Meet Billy Ray Wheaton

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Billy Ray Wheaton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Billy Ray, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’ve learned a lot competing in circles that I didn’t really need to be in. It forced me to learn quickly and adapt. It allowed me to see how people acted, and that helped me learn what mannerisms, attitudes, and demeanor I did not want to have or present in myself. It helped me understand what and how I didn’t want to be but it also made me feel like I was always deficient. Never feeling accomplished. Never good enough. That feeling was a driving force for my reason WHY. I wanted to be successful. I wanted promotions. I wanted awards. All because I felt I needed validation and that was the only way I could have some proof that I “deserved” to be where I was. That feeling and mind set served it’s purpose, and instead of negatively picking it apart, I like to view how it helped me.

As for me now, I’m working through self reliance, self confidence and what that feels and looks like. Songwriting and performing have definitely helped with confidence. But, the reliance… I believe God gave me everything I need to figure this life out, and it’s my job to learn how to use the tools and gifts he provided to help me live this life from beginning to end.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

A friend of mine wrote this bio for me and I wanted to share it. I don’t do “Self Promotion” well, and I was exceptionally grateful that they took the time to help. Billy Ray Wheaton, a native of Plant City, Florida, boasts a rich and diverse journey that spans over two decades of service in the United States Air Force. Having retired after 22 years of dedicated service, Billy’s military career took him to numerous locations around the globe, including deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and assignments to Japan, Okinawa, Korea, and various bases across the United States.

In 2018, Billy discovered the therapeutic power of music. He found respite in the melodies of a guitar, using it as a means to cope with mental health challenges and to cultivate resilience. Inspired by this newfound outlet, Billy ventured into songwriting, pouring his heart and soul into crafting melodies that resonated with his personal journey.

Returning to his roots in Plant City, Florida, in June of 2022, Billy wasted no time immersing himself in the local music scene. Embracing the vibrant atmosphere of the Plant City, Tampa and St. Petersburg areas, he began sharing his musical talents at open mic nights, and gigs throughout the Tampa Bay area, and he has released a number of original singles and an EP titled This Flame. Available where you stream or download your music.

Drawing upon his extensive life experiences as a service member, veteran, father, husband, and son, Billy infuses his music with raw emotion and authenticity. Each chord strummed and lyric sung serves as a poignant reflection of his journey, offering listeners a glimpse into the depths of his soul.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’d say that this answer is situational, as for now… Curiosity, Self-Awareness, Listening are three major areas that I believe help me navigate life, and try to maintain a positive outlook and attitude.

Curiosity: I’ve never stopped learning. I have a desire to dig in on the Why’s of a thing and I believe a curious mind is an open mind. Not a mind without convictions, but one that will seek to understand.

Self-awareness: I may look at this slightly different. My body has a physically visible reaction to anxiety and stress. I have worked very hard to recognize (NOT THE TRIGGER), but my body’s response to the trigger. I can’t change what the world is going to throw at me, but I can work on my mind and my body’s response to those challenges.

Listening: This falls inline with my thoughts on curiosity. I like to listen without the intent to respond. I am a Storyteller at heart, but I learn so much from others when I remove my desire to create a response. Actively listening without the need to express your viewpoints back on the other individual allows you the opportunity to learn so much more, than listening to respond.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

I talked briefly about myself, self-awareness, and self-reliance earlier. Anxiety and depression, are real for every human alive at some level and many times we self sabotage with anger, either at ourselves or the exrernal cause. My advice is this: Seek help and accept help when it is offered.
Sometimes the thing that’s causing you strife isn’t what you think, and allowing another perspective may help you fix or improve your situation. I like to say “I’m like All-State” “I know a thing or two, because I’ve seen a thing or two.” But, I’ve also saught help. I am not the expert on life advice, but we can write a song about it, and sometimes that can help. That’s what got me here, I started writing songs as a way of therapy and it has changed my life for the better. I never would have learned this amazing thing about myself if I had not sought help when I needed it. Someone helped me figure myself out and I am forever grateful for that help.

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