There are many theories about the meaning of life.   I do not purport to be worthy of a mountain top, but I had an epiphany I’d like to share – I found peace in it and hope you do too:

Life is like an amusement park.  Imagine you were given a free trip to (insert your choice here) with the condition that you have to experience EVERYTHING.   When I say “experience”, I don’t mean that great wisdom must be acquired, merely that you participate.

Consider the variety of experiences present in an amusement park.  Not only does the park have kiddy rides, roller coasters and fun houses, but there are also bathrooms, concession stands and maybe even varying weather to deal with.  

Essentially you’re stuck there until you give each attraction, vendor and facility the proper attention.  In the real world, some patrons choose to be at the front gate when the park opens and stay until they’re kicked out.  Others play “speed park” and wisk through everything, skipping things they’ve “been there/done that” before.

But in our scenario, you HAVE to go through all of it – that’s the price of admission.

With these conditions, it’s a certainty that you’ll hate some rides entirely and only part of others.  Some you may enjoy thoroughly – even going on them over and over, waiting in line if you have to for hours.

Now consider how this translates to life.  Not every day will be perfect.  Not every day will be a total nightmare.  Some regular demands on your time will be constant – you’ll have to sleep sometime, eat sometime, etc.  You may have cherished or life-changing experiences, or have a stretch of uneventful time. 

But you can’t “get out of the park” until you’ve done it all.

SO - examine your patterns and directions.  Are you “spending too much time in line?”  Perhaps “repeating the wrong ride?”  Have you even “gotten out of the bathroom yet?”

Hurry up!  There’s a great parade and fireworks show in 15 minutes! 

As an artist, I’m sensitive to pluralism – or at least the duality of many things.  This year has sped by and yet is far from over;  We are a society that maintains a certain conservatism and yet is also very expressive;  There is seldom a question about what we as individuals love and yet it is not always made obvious.

From just these 3 examples, I apply an awareness of the season as it approaches.  It is such a beautiful time of year and one that elicits powerful emotions and passionate beliefs.  Unfortunately, it can also be quickly corrupted by commercialism, ignorance, and ego.

Regardless of your convictions, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we acted deliberately, reflectively, and respectfully as we savored the holidays?  I witness many who celebrate a tradition of setting aside petty differences, show a little more courtesy, and spread good will.  How powerful if that tradition extended beyond a 2 month period!

While I’m sure I’m not the first to extol this perspective, I can hope that my voice will be added to the collective, and have a ripple effect. 

You too can be a part of such a movement, and I hope that this holiday season brings you and yours peace and joy.

To be an artist means that you’ve probably received one of the following:

1) A galvanization of adversity and are too stubborn to quit (like many many many success stories, by the way) 

2) A strong network of friends and family who have always said “you can do it!” and helped you believe just that.

3) A combination of both (like yours truly)

I wish to speak to “#2″ because it is perhaps the most powerful and yet the most fragile.

Whether it is a multitude of loving supporters or just a precious few – even 1 – It’s important to remember that their support is unsolicited, inspired and honest.  It takes a lot of energy to be positive and even more to share those feelings with others.  If it’s not reciprocated, one gets tired and eventually unlikely to continue acting as such.

So the message?  Say “thank you!”  Tell them you appreciate their support.  Stay humble.  They’re most likely the foundation that helped you achieve greatness in the first place.  Without them, it’s equally likely you’ll crumble.