Thank You MJ!

Greetings Folks-

Here we are 5 days later and my heart is still incredibly sad over the loss of Michael Jackson. Not sure which post to write first-my love for MJ (one of the best, if not the best musician and entertainer in all of the world (if not the galaxy) or my disdain for BET otherwise known as Black Enslavement Television.

Guess I'll start with the love.

I won't go on about his music, because quite frankly, I don't think I could do it justice. I would just blabber on like fan and not get into the significance and beauty of his contributions to the world. (You can't tell me that when you hear the beginning strains of PYT, Thriller, Bad, Wanna be Startin...or any other number of his hits, you don't at least start bobbing your head or tapping your foot...and if not, check your pulse because you just might be dead inside). Besides, there are many other people out there who have done so quite well and quite eloquently.

What I want to write about are the personal lessons that just came to fruition as of last Thursday. In an attempt to keep myself honest and write more, I am sharing them here, with the public.

I really hate that MJ is dead. I really thought that he was going to be one of our Icons who lived to be like 150 years old. Don't laugh....even my sometimes cynical, overly realistic ass just knew that MJ would live on for-ever in infamy. Like the Phoenix- he too would rise from the ashes and keep doing what he did best- Create, Sing and Dance from his heart.

Instead, last Thursday, he passed away. I would take it a step further to say that I think that MJ ultimately died from a heartache, a broken heart and the leeches and succubi sucking the vital life force from him.

I don't have to go through the details of Micheal's life to explain where I am coming from. Let's just say that what I am most proud of and amazed by is that even through all the trials, tribulations and allegations, he was still able to make amazing music and give his heart and soul to his fans. Even after time and time again- his heart and soul were stomped on like a piece of yesterday's trash.

People called him "strange", "weird", "eccentric", "loony" and all other types of names. But let's keep it real- just how "sane" would you be if you were in the limelight from the age of 5 years to your death and you never had a normal childhood, never had the chance to experience life through the various stages of growing up, and you never had the chance to do normal stuff like go to the grocery store undisturbed? What about play in the park or just experience normal teenage shenanigans- while NOT in the public eye? Add to that a crazy-slave driver of a father and you too might just be "this side of left".

Many of us are barely holding on to sanity by a purse string, yet people have this unrealistic expectation that someone should be normal after going through all of that? What about the fact that this man was an economy unto himself, and not only did he help jump start a number of careers, he and his essence financially supported hundreds of people. To know that you have the livelihood of hundreds of people hanging over head is a lot of stress and pressure. Anybody would need a release, if not a vice. Let me tell you- if that were me, I, too, would probably walk around with a pet monkey named Bubbles. It just might be one of the few people/animals that could be trusted.

Yes, Michael had many missteps and made a number of bad choices that did not help his case, but that does not escape the fact that he was living a human experience and that he was someones brother, father, son, cousin and friend.

OK- Now onto my personal lessons. I could provide a 2 page corollary on each lesson, but I will keep it short and sweet. Take it for what it is and what it means to you.

1. Truly allow yourself to grieve and heal from past hurts and resentment. Forgive yourself and then learn to let it all go. Get help if you need it. There is nothing wrong with seeking out the help of a counselor, advisor, therapist etc. Don't listen to the people who ignore the fact that you are hurting deep inside. If you don't address what grieves you, it will consume, blind and shield you from experiencing the joy in life that just wants to be expressed.
2. Stop ignoring pain and stop denying yourself pleasure. What your heart wants is what your heart wants, even if it seems "silly" or "juvenile". Understand that your heart will never lead you astray. If your heart wants love- give it love. If you are at a loss for where to find it, ask for answers and guidance. Denying the wishes of your heart will only makes you sadder, if not depressed.
   
3. When you are bestowed a gift from God, you are obligated to share your gift with those around you. Your stage may be small, it my be large, it may even be universal, but you have to share your gift. Sharing is the only way that our gift grows and continually benefits and nurtures others. By nurturing others, you nurture and heal yourself.
4. Genius is just that, Genius. Stop denying it, use it to fulfill your divine life's purpose but DON'T let it consume you. As with all things, balance is important. For as much energy and creative genius that you give out, make sure that you replenish yourself else you will have nothing left to give.
5. Keep your personal circle balanced and positive and surround yourself with people who care about you, the spirit and human being, not you- the money making machine. Set boundaries and recognize those who are a negative drain of your energy and of your vital life force. Remove them post haste.
   
6. There is nothing greater in the world than true and unconditional love. Love really does heal all. Until you finally tap into that deep eternal source within yourself, there will always be a part of you that feels lost and alone.
7. Experiencing the love of your Soul Mate is like no-other feeling in the world, but make sure that you allow yourself to experience the love of others as well, so that when your soul mate does come, you can recognize and appreciate it.
8. Pursue your dreams shamelessly and without apologies.
9. Taking and implementing all of this sage advice is hard as hell. Do the best you can and take small steps every day.
   

I am not exactly sure how MJs death relates to the lessons other than to say tomorrow is not promised, so get it together for today (and more likely than not, since my heart was already open and grieving, all the good advice just came right on-in). But I am grateful for the insights. They help me out greatly and I hope they help whoever is reading this post as well.

Thank you Michael and how I hope that your spirit is finally free, joyous and at peace. I hope that where ever you are in the ethers, you are able to nurture and love your child-like spirit.