Passion Party #437 - Just Say No

The majority of my day
consists of finding solutions to problems;
finding a way to say yes.

There is value in finding the "yes"
when others are saying "no"
but it is just as important
to say no when it is time to say no.

It may be a matter of prioritization
or allotting time
or knowing my limits
or saying no so that I create the space
to say yes to the next person I meet.

Saying no is painful
because I want to be loved.
Saying no is powerful
when it comes from a place of
clarity - knowledge - truth.

Passion Party #436 - The Best Thing

The best thing I can do today
is get up an hour early
and spend time with my dreams.

Passion Party #435 - Not Knowing

I woke up today
not knowing what will happen.

This fear of the unknown
made my mind race,
but what is there to fear?

This is a case where I know what I don't know
and I can act accordingly.

Today is a day like any other
a day full of opportunity.
It is not for me to know things that are out of my control.
I just have to show up,
be willing to do the work,
and keep in touch with my heart.

Passion Party #434 - Plan Vs. Intention

I can create the most elaborate plan
and it can turn to dust in a second.

Plans rarely survive contact with reality.

Intention will carry me through
when my plans fail.
When my intention is clear
When I know my purpose
and share it with others
the correct path will appear.

What is my intention for today?
To be present
to be loving
to serve others
to earn money by sharing my talents.

I need to get rid of the life I planned
to get to the life
the Universe intends me to have.

Passion Party #433 - The New American Dream

Be remarkable
Be generous
Create art
Make judgment calls
Connect people and ideas
...and we have no choice but to reward you.
-Scott Godin (from "Linchpin")

Passion Party #432 - Be More Human

On my first recording date I had the honor or working
with the great jazz drummer, Billy Higgins.
We were sitting in the control room, listening back
to one of the tracks we had just finished.
It sounded great: note perfect, vibrant, alive.
Then the engineer said,
"You know, the tempo sped up. The song ends faster than it began."
And Billy said,
"So what? What do you think we are - machines?"

We are not machines
and the more we standardize
and follow instructions
the less human we become.

My job is to be more human
more connected
more flexible
more resilient
more passionate.

Passion Party #431 - Be The Present

What is the best way to celebrate a birthday?
Give yourself
the gift of you.

Love what is
and be open to the next opportunity.
Be the present:
This extraordinary now
will create
an incredible future