Update on Stuart in Steerage

It’s been seven months since we launched the online project, Stuart in Steerage, and I thought I would give you a little update on the progress.

Deb and Stuart at Checkpoint Charlie - Berlin, Germany - April 2024

If you’re not familiar with the project, I started a YouTube channel with my British buddy, Stuart, whom I met on a European river cruise in April 2024. I knew the moment I first met Stuart that I wanted to be his friend. We really hit it off. So when the cruise ended, I wanted a way to stay connected and decided to start a digital project to share stories. We decided to launch “Stuart in Steerage.” Well, I decided, and Stuart hesitantly agreed. It took me a few months to prepare, but I finally launched, and it has been a wild and wonderful ride.

Since our first video was posted on July 19th, our viewership and subscribers have continued to grow. At last count, we have shared thirty-eight videos. (One each week, usually released on Thursdays.) But the best part is that, by my measure, the project has been a huge success because it has kept me in consistent contact with Stuart and his lovely wife, Deb. That was always the goal. We have even planned and scheduled additional adventures with them, and I am counting the days. (Literally.)

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. Not only do I get to communicate regularly with Stuart and Deb, but I also love editing the videos and reliving the moments with a huge smile on my face and occasional giggles. Another unanticipated benefit has been how much I’ve learned about Stuart and Deb’s home, their volunteer activities, their family, and even some of their friends. I am invested in their day-to-day lives and get to observe them through the social media accounts of the various organizations they work with. Their community reflects Stuart and Deb’s personalities and character, and it has been a privilege to observe.

I am so grateful I took the risk. I took the risk of humiliation when I first approached Stuart and Deb at breakfast and asked them to be friends. I took a risk by committing to our new friendship through this project. I took a risk by sharing this relationship with the world online. I took risks, and every one of them paid off. I am so grateful I was brave enough to follow my intuition. There has not been a negative experience yet, and I know the best is yet to come.

So if you’re considering taking a risk, I say do it. This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Do the thing, take the trip, make the call, create the art, schedule the appointment; whatever is necessary to take the first step. Even if it doesn’t work out the first time, at least you can say you tried. Learn from these mistakes, dust yourself off, and try again. There is purpose in the pursuit. And I promise you, you’ll never regret the effort.