A Letter of Love To My Future Self

I’m just going to leave this here.

Not because it’s going to be useful to anyone else, but as a reminder to myself that having a dream is a good thing.

I’ve always struggled with public speaking. When I first picked up my camera, hit record and started speaking down the barrel of the lens, fear and horror were paramount.

I had no idea whether this adventure would flop after the first upload or whether I was about to become someone new.

All I knew was that the fear of regret was far greater than the fear of giving it a try.

Now here we are, around 18 months later, with a growing business, a growing reputation and a community of people learning to play the banjo.

I couldn’t be more thankful.

The Ultimate Dream

Now let’s see how far this snowball can roll.

Below are two AI-generated images of my ultimate goal: my very own banjo shack.

I’m going to make this vision a reality by the time I reach 45.

It will be called The Banjo Cabin, just like our Discord chat room.

It will be in Windermere, St Ives or Salcombe, overlooking a beautiful body of water.

There will be free beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and soft drinks for anyone who walks through the door.

It will have chilled vibes and be a place where anyone can begin their banjo-learning journey.

A place filled with music, conversation and good people.

A place people will remember.

My dream.

And Ben, if you’re reading this at 45,

I hope you’re sitting inside The Banjo Cabin with a banjo in your hands, looking out across the water.

Ben Dorning
6th September 2026