“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”
~ J.K. Rowling
I’m posting this quote because (a) I love J.K. Rowling; and (b) it reminds me of David (of course 🙂 ).
For all the peeps who have called David shy or timid or cautious or reserved over the years, his actions say differently.
He does not live cautiously. He follows his instincts, takes big risks and faces whatever comes next — sometimes big successes, sometimes failure.
The American Idol experience was way outside his comfort zone but he went for it. Doing interviews and red carpets, meeting and greeting fans, touring stadiums, he forged ahead. He put out a solid album with some very personal songs — “will you forget me, or remember my name, not even a memory, somewhere in the back of your brain?” — and then had to watch it flop. But he kept going.
He tried acting in a soap… even crying on camera… putting himself out there for possible humiliation but gave it 100%.
Then after all that hard work he took another risk… a two-year-long risk… again, giving it 100%.
I think what I’ve learned most from David over these past five years is to stay true to yourself and follow your heart, even if you risk falling flat on your face.
How about you guys? What have you learned most from David?
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
I’ve learned to be a kinder and more charitable person. He made me nicer.
I think what I have learned most about David is that no matter how scared or nervous you may be always give it a try. David once said that not trying is failure. That is why I also admire lazaro Arbos I think he learned from David and he is also a David Archuleta fan!
David has shown me that fear does not need to be an obstacle. It’s simply another human emotion that you move through to get to your destination.
Wow…. just the practical tech things I learned because of David is a loooong list! >> I am sure a lot of you can relate >blogs and commenting, youtubing and downloading etc. Heck I joined twitter only because of him!!
But what has touched my heart is the way he looks at things > his attitude of gratitude has helped me sooo much in seeing things from a better perspective. That, and his “Go with the flow” line has become a key life phrase for me….
And I adore him for that…..
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Call me wind because I am absolutely blown away.
The greatest thing I learned from David is to follow my heart and appreciate all the little things in life.
i agree with pabucki.but i could writ a book on all the other things,
i’ve become stronger in my faith (even though it is a different one than David’s) because of his music but also because of the way he is. i try to think of how I can help others and make their day brighter.
Love reading all your great comments!
Here’s one from the lovely @kimak on Twitter:
Because of David I’ve learned that Thai food is really good (I’d never had it before!), that Eva Cassidy had an absolutely glorious voice, that “oh my heck” is an actual phrase, that you can make buckets of friends in the strangest places, that I can endure plane rides if there’s a really good reason, to focus more on those who need help, to appreciate the simple joys, and that at certain times in certain situations on certain people skinny jeans are an asset.
And I also learned what lampa is!! And I learned that David is not. 😉
“I also learned what lampa is!! And I learned that David is not” Love this! <333
Rotfl…Amen to this Tina!! And I think everyone else just about covered everything elsr I could learn from this guy…another great post TOfan ❤
David has taught me patience, to go with my instincs & not over think things. Sometimes simple is better.
Be more Charitable! Be brave and join others at concerts clear across the country!!!(even if your family thinks you are crazy) Life is too short not to enjoy LIVE Concerts!! Follow your heart! Take more pictures. Communicate with other fans On Line.
Be yourself…..don’t try to act like or be someone you’re not. There’s not an ounce of pretense in David and I love that about him. He is so honest and real, and reminds me to be genuine, as well.
o crap anonymous was realy me (rooster )
I’ve learned a lot about myself, not all of it good tbh. I thought I was a fairly tolerant person but have been surprised and dismayed by some of my reactions to things David’s said and done and what other fans have said and done. I’ve learned I need to work on that. And I am. I’ve learned that from David too.
Thanks for such great comments, everyone!
I thought of another thing, lol. I’ve always loved music but I think, because of David, I appreciate its power for good even more now.
I remember an early interview David did during A.I. when he talked about how music can change people’s lives for the better. And that was a really turning point for me as a fan, I think. Seeing how insightful he was at such a young age and that, for him, it was all about using his gift and love of singing to reach out and help people
David taught me to enjoy music all over again. I had let it lapse from my life. He also taught me about how to be selfless, although he seems to do this naturally and I must work very hard at it and fail often. I have learned that the best blessings come when you let go of wants and expectations.
I tried taking a look at your web site on my celpnhole and the structure doesnt seem to be correct. Might want to check it out on WAP as well as it seems most cellular phone layouts are not really working with your web site.
David has taught me SO MANY things…just tweeted that I “strive” (emphasis on the word “strive”) to be non-judgmental of others and treat each person with kindness as he does. Tough act to follow but I’m sure happy to have him as my inspiration in all things. #BestOfTheBest & thanks Deb for this time to “ponder” what he means to us & how he’s encouraged us try to be better than we are. ☺
~Marylee_NCGirl
Among many things, David’s example has taught me to view life as a great adventure instead of a string of challenges to overcome. I have never seen someone so young live life with such consistent exuberance and appreciation for everything.
What has he taught me? A hundred things, a thousand things, many of which have been mentioned above. However, as I’ve thought about this the past couple of days, I think the main thing he has taught me is to trust God. I always thought I trusted God, but David has exhibited in his life what it is like to REALLY trust God. No one knows our hurts, heartaches, disappointments, experiences, relationships, talents, potential, yearnings, sincere innermost thoughts and concern for others more than God does. It has been eye-opening and a relief to be able to turn my worries and doubts over to God. He has our best interests at heart. He will guide us if we will let him. From what I’ve observed, David knew this at quite a young age. He told us he was trusting God in many, many different ways. It was apparent in some of his statements in interviews and in the way he lives his life. He knows God values and loves him and knows who he is. I can’t thank David enough for his wonderful example.
His example has led me to try things that are out of my comfort zone. Also to stay calm, look on the bright side, and see what you learn no matter what comes your way. Also, to keep standards high even if it is unpopular. To try to be teflon not velcro. Because of him, I’ve learned a lot more about the internet and computers lol.
To be honest, David has taught me a lot of things. A few of them are being more compassionate and helping others, and that it’s okay to be me and I don’t need to be ashamed of who I am, and that I can and you can stay true to yourself.
Like many, he’s helped renew faith in good people, and for some like myself renew faith in God. David helped me see God does care about me and does listen AND answers your prayers and for that I’m grateful. His example has helped me see how easy I have it and to be thankful for what I have, and to keep me humble.
But…the biggest lesson I learned from him…for someone like me who’s given up on dating and thinking all men were bad…was that I was wrong. He proved me wrong. There ARE good men out there and even in today’s world, goodness and love still exist…good men included 🙂 and I thank David for being himself, because he helped renew my faith in love again too.
Great post TOfan and well written. Just love everyone’s comments. David certainly inspires many people in so many ways. Well, like others, because of David I have learned many ‘tech’ things I wouldn’t have otherwise! He has introduced to me to all kinds of music, accelerated my love of music and reminded me to be grateful always. Love that about him. More importantly he was a huge stress reliever for me at a time when I needed it. When I heard that voice, sensitivity and joyful heart it just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go…and he honestly helped me through a very difficult period in my life. Often we need the tangible, physical things in life along with our inner strength and the strength of whatever our faith may be. That is why great, inspiring people walk this earth, to make a difference in others lives. We can all do that (and should) but there are a few who are especially gifted in that area. 🙂
Kristin….love your comment and I say….good for you (and good for David for being David). He really is a sweetheart who can make anyone smile….another of his attributes.
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Ho ho, who woulda thunk it, right?
Back to read everyone’s great comments! Things I never even thought of that peeps might’ve learned from David but so true.
Saw this on Tumblr and thought it fit with the theme … love this!
Source.
Love reading everyone’s comment and I’m here nodding my head ” yes, yes” to all of them.
Really hard to put into words the impact David has had on me. I guess the biggest thing is his “acceptance”. Acceptance of circumstances, other’s perspectives, that “go with the flow” and find the good in situations and others.
I have tried hard to do this and I think it is working. I feel like, that in trying to do this, and thinking about how David would respond, my DJA, OOPs, my DNA has changed for the better. 🙂
anomymous at 9.01 is not me (rooster) lol
#DA2014 set list (not really) post deleted with my apologies.
TOFAN YOU DON<T HAVE TO APOLOGIES FOR ANYTHING<SOME PEOPLE JUST CAN<T TAKE A JOKE love ya
I’m Canadian, that’s what we do, lol … ❤ you too, Ray Rooster! 🙂
I missed seeing the post and wish you hadn’t taken it down. If it was satire I’m sure I would have loved it. You learn a lot about human nature being a fan of David’s. Some people are easily offended and take things too literally. It’s not always easy to know the right tone of a commentor on a blog and things get taken wrong. There are unintentional hurt feelings. Just want you to know that I love this blog and the humor here.
I really appreciate that, GrammyJ, thank you! Those unintentional hurt feelings are exactly why I took it down but thanks for your kind words!
Always late to a post. hmmmm….i think i learned much or more accurately had quite a few things reinforced about life and living….people are people the world around….live your dream….feel the fear and do it anyway….there are many paths to success…success measurements are in the eye of the beholder….ignore haters…the internet is a fascinating or dangerous, my choice….music is spiritual sustenance….live concerts can be fun….music is ageless and timeless….david fans span the spectrum of human characteristics…cell casts are not for the faint of heart….and…Canadians rock!
P.S. I did read your set list post TOfan. Very funny like a SNL skit. And I occupy the Roly-Poly end of the David fan continuum. 😀 😀 😀 I find I have to laugh at myself to appreciate life’s offerings (another David lesson.) You are so noble, generous in spirit and big hearted. Thank you for all you do. 😀
(((Kiz))) <33333
As has been said, I am loving the posts and also nodding in agreement. I think mostly though, through him, I am reminded daily of the simple things, those things that truly matter, those things that easily get lost in the chaos of our daily life. And I am also blessed by the community I am now a part of because of him.
(Please note that I am a grande fan of SA’s creative creator and all things said creator creates.)
hahaha, thx. emme! ♥
Thank you, TOfan, for this great post and to everyone for your heartfelt remarks. Sorry to be so late in commenting. I have learned many of the same things from David that have already been mentioned, but three things really stand out for me. The most important thing I learned is courage to step outside of my comfort zone. David has been an example of this on so many occasions. Because of his example, I was able to deliver the eulogy at my mother’s funeral service even though I have had a fear of public speaking during my entire life. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to do that. David has also taught me to be more appreciative of everyone that I come in contact with who positively impacts my life. I often think of the story about David thanking a custodian for cleaning the restroom so well. He taught me to notice these types of efforts. David also reminded me to be appreciative of all my blessings and to just “Look Around” each day. I love the story told by the waitress at one of David’s concert events who said that he came out and talked with her before the show and told her that he was so fortunate that people were coming to listen to his sing that night. To top it off, he helped her to put the tablecloths on the tables! There is just no one like him!!
Spirit, so sorry for your loss but also glad that David helped you find the strength to give your mom’s eulogy… he really is the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t he?
And thanks for sharing that story about the waitress and D. helping her put on the tablecloths, I’d never heard that! Love it, so very David! 🙂
It’s about time sooenme wrote about this.
Wow, that’s a really clever way of thinking about it!
In addition to many of the things written above, I have learned that cats shouldn’t be fighting anyway.
hush! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Also, it really makes you appreciate a shirt when you handwash it. <3333333333333333333
(I will never in a million years get over the absolute beauty in that remark. Ever.)
Had forgotten about that one, love that, bets!
Whoever wrote this, you know how to make a good arlitce.
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