Never too late to follow your dream

It seemed to be a common quote just for cheering people up when they feel discouraged. It was not until I met Ian Campbell, around 50, quitted his old monotonous life in Halifax to begin again in another city and follow his dream as a rock music player.

Ian Campbell wrote his newest song in his favorite spot in Kettle Black coffee shop in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on a windy day.

We had a nicely warm talk about everything from my personal life, direction, and his new journey.

In case you are wondering what our relation is. Yes, we are totally strangers coming across each other one day in a coffee shop downtown. Indeed, it is easier to talk with a stranger, sharing your issue without worrying your story was about to be judged.

"Now it is me. Do whatever I want. Don't have a girlfriend. I travelled many places around the world and enjoyed my life."

Campbell said he just overcame a divorce. His wife worked for a government office while he was a teacher passionate about playing rock music with his guitar. With their directions different, Campbell decided to walk away on his way and followed his dream.

He quitted his full-time job in his hometown and decided to leave Halifax and started travelling around Canada. His current stop is Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Campbell brought his guitar along with him all the way from Halifax to wherever he wants to travel. One day he passed by Charlottetown. He came to a pub called Hopyard on Kent Street, asked a pub if he could play for them his favorite song. They agreed. Campbell's guitar skill got their attention. He was quickly offered to play music for the pub on weekends.

That was the first time he realized he truly could earn a living on his talent.

"My wife once told me it was a waste of time. Playing guitar is a waste of time? Now look at what I am doing. Do you also think it is a waste of time?"

Campbell's mindset of life hooked me a lot. Instead of advising the young to have a stable life, have a permanent job, a family, and stick with that philosophy of a comfort zone. Campbell encouraged me to travel more, make friends more, transition more to different places around the world so I can broaden the horizons in different ways.

"Life is made of various decisions. There are big decisions and smaller ones. You cannot predict what will happen next. But you should never stop enjoying every piece of moment passing through your life."