Much more than a concert: the lasting gift behind the present

Last night, to celebrate our oldest son turning 12, we headed to Nissan Pavilion in Bristow, VA to take in the Nickelback concert. To get up-front seats, I joined the Fan Club. Little did I know at the time that this would put us in the pit. So my husband and I, along with our 12-year old and 8-year old sons, were literally on top of the stage. The boys are huge fans, so we wanted to make the birthday memorable… and we definitely succeeded.

Even at a concert, the entrepreneurial spirit in me is alive and kicking. As I was engrossed in the entire concert experience (and they were AWESOME) – the music, the crowd, the lights, the screen show – I was also looking at all of the band members with admiration, because they have truly found their calling. They are living their dream. Not only did they discover their talent and passion, they took it to the highest level and made a life with it.

Maybe that’s why musicians hold such magical appeal. Perhaps it isn’t simply the talent that attracts us; perhaps it is their courage to chase their dreams.

It’s obvious that all of them are highly gifted musicians. But so many of us have gifts and allow them to lie dormant, rather than tap into them and allow them to carry us.

Do I consider Chad Kroeger, lead singer and guitarist, to be a “role model”? Yes and no. Was there lewd, crude, and obnoxious behavior that left me slightly mortified? Yes, definitely. Was he discussing things with the crowd that I really didn’t want my kids to hear? Absolutely. But I suppose it was par for the course at a rock concert. Despite this, he was clearly so in his element up on the stage. He was a role model of someone who has discovered what he was meant to do, and gives 200 percent to be the best. As he said in a recent interview, “We never take anything for granted...I want every single song to be amazing.”

He was an exceptional leader, too. He made the concert all about the fans, while simultaneously directing the band. He gave every band member an opportunity to shine. He brought on the lead singers of the all of the warm-up bands to give them another opportunity to bask in the limelight – which not only demonstrated his confidence in his own position, but elevated others in his field.

Trailblazers are often on the fringes… they are the most eccentric of all us because they refuse to be defined by the “normal” rules of engagement that society dictates. Chad Kroeger is no exception. Trailblazers often make us uncomfortable because they are outside the traditional comfort zones. But as an entrepreneur, I admire this trait – to refuse to be defined by other people’s standards of success.

In the car ride home, it was obvious that there were many things about the night that will stick with Jared for a long time to come. Some of them I wish he would quickly forget, and not recall until he is at least 21. But when he said to me, “Chad just seemed so happy being up there,” I knew a lesson had been imparted.

I recorded the band singing “If Today Was Your Last Day” and have attached the clip here (Sorry if it's initially shaky; I was dancing). I think we can all find inspiration from this song. Keep rockin’!

www.youtube.com/watch

If Today Was Your Last Day

My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride
If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?

Against the grain should be a way of life
What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice
Don't take the free ride in your own life

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If today was your last day
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes
'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of
Swear up and down to God above
That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day