Words never spoken...

I heard something a few weeks ago that I probably need to hear everyday.
​In a meeting, where we usually address data, trends, and programming, we spoke about shame and vulnerability (thanks Brene Brown for inspiration).  I watched a trusted, compassionate, and hard working colleague share a hurt in her life, in a venue where she didn't want to, but could not control the emotions of her fragile heart.  It was beautiful.
It led to many people at the table, including myself, to reach a little deeper.  Raw human emotions, like the ones she shared, are so often only for loved ones, the four walls or our homes, or the tears marked pages of our diaries.  Her voice was strong, and her conviction was stronger, as she struggled to find that
balanced success in work and at home.

Her words reminded me of why that small still voice talks to me.  
​When the rush is done, the work is complete, and life is shorter,
there are two things you will NEVER hear anyone say: 

I wish I would have worked more.  I should have stopped playing the piano. 

The fleeting and ridiculous things that seem important to us, in an effort to earn success while we were in our formidable work years, become shadows of remorse and desires to gain back an opportunity to turn back the clock.  Time and time again, I hear people share their life's wisdom with the younger generation....with me.  They remind us daily that life is short, the days are few, and the important things are the people around us, the difference we make with those people, and the energy we give to each other.  
Yet the driven, hard working, success minded animal in us can't stop ourselves from taking for granted what is in front of us, and doing something for someone who
NEEDS US WAY MORE THAN WE NEED THEM!!
When will we listen? When will we stop?
When will we start working to live instead of living to work? 

So what can I take away and offer to myself and you?
Don't stop playing the piano...and if you did, it is NEVER too late to start again.  
The music that you will make, starting TODAY, will be the memories
you carry with you forever.   
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