Polish It Up

I knew a boy who dreamed of beat and rhythm, music and sound. The inner workings of a true musician.

And when he grew up, that's just what he became. In fact, I went to his show last night, and it was great. Loud, thumping, alive. He drummed away on every surface, very much as I remember him from our younger years. Fingers tapping, head bobbing.

Robert DeLong

I stood in the crowd, next to his sister, who is one of my oldest friends, and marveled at the power of a dream. The power of an underlying passion that wouldn't be pushed aside.  

He makes me think of myself. Of my husband. Of my friends and family. Of my children. 

Each of us and our odd or inspiring or quiet or all-consuming desires. That purpose-driven seed that was planted at our very beginning. I think we all have it, that little starter, waiting in the dark. Waiting for the time to bloom. 

My rocker friend, he heard that constant drum in his chest, and with a lot of work and determination, it looks to me as if he's truly living his dream. Honest-to-God success. I could be wrong, because it's not my dream, and only he would know for sure. But, in any case, I'm inspired.

It makes me want to listen carefully to my kids - their musings, the activities they lean toward, the subjects they cleave to.  

It makes me want to write more, to be happy for my wonder-filled, escapist heart. 

But not all of us can be rock stars. No, most of us are just regular folks with jobs and kids, commute times and bills. And even though I like to believe that we're all gifted with a unique skill or mindset (teaching, painting, helping, healing, etc.), sometimes its enough to simply discover the thing(s) that makes us most happy. The most at peace. The most fulfilled. 

We do what we can, and life can get busy.

Sometimes its enough to sit down and grind out a chapter. Or work on a flower bed, because getting outside and digging in the dirt feels good.

Last night, standing in a crowded room and watching my friend's brother perform, was a Big Heart moment. I can only imagine how his parents must feel. Their son, doing what he loves. Doing it well.

And, even though it might sound idealistic or naive, I still believe there's some truth to it all: unearth what rests at your core, polish it up, and put it out there for all to see. 

Or, not. Big dreams don't always need big fanfare.

In the end, it's your heart. Your life. Your shot at being true.

Be your own rock star.