June 11, 2013

I Am Throwing A Party

Bored people waitingSeveral years ago, in conversation with a friend, we decided that we could waste our lives waiting to be invited to all the cool parties. Meaning, sometimes it seems like the “people that have” in the music industry keep getting, and the “people that don't have” don't get anything. I'm talking about opportunities here, pardon the difficult analogy. But my friend and I decided that if we were tired of waiting to be invited to other people's parties, the best answer would be to throw our own. So...

I'm throwing a party.

[caption id="attachment_1611" align="alignright" width="150"]Smeby20a Click here for my "20 Years in Nashville" landing page[/caption]

What it looks like is me investing, most importantly, in myself, as well as in the lives of people around me. It looks like me taking time to care for myself: through physical exercise, rest, entertainment, intellectual stimulation, good food and drink. It looks like creative risk-taking. Loving, laughing, listening. Calling people out of the blue to see how they're doing. Finding and listening to music that I love. Reading great books. Drinking coffee frequently. And more that I can't even put words on. But what it ultimately comes down to, is living for today...not waiting or hoping for what I'd like to see happen. There's endless beauty and joy being offered to me today. Sometimes I just have to take my eyes off of my own navel to see it.
It also means that I’m fearlessly and courageously going to do whatever I can to create the life I desire. I’ve been waiting for other people to give me permission, or to make it easy for me. And since that’s not happening, if it’s gonna be, it’s up to me. And I’m worth it.

The sky is really blue today. I am loved well by many people in my life. I have great hope and optimism for the future, but even better...today rocks. I am a very rich man and I'm throwing a party.

And you're invited.

5 comments:

Sam Frazier said...

Man, I wish I could! My son is getting married that day.....in Louisiana....

Janice Sills Smith said...

I'm headed to see family that day in Maryland!

Drew MacLaren said...

much more important

Christian Mörken said...

Well, Mark Germantown sounds really like around the corner for someone from Germany... : ) unfortunately it is not. I wish you a great party, lots of friends, good conversations, great music and delicious food. Enjoy! To the next 20 years in Music City USA!

Jean Wanek said...

I would love to come to your party. Unfortunately Nashville is just too far away. Have a wonderful time!