Thoughts . . .

March 19-25, 2000 - Vol. 3, No. 8

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QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

I must tell you I take terrible risks. Because my playing is very clear, when I make a mistake you hear it. If you want me to play only the notes without any specific dynamics, I will never make one mistake. Never be afraid to dare.
--Vladimir Horowitz, (1904-1989) Russian-born American pianist

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

We have many choices in our lives and often the choices involve taking or not taking risks. Risks come in all shapes and sizes. The risks we take determine the life we lead and the legacy we will leave for others. We can lead a safe existence and "play only the notes without any specific dynamics, [and] . . . never make one mistake" or we can explore new horizons and open doors to new experiences if only we dare. The choice is ours.

Are your passions suppressed by fears or do you allow them to take wings and fly? Do you follow your dreams without the thought of failure but instead with the joy of possibilities and the excitement of roads less traveled? It is fine to be safe and content as long as that safety and contentment does not become a hiding place that prevents us from living our lives to the fullest.

So dare to reach out and play the piano of life with full dynamics. You too can be a Vladimir Horowitz in your own way and time.