Life, At What Price?

Hello to all!

The last articles written by me were based on my experience as a working musician, some examples of my adventures in the field. But in this article, I'd like to cover some other things that I think are more important, things that we as working cats take for granted, such as our physical and mental well being, life.

No matter what you do in this business it will eventually take its toll on you both mentally and physically. Throughout the years, I have seen it destroy people in one way or another by way of drugs and alcohol abuse, nervous breakdowns, premature aging, physical and mental illness, and even death. I have seen some of the greats dissolve before my very eyes from the pressure of life and this business. So, I feel it's necessary to cast a light on this important subject. As always, the best example is one's own tale, so here is my story.

At the age of 45, I was diagnosed with the following: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels (pre diabetic).

It sounds pretty serious doesn't it? It is. What caused all this? Stress, depression, letting the pressure of both my personal life and my career throw me into the pit of despair, and I'm not alone. Over 80 to 90% of people in America alone suffer from the same illnesses. It doesn't matter what color or race you are, it will hit you, and if not treated, IT WILL TAKE YOU OUT.

Some of you my say "That will never happen to me. I'm too young, and that only happens to old people. I'm in good health. Blab, blab, blab." Are you sure? When was your last check up? How do you manage your health? Do you eat right and exercise? Do you smoke or drink? Hmmm? HOW HEALTHY ARE YOU, REALLY?

Am I scaring you? Good! Welcome to your WAKE UP CALL!

Listen to me. Nothing is more important than your physical, mental and spiritual well being NOTHING! Without the mighty three, your life is pointless. So what do you do? Well, here is what I did.

When my doctor told me that I might be diabetic, that scared me the most. High blood pressure runs in my family so I've been treating it for sometime. Me, a diabetic? No, this can't be! My doctor went on to tell me that all is not lost; that I could beat this because it is still in the early stages. WAKE UP CALL! LORD, I HEAR YOU. IT'S TIME TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS.

The next day I changed my diet and read up on everything I could find on good health. I had been working out a little, but due to the changes that needed to be made, I beefed up my workout. In one weeks time, my blood sugar had gone down 91%. Three weeks later it was back to normal. I also lost 15 lbs. Blood pressure down, feeling good and still going strong, physically, mentally and spiritually.

I'm not saying it's easy. Everyday is a challenge. Some days are better than others. But you can't give up! Don't let this business kill you. Take time for you, your family and your friends. Let the business go for a while and enjoy yourself. Do as much as you can to de-stress. Play the music that you want to hear. Get some jam sessions started, have fun! Do anything that will help you release stress. Try as much as possible, to stay away from the negative side of life. I know there are some things you have to deal with, but there plenty that you don't too. And most importantly, get yourself checked out regularly, eat right, get as much sleep as you can, and take your vitamins. Work on improving your physical and mental well being. Be happy! Be blessed. Live your life! Play your song.

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