Being your "True Self"-

Personally, I believe, deep down inside, every single one of us knows what we were put here to do. I think our body knows when we are not living in harmony with our passion and following our dreams. You see, the physical body, internally and externally, never lies. Sure, we can take a job we have no joy in, be in a relationship/marriage out of convenience, and make decisions based on what others want us to do- but we will pay for it in some form or another, be it physical or mental. I know countless people, including myself at one point, that lived a life that wasn't congruent with my passion and mission.

In my late twenties, my marriage wasn't doing so well. I had gotten married at 25 years of age, had a child at 27, and was putting my career and passion on hold. I was doing what any responsible Father/Husband would do. I was supporting my family with music to make ends meet. My wife at the time told me she didn't want me to go on tour so I could stay home and help take care of the baby. Of course I didn't mind because I loved my family.

I took teaching jobs, taught private music lessons, and even taught piano in public schools in NYC just to stay close to my family and so my wife didn't have to work. I did this from about 27 till about 31 years old. My marriage wasn't doing too well and my career was completely thrown off path. Somewhere in that 4 year time span, I realized my wife and I weren't on the same page at all. We were complete opposites and it was getting very challenging to be around each other on a daily basis. I was miserable teaching and working for other people, not touring, and trying to keep our marriage together for our daughter's sake. My parents were miserable together and didn't get a divorce, so I thought it was okay to stay together, unhappily married. I started gaining weight and not caring about my appearance. I remember telling myself, "It's okay to look like this. I'm older now and that's the way it goes as you age." My wife at the time even told me that I was never going to look like I did at 25. That was the breaking point for me. I looked at myself one morning in the mirror, disgusted at my appearance, and decided to do something about it.

I began to work out daily and changed my eating habits. I got my knowledge on fitness through reading books like the Body For Life  90 day challenge, and later on, The Abs Diet, and Combat Conditioning by Matt Furey. This was the beginning of my physical and mental transformation. It was hard as hell in the beginning, but I stayed disciplined. I lost 25 pounds and started to build muscle and get leaner. My friends and family were in complete shock when they saw me. They couldn't believe the transformation I went through! I felt incredible, and most of all, had more energy to dedicate to my little girl, Chloe. Before I lost the weight, I was sluggish and tired all the time. Now I was a new man! I started my own teaching practice, began touring again, and even bought a house for my family. The only thing that still wasn't working was my relationship with my wife. About 8 months into it, my wife decided it was over and she wanted to leave to pursue her own music career. At first, I was devastated. I couldn't believe that she was going to leave after almost 8 years. I felt betrayed and all I could think about was my daughter and her pain that Mommy and Daddy were splitting up.

Even though the divorce was painful, it was the best thing for everybody. I would never have had the emotional strength to make it through such a tough time, if I didn't have the confidence, discipline, respect, and character I developed from improving myself physically. I knew I was a good person and I loved myself and my daughter. Soon after, I started touring with bigger name bands, writing self improvement articles for artists, and met the woman of my dreams. My relationship with my daughter got better, and my LIFE COMPLETELY CHANGED!! You see, to make a long story short- As soon as I made a change to pursue my true calling in life- Everything improved. My mental, physical, emotional, and more importantly, spiritual health improved. 

If you aren't living your "True Life", then you aren't really living. The body and mind will give you signs telling you it isn't happy. Weight gain, depression, popping pills on a daily basis, and anger are just a few symptoms. If you don't believe me, take a look at the pics of me below. 

me at 27 years of age-



Me at 34 years of age, 7 years after the top pic. Who the hell said you have to age poorly?!!!



FOLLOW YOUR PASSION>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

websites and books mentioned in blog-
Matt Furey's Combat Conditioning

Abs Diet

Body For Life


Matt Furey's, "Combat Conditioning" is my favorite (recommended to me by jazz great, Lewis Nash). It's the most natural and doesn't require a gym membership or weights. It will also whip your ass into "real shape."You won't just "look" strong and healthy. You will  BE strong and healthy. Trust me!!

Abs Diet is great for the nutritional knowledge. 

Body For Life is probably the toughest one. This was the first system I used. I lost 25 pounds and developed some serious discipline. You will get results with Body For Life, but you must be strong minded to finish the 90 day challenge. I enjoyed BFL, but have changed up to more natural body weight exercises due to my change in lifestyle and physical goals. I'm on the road too often to find a gym these days!

ANYTHING by Dr. Wayne Dyer is recommended. Like your body, your mind must be exercised and conditioned each day. Everything starts in your mind first. My life has been drastically changed through the guidance and wisdom of Dr. Dyer.

Dr. Wayne Dyer