I was stunned and deeply saddened by the announcement of Glenn Frey’s passing. The former Eagles founder was (along with his fellow band members) one of the voices of my generation. I was in junior high and high school when The Eagles were arguably the biggest American music group going. I have their “Greatest Hits” in my iTunes and listening to Take It To The Limit as I write this post.
The lyrics, “You know I’ve always been a dreamer…” should be a mantra for all of us. You can spend all your time making money but that’s not what being happy really is all about. It’s not being Unleashed. Money is simply a vehicle for the lifestyle you want to lead. What are your dreams?
Being unleashed is doing what you love and dream about and improving the condition others. When you’re passionate about the value you can provide, the income end takes care of itself. As I think on the impact that people we’ve recently lost like Glenn Frey, David Bowie, and Alan Rickman had on millions of people through their art, it’s easy to understand that their great value improved the lives of many. It was their passion and dreams for their work and giving it to us that made them who they were.
Look, it’s very easy to muddle through life if you allow it. As we hit the middle of January, the rush of the new year celebrations is over, the weather may be gloomy, the stock market may be down, and your football team may be done for the season. Before you know it, the same old, same old creeps in. Your dreams might get mired in the fog.
If you really want to have a career that’s rewarding and a life that’s meaningful then you need to make the decision daily to “take it to the limit.” There’s no promises about what tomorrow brings and worrying about the past is dysfunctional. Glenn Frey left this world too soon for my liking, however based on comments and anecdotes from those who knew him, he lived a full and influential life. Shouldn’t we all?
So put me on a highway and show me a sign, and take it to the limit….one more time.
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