49 year old voice artist here after 12 years of marketing. Still broke but happy lol. Thank you I needed this.

I'm 38 and quit a full time job that sucked the life out of me and opened a home recording studio. I needed every word in this video so much. Thank you.

Hey Tom, thanks so much for sharing mate. As soon as I saw the title... I thought "The algorithm has really nailed it this time." I never write comments, but I had to for this. 20 years taking care of people with disabilities, then I had a stroke at 37. they discover a massive tumor on my heart and gave me months to live. Treatments make me sicker than cancer but seemed to work until I started suffering full blown seizures and discovered I have 3 brain tumors 😬 long story, short... 3 brain surgeries later and a whole lot of soul-searching / hospital visits. I am now in furniture design. I have always loved creating. And now I do it, You just gotta start doing it and keep doing it, the rest takes care of itself

What a beautiful and heartfelt documentary. I'm actually lucky enough to have this guy as my father in law. One of the most genuine people I have ever met.

"You've had a whole lifetime to do something special and you didn't even try..." NO ONE should have to tell themselves this. Life is beautiful and short. God created us, therefore, we are inherently creators. Get out there and create something amazing today!

Someone gets it! God created us for so much more than to be in a hurry to amass more junk.

It has been a year since I left my highly paid career in IT. My heart began to fail due to years of stress and corporate bullying. 💔❤‍🩹Because of my job, I lost friends, relationships, health, and almost my life. 😔 I haven’t been on a date for 4 years (I am not ugly at all). Time flies behind the computer screen, and no one can give it back to you. As a 36-year-old woman, I am starting from scratch as a professional artist. 😶‍🌫I am scared, but on the other hand, I don’t have much to lose. And for everyone who fears competition - be authentic and have your own style, then you are safe. Remember, authenticity and uniqueness are powerful assets. Best of luck on your journey! 🎨✨

Hey everyone, thank you so much for watching! I never thought Tom's story would reach this many people. This mini doc was a passion project birthed out of my love for art and the opportunity to tell artist's stories. It's so cool to see how many of you have been inspired by Tom. It's evident that his perseverance and drive in pursuing his dreams has made an impact. So, I plan on highlighting more artists in the future. I have an idea of who I'd like to feature next. However, if you know of any talented artist that has a powerful story, feel free to reach out and let me know. Thanks and enjoy the show! -Corey Besmer, Soul Original Media

Everyone tells us that art isn’t good for us. That’s because, most of them are incapable of following their own dreams, due to fear or some other force. They don’t understand the power of ART. It’s innate. Loved this.

Tom, thank you for this inspiring video. I'm 43 and been an artist my whole life. I recently quit my day job a month ago to pursue art full time. Taking that step was scary. But I couldn't go on living with the idea that I'd regret not going for it. This past month has been incredible. The thought of knowing I work for myself. Not having to clock in and work for someone else. The freedom of making my own schedule. I've gotten more work done in 4 weeks than in the last year. I hope more artists and creative people can find it in themselves to make a plan and set forth working for themselves. And share their gifts with the world. Cheers sir.

I'm 48 and quit my job two years ago to be a digital artist and it feels so good to be working on my graphic novel. Can't wait to finish so I can start the next.

A journey many of us have made. My pivotal moment was cancer when I was 60. Now I make portraits everyday and have done for the last 4 years (3000 to date)

RETIRE is such a corporate word. Great story. Listen to your body more. It will tell you when you are doing the right thing. Also, always do what you loved as a kid!!!

Great job on the video. Very inspirational and makes me want to break away and go full time at RU-vid. I made a video about my similar story (Follow Your Passion), but I'm still doing my regular job along with pursuing these creative interests. This video makes me want to rethink and go full tilt with TY and creative pursuits. Thanks!

my dad passed away and left me two digital keyboards. the last portion of this video was reaffirming to continue using them and to follow my heart and passion for music. I thought it was interesting how Tom developed heart problems when he wasn’t following his heart. Then, once he healed from it he decided to follow his heart and pursue being an artist. It’s both real and surreal when we suppress things in our lives and how over time our body will manifest that into something that shakes and awakens us to choose a different direction. It’s as though we were born to follow that path and the universe gives us consequences when we refuse to heed to its calling.

Thank you Tom for sharing your story. You're one more person I get to add to my list of people who have inspired me during this 'midjourney'... and thanks Soul Original Media for capturing Tom's story so beautifully.

Same story as me… always known I was an artist, became an engineer to please my parents, survived a major heart attack in my forties, started painting recently… at 56… don’t want to leave this world without trying out what resonates with my true nature…

I can't even begin to tell you how serendipitous it is to have this video recommended to me. This gives me so much more hope that I'm doing the right thing by going for what I love to do. It's a hard battle, but if it's well-fought, you won't regret the battles. Thank you.

I’m 46… maybe it’s not too late!

Good heavens. My Mother recognized my ability but told me over and over that I couldn’t make a living as an artist. It has rattled around in my head for nearly 80 years. I’ve dreamed, begun and stopped. So lost. I nearly didn’t read this and I’m glad that I did. Congratulations to you for breaking through that brain barrier and making contact with your heart.

Retiring isn’t the end … it’s truly the beginning of a new chapter of life. I’ve always loved drawing and leaving work at 60, not by choice, gave me the opportunity to do more drawing and a more social life. So embrace change and make the most of it.

i'm 44 and i learned this year that i love sculpting in VR.

Lovely video! This is how you "Don't die with your art still inside of you"!

wow. what a great video to watch the morning of my 44th Birthday. Soli Deo Gloria

Here I am 29 thinking it was too late. This is so inspiring. Thank you.

I wonder how many talented artists were discouraged by parents and teachers, solely because it's perceived as not financially lucrative? Then you hit your 40s or 50s and realize you wasted so many years chasing the dollar but you were never truly happy.

So wonderful. I’m 53 and on an artistic journey after 30 years in business.

This is beautiful and I think more of us (artists in/entering midlife) need to see this.

Great video. The kitchen area at 01:40 looks just like Jesse's duplex in Breaking Bad, amiright?

where he talks about his mates retiring at 60 and he feels bad about that. Retirement is massively over rated and a BS catch phrase to make people believe they are now going to enjoy life . Look at the art and music worlds. They are full of people who keep creating until they drop. He is a good guy and this is a good film, I hope he keeps going until the end and never retires.

"You can’t be an artist, its too competitive. You’ll never make it, be an engineer, make your $30,000 a year." OMG his dad sounds just like my inner dialogue.

This made me cry! I'm so glad I found it. Very inspiring. I'm 58 and this was a great kick in the ass for me. I make quilts and have been wanting to make more art quilts and do something more with it, but I've been using my full time job as an excuse to not do what I want. Thank you for this video.

And little by little, doors started opening ✨🙏✨

What can be better than retired doing art ? Your dedicated mission was given to you and you sure embrace it .

its never too late to do anything that you love doing, you are here for a good time, not a long time!

This came up in my feed as well this evening. Wow, I can so relate. I also picked up a brush for the first time at 44. Those voices in your head that you were referring to, the ones that leave you questioning why we do this…… they’re real. I had hit a wall and needed your message tonight. Thank you for the inspiration. Your work is incredible. As you can tell from all the comments, your message was part of our path and we are all grateful. Onward.

WOW - I am very inspired by this video thank you for sharing. I also noticed he had the verse 1 Peter 4 10-11 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

As a guy a couple years away from his 40s who is finally coming back to music after quitting it professionally almost ten years ago now, this is so inspirational

I’ve worked as a creative free lance / entrepreneur for almost 15 years and only recently - when I was 43 - took a job working for a government archive! I love it… my free time feels much more free and I love the financial stability. So that’s an option as well! ❤

I am 60 now. I always as a child thought about, dreamt about and did art. I knew I wanted to be an artist as young as four. When it came time for college my dad Encouraged me to do something else to make money. Stopped doing my own art work. I became a therapist and worked with children and teens and encouraged them to do art as therapy. When I turned 50 I woke up and stated I had lost to many years not having my own art life. I still work as a therapist because I love it. But art helps me survive the stress this job has attached to it. Weekends, days off and after work I am painting. I once again dream of art and never stop thinking through my artistic mind.

O so timely, love these stories ! 62 retired architect after an accident no longer able to use my dom. hand, after years of struggle to get back on my feet and practicing with my left hand ro draw, life is worth waking up for. battling those demons, I say, life is brief, time to do what I enjoy despite the money issue.

Tom's story resonates so much. I've always dabbled with creative endeavors since I was a kid, but worked in construction all my life. I had an epiphany last year (I'm in my mid 40's) that if I didn't pursue art more seriously I would die with regret, and that hurt moved me into action. Like Tom, I'm currently working on my art every day in my spare time putting in the hours to make things happen. Better late then never.

This was really cool...inspiring for someone like me in their 50's who always had that 'regular' job.

I've been 30+ years as an artist and making a very good living. I never starved and I've always had a job I loved. The reason is that I loved art as a kid and when I told my parents I wanted to be an artist they supported me even though they had no idea how an artist could make a living. I am so grateful to them that they never doubted me, and that allowed me the confidence to never doubt myself. (BTW- true artists never retire. They just keep creating things as long as they can. Leave the golf to those with nothing else to do.)

At 51 I recently returned to painting after 4 years off after a devastating spinal cord injury. I am fricking PUMPED about my new work- any time away from the studio feels like I’m wasting time. I can’t even look at my older work even though I had a solid collector base. They might not embrace my new work but I don’t care, my goal is to fill a void, not repeat myself.

Nice story. Am very happy for this guy. I'm 62 and planning to give my job up for a few months so i can build a website for my photography. Let's see where the unknown takes me. Thanks for the video.

Thank you for this, my creative friend. I’m about to go on this same journey myself (as a 42 yr old). Out with the corporate, in with the creative! I wish you all the best on this creative path!

Inspiring. Thank you! I'm pushing 60 and finally stretching my creative muscles. Hoping to publish a book this year. It's good to hear stories like this of those who have tried and succeeded later in life :)

Great video! You hooked me at the very beginning because I turned 50 in July and have been hesitant to put my story/creativity out in the world. Thanks for the inspiration! Your artwork & story is amazing! Sub’d

Outstanding short story: yet, what struck me was him sitting reflecting that in the middle of the night he may consider himself a loser?? those thoughts are all subjective what a ridiculous thought- to me, the losers are the people with no late-life ambition driving around in golf carts with money in the bank trying to hide being miserable- I've worked for them I've seen the reflection of their small minded petty existence behind the scenes- don't delusion yourself with that fantasy you're an amazing creative human being & success. Period.

Thanks for sharing what our hearts are saying. ❤ Inspiring!

you r correct....i too make videos...for my enjoyment...if someone else sees and likes...then thats great...if not..thats fine too.... i always asked myself how come i didnt get into movies...which i love....now i find i have a little time...and so i am pursuing it...learning it...shooting shorts... and totally loving it....i hope everyone finds something they love to do...so they can enjoy and be happy...creating...

Thanks for sharing this, I somehow stumbled into songwriting which turned into almost 200 songs last year 🤷‍♂️ who knew… I’ve always felt a bit unsettled by how and what pours out of me but it’s something I can’t not do so I keep doing it. There’s some ease that comes from knowing I’m not the only one to find this later in life

I hate to tell everyone but 50s is not middle age. Average life span of an American male is 77. That makes middle age 38.5. Go get after it. It’s later than you think.

Wow. Just came across this. It resonates so much with me. As a 50 (cough) something making a life change and finally pursuing my creative dream, I totally get this. It's never too late. I'm so excited for the next stage of my life.

Retirement is not in an artists vocabulary. Glad you went for it and are still at it! You're work is amazing!

very special, thank you for making and sharing

My son wants to be a comedian. I have his back. As for me? The music is coming.

Got to meet Tom and his wife the other day. Very nice people and really cool work.

Yea I created a channel to express my thoughts on the greatest threat to face all life on Earth.

There are two types of people in the world. People who are scared of retirement and people who look forward to retiring. Do what you love and be happy now not just when you retire.

“Art is always on my mind” - Tom! This is what lives in my soul. I’m glad you’re well and pursuing your dream!

We all have something to contribute and leave behind. Congratulations to everyone in the comments who've found the courage and found the piece of them they'd like to leave behind. Pursue your passions!

Inspiring! Thanks for sharing❤❤❤❤

I started taking myself seriously right around my 48th birthday (a few years ago), and I am so much happier for it! I'm not making the big bucks, but my world is much more complete now that I am honoring the thing that makes me the happiest. I can relate to the inner voices telling us that we are far behind others who have been doing it longer- but, we have to remember that we are on our own timeline, not theirs. This was inspiring to watch!

It's never too late to start down a new path and chase your passion. Think strategically and make a plan to transition from one career to another and it can be your new life. And these days, there's no such thing as a secure job, so you might as well chase your art anyway.

I don't know how the algorithm works at times on RU-vid, but I'm glad I had this recommended to me. I sincerely needed to see this. I have been doing art and design for the last 30 years, and am nearing 50 years of age, but feel that my career is both changing and stagnating in ways I had never anticipated. This was a really wonderful mini documentary to watch, thank you for making it, and for Tom sharing his story!

Such a good story !! Very touching. Thank you for making it !

Thanks Tom. I recently retired after 35 years in IT. I turn 60 in September. I've always been a writer and I just started writing on Medium. It's never too late. I wish I had started sooner, but I've started. Thanks for the video. I enjoyed the message.

Tom, What a pleasure to know you and been able to hang your art at Stockton Bridge Grille. The first time I heard about was through your Mother in law. Once I met you and saw you work and got to know you as a person it was an easy decision. We scrambled that first year to have your work up by the Art and Wine Festival. You were the last artist to grace those walls and it think it was a 2 year run. Congratulations on your success and this video. Lee

This should be a lot longer..

a lot of what he says resonates with me, too. i started with music a little earlier than tom-at 23-but i have had a constant battle to keep working on my art, suffering as i do from severe mental illness and chronic fatigue. at 44, i am only just about to finish my first album. those voices in the middle of the night are real. i keep expecting this era to offer up a whole slew of artists who started much later. there must be a ton of us. hopefully stories like this help provide some of the courage needed to take up the banner.

Always make are for yourself...be true to your unique vision...love this!!!! thanks

This was an absolute joy to watch! Great video!

I'm 39 and just quit my office job to make music full time. It's so heart warming to see so many people taking the courage to start from scratch a new life. It's scary, and my inner voice telling me i'm a "loser" is the hardest enemy to fight. Thank you so much! You helped us a lot with this moving short video, which is a lovely piece of art in itself. Go friends! Work hard, be true to youselves and never stop. I'm not alone in this and neither are you.

This is really well done. Great work.

Love it!!! I think so many of us can relate to Toms situation… doing things in life that are not our calling just because we were told to by our parents or society in general! Amazing he managed to turn the thing around 👏👏👏👏👏

Having a Dream is great; however, you have the Artistic Talent.

Inspiring for sure. I'm 50 and I feel I'm just getting into my creative magic.

This video gives me hope ❤ Great documentary guys

Really well done video. Honestly, impressive how it was shot, the music chosen fits so well, and it keeps you tied to the end. Love this.

Such an inspirational mini documentary, well done. Glad you're still with us Tom, the world's a brighter and better place for it. Stunning artwork.

If I have learned anything on this particular trip called life, it’s that the universe favors us when we follow our bliss, and do so without expectation of any particular outcome. So loosely planned but every single thing worked out in my favor. Art is Life.

This was awesome thank you!

Hey Tom - You continue to impress with your amazing work and such an inspirational life story! Keep up the great work! Proud to call you friend. Dean

use your gifts up, that's real.

I'm 49 and not doing sh#t creatively. It's nice to know it's never too late. Thanks

God damn this is inspiring

What I enjoy most out of this, is that he's actually extremely talented.. So many videos out here about "artists" who are just people who doodle or throw paint at something and it's considered art.. people say it's amazing.. I just don't get it, and never have.

Thank you so much for sharing! I do the same, waking up at 4:30 to get some hours in the studio. I've always had the same thought, "God gave me this gift for a reason". I see myself in Tom's footsteps. Just a couple more years to become debt free and I'm taking the leap! Thanks again, this means so much to me you can't imagine!

Gave up music for 20 years to build a career and home. Glad I did. Back at writing songs for the last few years; it’s like coming back home. Still working part time bc don’t have to work FT. The rest goes to the inspiration.

If you love it, do it.

Love this commentary. I’m retired and I find art my soothing place . Can’t stop creating and I look at that as a blessing . Now to find venues to sell….some are coming up in the fall so I’m excited . Just built a studio so I’m getting excited to paint every day and create some amazing art! Thanks for the inspiration