Earlier this evening, there was this news.  In immediate reaction and response, I posted on Facebook, the following:  Wow, are you kidding me? LIVE your life. Live YOUR life. Live your LIFE. Somehow. Fly Mr. Petty fly.

Then, some hours later, there was this… an update.

As we collectively await word, some things occur to me.

First, I sincerely honor the attention to craft that Tom Petty has brought to his music.  He is a musician in the best sense of the word.  Specifically, I posted on LinkedIn this week… the following post on Creativity, Choice and Decision.  Within that posting, I suggested that:

The courage to decide… confidence in one’s choices… this does not imply perfection or arrogance. Courage and Confidence here implies that we will try and that we know we will learn and grow, regardless of initial success or not. Discerning and being willing to act in the moment does not imply you know what will happen. It implies that you trust you can respond and learn from whatever outcome. There is true Confidence… not simply bravado. We run with our decisions, knowing we can change direction in our running… if need be.

All of this is to suggest that Decisiveness is a strength of character needed to live a life of integrity; true to one’s best self.  Having never met Tom Petty, I cannot say for sure… but, it seems to me he has made his choices… real and authentic.  Like John Mellencamp, he never wanted to be a pop singer.  If you want to be one great; but that was not his choice.  His music, was his to choose.  He was free to choose; and he chose.

So, with this in mind and heart, the news of Tom Petty speaks to me of both the potential “loss” of an artist that impacted millions and the reality that we only have control over our choices in life and profession… not in how long we enjoy both.

Then… what can we learn, in honor?

What are the decisions you need to make for true alignment and integrity?  What decisions require your courage right now?  What decisions will bring you the most confidence in their making? With discernment and deepest truths in mind, what decisions require your action?  It is time.

As an educator or leader; how can you advance the conversation with your students and teams and communities… to get to making the decisions that count?  Can you offer up examples of people who have chosen the courageous decisions… people with whom your students, teams and communities can identify?  Can you facilitate great conversations about what those decisions took and the impacts they had on the lives of those who decided and those they affected?  It is time.  It is indeed and in deed… time.

I think Tom Petty has already lived a life true… to himself and his craft.  I believe this to be so.  Whatever our time, if we were to be so bold and courageous; there is life.

That is the strength of character that is Decisiveness.  Decisions… make them.  Take them.  indeed, it is how we learn to fly.

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™

Barry is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unity and resourcefulness. That is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work, business and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday.

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