Music for my Soul

Discoveries:

Today I discovered that music progresses the soul. It’s such a huge part of my makeup. Would it surprise you to find out that before I began my sales career and before I decided to take truly unbelievable stories and write them in a believable way I studied music? No seriously. I have been classically trained, I used to take classes at a conservatory (Sherwood in Chicago) I had a vocal coach, piano coach and I learned theory. I was on the fast track to musical success. I had it all planned out, I would work in New York doing stage plays and theatre with the occasional chamber chorus recording with Oxford, Westminster or Julliard’s ensemble chorus. I was supposed to pen sheet music that would change the world. Somewhere along the road I got sidetracked and life’s circumstance hit and it derailed my dreams. Never mind the melodramatics, everything happens for a reason. In exchange for my dream I was given favor, wealth, a creative mission plan to expose others who are on the verge, a family, a life in a new city and acclaim. There is still time, I am young! Instead of giving up on my dream, I put it on pause. I learned that from a friend. Fast forward ten years later and I listen to music everyday; I have amassed a collection of more than 5000 global hits, everything from Magnificant, Handel and Chopin to Anita Baker, Brian McKnight and Lil Wayne. I play the piano everyday and have used music in my career. I work in radio, I see a concert every (2) weeks and I have been to major events and have seen the artists I admire perform up close. The list is too long to name but I will highlight a few of the icons on it:

Doug E Fresh /Slick Rick/Big Daddy Kane/Branford Marsalis/ Moses Hogan/Luther Vandross/Jill Scott/Kanye West/John Legend/Usher/Fred Hammond/Patti LaBelle/Stevie Wonder/ Prince/Babyface/ Boyz II Men/ Jodeci/MC Lyte/ Salt N Pepa/ Michael McDonald/ Smokey Robinson

High Points:

I went to The Potter’s house where Bishop Jakes and his message of hope, life and peace resonate throughout the world but more locally, in Dallas. The message was simple and the energy in the room was awesome. Anytime the Pastor says, “Touch a neighbor and say…” you know you’re in chuuuuch! Not church, Chuuuuch! It was the perfect ending to a hectic day and while there is still much to figure out and wait on, the few hours I spent in the sanctuary were unparalleled.

Low Points:

I need to get back in the habit of eating healthy lunches. I start out the day on the right foot with a great breakfast. I usually have oatmeal, tea, fruit and snack on a few raisins, cranberries or mixed nuts during my ride in. I feel energized, impressed with my nutritional selections and the stewardship of my temple. However, once 11:00AM rolls around and my stomach starts singing I start craving sickening combinations like a double-bacon, turkey burger with extra grease, “everything” nachos with whatever was left in the kitchen on top of my chips, ghetto fries with extra cheese, ketchup and hot sauce and fried anything. I need to stick to my guns and find me a nice lunch spot that I can feel good about once I pay my bill, burp and leave out the door.



Daily Insanity:

I am shocked at fuel prices, $3.69 a gallon? Really,really? Wow! It makes me want to cut back. I mean, it’s not like I can just ride around the city willy-nilly burning petro. In fact, I want to declare to the world, right now, in this instant, on the web that if anyone travels more than ten miles to see you and they drive to meet you, they love you. I mean, they truly love you because they have in essence spent a gallon of gas to come see you so make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them making the sacrifice.



Question


What things do you avoid doing because gas prices are so damn high?



John R Williams


Author/Radio Host/Filmmaker/Marketing Executive