The last few months haven't just been a rough patch; they've felt like navigating a particularly stormy sea in a rowboat with a slow leak. I started the year with all the usual intentions, the calendar marked with potential adventures for David Wilson Out and About. Then, without warning, my old friend (and sometimes fierce enemy) Osteoarthritis decided to launch a full-scale assault. Several nasty flare-ups grounded me for several weeks at a time, turning exciting plans into a landscape of forced rest and discomfort.
When I finally managed to limp back into action, the creative engine felt sluggish. I pushed through the lingering aches, recorded and produced a few videos, hoping the simple act of creating would reignite the spark. But the numbers told a different story – very few views, even fewer responses. It was like shouting into a void. Still struggling slightly with the OA, and feeling utterly drained by the invisible pressure to churn out "quality content" that people would actually watch, I hit a wall. Both body and mind screamed for a truce. A few weeks’ break became a necessity, not a luxury.
Refreshed, I thought, and ready to tackle something ambitious. My "Castle, Kings, and Other Things" series was calling, and Upnor Castle seemed like the perfect subject – steeped in history, visually compelling. I envisioned the sweeping shots, the historical narrative, the whole package. So, I reached out for permission, full of renewed hope. The refusal landed like a cannonball. Denied the right to video at the location. It wasn't just a logistical setback; it was a punch to the gut. It knocked my confidence flat, leaving me wondering if I’d lost my touch or if the universe was just actively conspiring against me.
Undeterred, at least outwardly, I took to the road, seeking new inspiration and a change of scenery along the Kent coast. I recorded and produced two videos, and poured what was left of my energy into them. And again, the viewing figures were low. Another whisper of doubt turned into a persistent drone in my head: No matter what I do, it's not good enough.
That phrase has been rattling around for weeks now. It’s hard to ignore, especially when you’re putting yourself out there. But here’s the thing: I’m not about to stop. Not even close. David Wilson Out and About isn’t just a channel; it’s a part of who I am.
This difficult period, however, has compelled me to engage in some deep reflection. I’ve had to think hard and long about the content I’m producing, and more importantly, why I’m producing it. In the quiet moments, away from the drone of "engagement" and "algorithms," I remembered. I reminded myself of the initial spark, the simple, unadulterated reason I started this channel in the first place: to share my passion for the outdoors. To document the places I explore, the history I uncover, and the simple joy of being out there. It wasn't about turning out content that was popular for profit or fleeting popularity. It was about sharing my journey, my discoveries. And ironically, as I’ve been wrestling with all this, a new outdoor interest has captured my imagination: ebiking. It's exhilarating, challenging, and opens up so many new possibilities for exploration, especially with the ongoing OA. It’s a physical activity that feels empowering, not draining.
So, David Wilson Out and About might still be finding its footing after a rough couple of months, but the compass has been recalibrated. The destination isn't popularity; it's authenticity. The journey isn't a race for views; it's a shared adventure. There's a new path ahead, and this time, I'm riding it for the sheer joy of the ride.
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