Passion..it will set you free

The key to success in life is to find your passion. Or at least that's what they say. I was watching the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 show the other night and I was once again reminded of the power of doing something you truly love. So many larger than life musicians commented on how happy they were being in a band and even Flea from the Chili's got emotional when discussing how free music made him feel. The stories of each band inducted that night were similar. The Beastie Boys, Chili Peppers and Guns n Roses have all been through a lot of drama, fame, heartache, riches and troubles over the years but their love for the music and their brethren  persevered. At a young age, these boys fell in love with music and their instruments eagerly waiting for school to end so they could go home and jam with their friends. Nothing else mattered to them but their songs and those whom played them with. Girls, drugs, sex and crime, came and went, but their true passion never waned through it all. I often wonder if this passion and creativity is still possible in life. Particularly in regards to our youth. Kids are so distracted these days by the internet and TV, that they don't make enough room for creativity and fun. There are no longer jam sessions in their parents basements. They have video games, texting and steaming movies to keep them busy. Its when kids go outside and explore that they use their imagination and find their passion. Steve Jobs once said that your destiny finds you. I do believe in this theory. However, individuals also need to leave the comfort of their house for such destiny to find them. Imagine if any of those musicians had never been given a guitar or a drum kit? What if they spent their time watching TV or being shuttled back and forth from soccer game to kumon?. Kids today have no time to play, explore and find what makes them tick, what makes them smile and what sets them free. Wondering the streets of NYC allowed the Beastie Boys to be influenced by music and people that they would have never encountered playing video games in their bedrooms while downloading songs on their Ipods.