Today is the one year anniversary of the emergency surgery that saved my life.
First I want to thank the countless people who helped in every possible way. It shows me there is a global web of amazing people who really rise to the occasion when called upon to do so. Facing sudden death does teach a person about life. So what are my takeaways, what have I learned, how am I different?
Life is a busy, rushing stream of white noise- work, texts, politics, money, mayhem, travel, love, excitement, loss, creativity, hope and despair. After nearly having all lights out forever, I have spent this year being more internal, reflective. What is important? Where do I wanna go?
I spent time off the grid traveling in Southeast Asia. Truly, a gift to myself to just enjoy life for a while. I made many new friends, and a few old friends slightly jealous on Facebook. I felt an inner sadness at the political division that is tearing apart my fellow Americans. I found myself being more thankful for the things I have rather than what was left unaccomplished in life, or what I was missing. I started working “A Course In Miracles” a kind of spirit/mind/body reboot for those unfamiliar, and attending weekly inspirational talks in NYC by author Marianne Williamson.
I’m less interested in material things, parties, events, travel, spending, crazy costumes and the Life Is Larry reality show that appears to be fabulous from the outside, and more interested in growing as a person.
I am more interested in self-care… yoga, eating right, good sleep, and helping out those in need. These are basics, but they come into brighter highlighting after a traumatic event such as surgery.
Where am I heading in 2018?
I will be launching “Do What You Love” as an inspirational brand. A team of execution partners have joined me and here is our mission statement:
Do What You Love Media provides resources and a community for people to have more fun, happy, passion filled lives. The challenge? Today more than ever people are looking for joy and fulfillment in their lives. Work demands, financial obligations, politics, distractions, fear and uncertainty for the future has made the art of living more difficult. Do What You Love Media is the new playbook that offers content for people to ignite their passion by connecting with a community of like-minded people, and is narrated by experts in their field who share their journey toward fulfillment.
I will be sharing the news of it’s launch including my own revised Amazon book “Do What You Love- Songwriting,” my new music album, and local salon type meet ups beginning early next year.
On the music front I started writing/producing/consulting for a handful of stellar musical artists that I plan to help bring to the attention of the world in 2018.
Then, there is space. I am leaving space open to be filled with the spontaneous, the unexpected. Too often we are so busy in life, moving so fast we rush past opportunities, events, like driving past the exit on life’s highway without even realizing it. I am going to move forward with presence, intent, care. To do no harm, nor allow it to be done to me. Life is beautiful, when we stop to examine a melting snowflake, or a strangers’ smile, or translucence of late afternoon golden sunlight. Some years back I talked about “New Years Intentions” verses “New Years Resolutions” and it bears repeating. . A resolution is a change we impose from the outside. An intention is a direction we are heading in, through the winding curves of time. Often our resolutions fail us due to well-worn habits, but intentions are a softer approach toward redirecting our lives.
I intend to stay healthy, and improve spiritually, financially and creatively. I intend to make a mark upon the world in 2018 that leaves it better than I found it. I look forward to sharing this unfolding journey with all of you.