The Comfort of Distraction

A friend's post said:

"Stop getting distracted by things that have nothing to do with your goals."

- @kanodadon2975 (Instagram)

Isn't it easy to get distracted? It's tempting to busy ourselves with silly things and conveniently create an excuse not to make progress toward our deepest dreams and goals. Are we afraid of failure? Or success?

Sometimes it's not silly things that distract. Aren't we capable of hiding behind real challenges and legitimate reasons why we never wrote that book? or song? or finished that project? or started that business? or put enough time and investment into that business to make it profitable and sustainable?

Perhaps it's more comforting to call a friend and commiserate about what's wrong in the world rather than brainstorming for solutions. Maybe anger is an easy route over creativity. It's plausible that our ambitions are so lofty, we just lack the discipline necessary for the little steps that need to be taken every day.

Who knows what our problem actually is. It's probably a combination of things. What if there is no problem at all! Possibly, we're just going along at our own pace, doing the best we can do.

Nah... I'm not buying that last one. I think there's always room for improvement. We can always learn. We can always do a little better. We can always Love a little more, try a little harder - or work a little smarter. 

The creative process requires embracing the unknown to a certain degree. Trying something new takes a bit of courage. Fear is a powerful thing. Distraction that forces us to stay inside our own little comfort zone offers a feeling of safety. Would a little DIScomfort be worth it though, if it meant being able to take off in flight, on a direct course toward everything we've ever dreamed of?

Let's change one habit, learn one new fact, consider another point of view, challenge one of our own long held beliefs - do something, anything DIFFERENT from what we're used to. I'm betting even one little step outside our comfort zone can have a profound effect on our journey.

Love,
T

The Everyday

We're OK. May that be the first thing you hear from loved ones as the next few weeks go by.

We went from new school protocols, to no school. From playground, to no contact with other children - not even the ones next door. From relatively normal life - to this.

As is the case for most of the world, life is changing by the minute.

Now we are heroes for keeping distance from each other, for following guidelines that require our mastery of the mundane within the walls at home.

There's a litany of things we can NOT do, but what about the things that we can? We can appreciate time together with our children. We can understand that we are all in this together. We can learn more. We can seek out positivity and do our part to promote it. We can call someone who is alone or elderly and keep them company by our conversation. We can put differences aside. We can act in a way that lifts others up and that brings us together in spirit. We can find new ways to have fun. We can do a lot to show each other love and respect.

Here's wishing health and happiness... and for the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that there are great depths of Love, Kindness, Understanding and Strength within us all.

Stay safe.
Love,
T

Click here for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A Celebration of Life and Legacy

I began last week by randomly opening to a page in Louise Hay’s book of affirmations.  When I first read the pages that began, “Death is a door opening to a new life,” I didn’t know I’d soon be attending a funeral...

There were two funerals last week.

Our Buffalo music community honored the life and legacy of our friend Richard L. Williams, or as we called him, “Flick” and family members lovingly remembered the life and legacy of Theresa Tuminno.

So many beautiful moments stand out from speaking with friends and family and from the inspirational tributes and messages from ministers and priests.  I carry them all with me.  Each remembrance was filled with love and celebration of the lives that we were so fortunate to have had touch our own.  Heartwarming and precious were the conversations with loved ones.  For me, it didn't feel like we were saying "goodbye," but more like "see you back home."

We spoke of character and legacy.  We laughed at the wonderful memories we shared and stood with a powerful sense of community and brotherhood.  We comforted, inspired, encouraged and loved each other.  We acknowledged that we all might do that more often – not just for funerals.

Lunch with (L to R) Joey, Sharon "Shern," Kenny, Tony "Dedot," Flora, Cindy, Myself, Rick "Tricki"

We were reminded by our dearly departed and by stories and sermons that our time here is not unlimited and were encouraged and inspired to live with more of a sense of urgency about the legacy that we will leave behind one day.  We were reminded of who we are.  It was as if God were gently guiding us toward our own sense of purpose here in this world in that loving and beautiful way that only He Himself can orchestrate and execute so perfectly.

This week, I will move through this journey of life with a renewed sense of strength and confidence in HIS love, knowing that there are a couple of more Angels guiding the way.

"Footprints in the Snow"

Thank you Flick and Theresa.  Thank you for your life’s work, for your love of music, friendship, family and the gifts of love and inspiration you leave with us.