In death, there is life. But in life, there is also life.

Why did MJ have to die or Jimmy Hendrix or my good friend Mike Burnett, who all seemed “so young” and “in their prime?”  Tragedy gives way to so much regret, introspect and often times, an intention to start “living!”

I looked at iTunes with @rondostar last Friday and Michal Jackson albums were the majority top sellers – overnight! Really? So you bought Off The Wall yesterday because it’s now even more relevant but did you jump to your toes and then try to do a 360 into the MoonWalk while “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” was rattling the windows? No? Did you get up and dance at all? Why not?

Wake up!

Art is priceless BEFORE the artist is dead. There is poignant and provocative beauty from the moment the paint drys, but you have to wake from your indifference, preconception and mass influence first. Each day is a gift to you – that’s why they call it the ‘present.’ I am not saying it’s faddish to by an MJ album just because he recently died; what I am saying is, breathe it in. Let that impulse become a fully-blown feeling. Seek out and embrace all the treasures of life of your volition, rather than waiting for life to reckon with you first.

Death is often described as both tragedy and celebration – appropriately, the final Yin-Yang before you become an eternal beam of light illuminating the hearts of all those who knew you. Life is simply awesome and we each face thousands of decisions every day. I challenge you to learn from the living, to entertain fleeting notions and curiosities. Live like you were just scared to death!

My father-in-law says, “when one door is closed, 72 more are opened.” I say there is no time BUT the present to explore those opportunities, and they are everywhere. You can’t choose your opportunities, but you’re the only one who can SEIZE THEM!

Careful! You may not get a second chance…