Over the past few weeks, I've been working on a realignment of my life that's long overdue. I'm happy to write that it's all gone very well, and has a happy "ending" for everyone involved. To explain, let me back up a bit for those who may not know all that much about me.
Since leaving the Navy in 1982, I've pursued a music career. It wasn't long before I added a budding consulting business, working with other musicians and entertainers. I've pursued both ever since, and will continue to do so for as long as I'm able. In the early 90s, I met David (Eden) Nordschow, founder of Eden Electronics, and one of the most important bass amp designers in the world. Thus began our friendship, as well as my endorsement of his company in the music industry. Over the years, I assisted with special projects from time to time, and helped promote the company whenever I could.
About four and a half years ago, not long after relocating to Illinois, he offered, and I accepted a full-time position with Eden. By then, David had sold the company to US Music Corp. (after the retail collapse subsequent to 9-11), and was running Eden as a division of the parent company. I came aboard to assist with relationships and communication -- dealers, consumers, other endorsing artists, even some media work. I write training and product manuals, offer in-store training and consumer clinics and a dozen other things. However, David and I both knew that, for both of us, it was simply a transition period. He knew he'd eventually leave to do something new and exciting, and I knew I'd soon follow.
David left at the end of last summer, while I remained to help with the transition to a "post-David" Eden. And in this little corner of the music instrument industry, it's a transition that has to be handled carefully due to David's stature. Now, about a half year later, I've made the first step in my own transition and am looking forward to new things. Basically, I'm now working as a contractor, which frees up a lot of my time, yet keeps me involved in the most important activities. Everybody wins.
One area that will feel a positive impact is my work with the Life with Spirit Foundation. I'll have more time and energy to focus on the Foodstock projects, and on expanding my speaking schedule (and area). There are already a few irons in the fire, but I won't say anything more until there's more definite news to report.
To tie this news in a bit tighter to the purpose of this blog, I'll briefly note that there are two things that have helped immesnely during this time. First is the unqualified support I receive every day from Glenda, for whom I am eternally grateful. The other is faith and trust... knowing that everything was unfoldingas it should be. It has not been easy for me to lay aside my fears and not worry about tomorrow. I've struggled with that for many years. Even lately, when I know that my life is unfolding just as it should, there are times that the momentary struggles cause a lot of stress.
Actually, I cause the stress by succumbing to the fear. It took a while to figure out that fear is an illusion. And even longer to stop reacting in my old set ways. Lately, however, even when I had far more questions than answers concerning this transition, I was able to ignore fear's incessant nibble at the back of my mind and stay focused. And sure enough, by the end of the final conference call this morning, it all had unfolded exactly as it should.
I know this is an extremely difficult and turbulent time for many people. I also know that letting your fear overcome you will not help. What will help is to stay on track, and have faith that we will all get through this. More thoughts about the economy and spiritulaity in another post, another day. Right now, it's time for us to go babysit the grandchildren, something we both look forward to each week, so I'll close for now.
Remember, though. Fear won't help you live a life with Spirit.
Faith will.
In peace,
Lane
Since leaving the Navy in 1982, I've pursued a music career. It wasn't long before I added a budding consulting business, working with other musicians and entertainers. I've pursued both ever since, and will continue to do so for as long as I'm able. In the early 90s, I met David (Eden) Nordschow, founder of Eden Electronics, and one of the most important bass amp designers in the world. Thus began our friendship, as well as my endorsement of his company in the music industry. Over the years, I assisted with special projects from time to time, and helped promote the company whenever I could.
About four and a half years ago, not long after relocating to Illinois, he offered, and I accepted a full-time position with Eden. By then, David had sold the company to US Music Corp. (after the retail collapse subsequent to 9-11), and was running Eden as a division of the parent company. I came aboard to assist with relationships and communication -- dealers, consumers, other endorsing artists, even some media work. I write training and product manuals, offer in-store training and consumer clinics and a dozen other things. However, David and I both knew that, for both of us, it was simply a transition period. He knew he'd eventually leave to do something new and exciting, and I knew I'd soon follow.
David left at the end of last summer, while I remained to help with the transition to a "post-David" Eden. And in this little corner of the music instrument industry, it's a transition that has to be handled carefully due to David's stature. Now, about a half year later, I've made the first step in my own transition and am looking forward to new things. Basically, I'm now working as a contractor, which frees up a lot of my time, yet keeps me involved in the most important activities. Everybody wins.
One area that will feel a positive impact is my work with the Life with Spirit Foundation. I'll have more time and energy to focus on the Foodstock projects, and on expanding my speaking schedule (and area). There are already a few irons in the fire, but I won't say anything more until there's more definite news to report.
To tie this news in a bit tighter to the purpose of this blog, I'll briefly note that there are two things that have helped immesnely during this time. First is the unqualified support I receive every day from Glenda, for whom I am eternally grateful. The other is faith and trust... knowing that everything was unfoldingas it should be. It has not been easy for me to lay aside my fears and not worry about tomorrow. I've struggled with that for many years. Even lately, when I know that my life is unfolding just as it should, there are times that the momentary struggles cause a lot of stress.
Actually, I cause the stress by succumbing to the fear. It took a while to figure out that fear is an illusion. And even longer to stop reacting in my old set ways. Lately, however, even when I had far more questions than answers concerning this transition, I was able to ignore fear's incessant nibble at the back of my mind and stay focused. And sure enough, by the end of the final conference call this morning, it all had unfolded exactly as it should.
I know this is an extremely difficult and turbulent time for many people. I also know that letting your fear overcome you will not help. What will help is to stay on track, and have faith that we will all get through this. More thoughts about the economy and spiritulaity in another post, another day. Right now, it's time for us to go babysit the grandchildren, something we both look forward to each week, so I'll close for now.
Remember, though. Fear won't help you live a life with Spirit.
Faith will.
In peace,
Lane
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