Songs of Life

I imagine when we die we find out how in-tune with our hearts we should have been. Not an easy thing to do with all our mere mortal vices getting in the way.

How do we rise above what we are? Can we elevate ourselves and look back down on our lives to see what needs more attention, or less? What's important, what's a waste of time?

I've managed to step onto my own shoulders for a better look, through my music. As a songwriter I frequently, and most certainly unintentionally, write about feelings and experiences from my own life. Sometimes I don't recognize a connection until I'm performing the song or listening to it later on.

Where all these ideas comes from I can't be sure. I always thought that I had to go through many long years of suffering before I could be worth anything as writer, but I found that my song lyrics, and my other scribblings, affect people.

Real writers, those with a genuine knack, are born to be what they are. Maybe sometimes people get more than their fair share of talents. A cruel joke by God? Maybe a test. Which talent will be used the most to affect the rest of the world?

I didn't wake up one day and say I want to write songs, or even these observations. If I did I would likely be a lousy songwriter, or writer in general. Instead I have found that, when inspired, I have a knack for this writing thing. People who have heard my music believe it's among the best they've heard, and they always comment on the poignancy of my lyrics. One fellow who bought my CD remarked, "...lyrically, it's a killer!"

I appreciate these remarks. They make me examine myself more closely, to evaluate my work more carefully, because if people are this taken with my lyrics I must be extra careful what I write the next time around. My words can have great influence, so I want to make sure it's a positive one.

As I look back on my accomplishments, which I still don't think are much (call me humble), I start seeing myself in a different light. Not the kid who was made fun of in school, or the punk who couldn't get his head out of you-know-where quick enough to save himself some real heartache. But I see myself as a growing, learning, human stumbling through a mistake-ridden life that's finally smoothing out in the long run, and there's plenty more to run, so just imagine how much smoother it can get!

Looking down, even in at yourself, however you manage to do it, can help you elevate your position within your own mind. Since we are the masters of our own destiny, isn't that the right place to start? See yourself as the person you want to be.

By examining ourselves we can also learn how much heart we put into living our lives. The more heart that goes in, the less mundane your life will be. But you can't keep your heart to yourself. No light shines in a room without windows, no voice can travel beyond the walls. Affect the world around you and see how the light shines in.

How do we rise above what we are? We rise to what we want to be.

Drew Vics, an artist, writer & musician from New Jersey, writes for

Just Think of Kyle!

This morning at 5:22am to 6am, I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed... Read More

Ways To Beat The Blues

1. Sit back and enjoy (or at least tolerate) the... Read More

Four Words that Make Life Worthwhile

Over the years as I've sought out ideas, principles and... Read More

Wake-Up Call

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 7,... Read More

The Meaning of Life

Life ?.. Indeed is full of learning's, experiences, facts and... Read More

Launch Yourself Into Living

Memorial Day weekend, 2004, found my wife and I along... Read More

Thoughts on Loving

Loving. It seems like such a simple concept. But those... Read More

The Emmaus Journal ~ Quietness

The Emmaus Journal QuietnessAs a state of being, quietness is... Read More

Nuthin but Blue Skies

"Welcome to Canada," Ken shouted to me over the roar... Read More

Rightful Owner

Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 20,... Read More

A Childs Plight

In the streets of Bogotá, a child - named Simon*... Read More

Hitler and the Tsunami

In Catholic school the nuns used to tell us that... Read More

The Shoemaker and the Brat

At seventeen years old, I was a brat. A mixture... Read More

Anam Chara - Wishing Versus Wanting

There is an old saying, which warns, "be careful for... Read More

Jerrys Yo-Yo

The blaring sound leapt under Jerry's skin and strangled him... Read More

Why Not Reinvent The Wheel?

"Why go and reinvent the wheel?" It's a question that's... Read More

How To Walk On The Path Of Peace (Part 1)

As there are silent depths in the ocean, which the... Read More

When Was the Last Time?

When was the last time you smiled at a stranger?When... Read More

Reclaiming Our Resilient Spirit

Our spirits are taking a beating. The daily barrage of... Read More

Experiences in My Life Prompted Me to Never Give Up

Many people think that their life is a disaster that... Read More

One of Life´s Great Lessons ? Learn to be Thankful for What You Already Have

(excerpted from the New Jim Rohn Weekend Event DVD/CD series)Is... Read More

No More Frustration: The Thorns of Opportunity - Part II

The quest for the ultimate victory.In part one I shared... Read More

Fulfilling Your Dreams: The Magic Of Starting

Fulfilling your dreams will remain a mirage if you simply... Read More

By Now, Im an Expert at Memory Loss

I sat down to write my weekly humor column, but... Read More

How to Overcome Loneliness

Nowadays the majority of people live in very large cities.... Read More

Product Testing

Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 24,... Read More

Using Appreciation to Make a Difference

When in 1996 a local Secondary School opened, the staff... Read More

Winning the Thought Battle

If you have read my articles or heard me speak,... Read More

Lesson Learned

Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 9,... Read More

Dread Disease Dragged Out My Best

In denial, I was slow to accept Multiple Sclerosis. Who,... Read More

A Reason For Living in a Nutshell

In brief, my book A REASON FOR LIVING is the... Read More

Self Acceptance ? Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our... Read More

What To Do When You Dont Know What To Do

It is often difficult to know exactly what to do.... Read More