One Year - One Billion Dollars

It's a curious thing to me that the measure of an artist tends to be how well they do once they are gone.  Think about it...whether and painter, dancer, writer, actor, or singer...if that person's art outlives them, they can truly be counted as one of the all-time greatest.  This fact was never truer than for Michael Jackson.  In the year that followed his death, the singer's estate generated nearly one billion dollars in sales world-wide.  That, my friends, is astonishing.  His music and life continue to speak to all generations.  As with any artist who's taken too soon, one can only imagine what he might have accomplished in the future.  I think about what new artists he might have discovered or worked with.  For all of Michael's tortured moments, he remains an unmatched musical savant.  On a day where only Michael's music will be playing in my home and in my car, I choose to be thankful for MJ's art and his giving spirit.  In a world of one-hit-wonders and tabloid celebrities, it's nice to know that every once in a while we are blessed with the presence of a true artist.

Here's to one year of rest for Michael Jackson.    

Tabula Rasa

When I started this piece, I had an angle all mapped out.  It's funny how life can sort of sit back and just laugh at your map.  First, for those who might not know what Tabula Rasa is (like me a few days ago...big thank you to my friend Mark Wagner), allow me to take a moment to explain it.

Tabula Rasa, like so many perfectly obvious yet mysterious things in life, is clearly defined in the dictionary, but it's also an idea...a lifestyle...a philosophy.

The literal definitions: 
1. a mind not yet affected by experiences, impressions, etc  
2. anything existing undisturbed in its original pure state


The concept or philosophy: 
It dates back as far as Aristotle, when he described the mind as being nothing until something is thought...a blank tablet.  Deep huh?

The most common understanding of the term is "clean slate".  We've probably all heard of that at some point.
When I fist heard this term Tabula Rasa, I had to figure out how the hell to even say it, but more importantly, I immediately applied the idea to other people.  It seemed like the natural thing to do.  I "slept" on the idea for about a week and began to realize an even better application...  apply it to myself!  Yes, the oft overlooked reflection of one's own image... that's where I needed to apply the principle first.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know for a fact that I am harder on myself in life than anyone else.  I realized that Tabula Rasa needed to be put to immediate use in my own life.  I needed to give myself a clean slate.  I need to forgive myself for quite frankly, being an asshole...to me.  Look, I don't pretend to have all the answers in life; to do so would be foolish.   I can say though, that this moment of realization is one of the most important moments we can ever have.  We have to learn how to give ourselves that clean slate.  When we refuse to do so, our soul withers under the scorching heat of self-hate.  Our spirit cannot grow or flourish in light of the knowledge that no matter how many times we screw things up in life, things will get better as long as we do not give up on the most important person... you!

I'd like to take a moment to share a short letter I've written to myself.  My hope is that those who read this will be inspired to give themselves a clean slate in life...


Dear David, 


I know your life has been difficult and at times very painful.  I know you've blamed yourself for so many things that have happened...some out of your control yet so many that were within your control.  I'm sorry I never gave you the opportunity to breath and enjoy life like you really should.  I apologize for always being so negative and "realistic" with you.  I should have supported your dreams rather than always shooting them down.  I should have believed in you.  I should have loved you when you were weak as well as when you were strong.  I've been a real asshole to you and I ask you to please forgive me.   I want you to know that from now on, I will be here when you need me.  I will be here to remind you that life really can be wonderful.  I want you to know that I will be your best friend.  I will be your rock.  When life frustrates you, I will be there to tell you that everything will work out.  I know you and I don't really care for clichés but sometimes we need to be reminded that there is truth to be found in them.  I really do love and care for you.  I look forward to this clean slate...this blank canvas that we can paint on together.  We can make the picture anything we want it to be.  Together, we can achieve.  We can breathe.  We can laugh from our soul.  We can get that rest we both so desperately need.  Thank you for being the thoughtful person that you are.  Thank you for always being willing to take all the burden, but you need to know that you don't have to do that any more.  I'm here for you.  I support you.  I love you...flaws and all.  


Love, 
Me