About Me

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Atlanta, GA, United States
When I suffered a lip injury that ended my career as a classical trombonist, I thought my life as a musician was finished, but I fell in love with music all over again when Santa gave me a guitar for Christmas in 2003. Even as I was struggling with my first chords, I was planning a new performance career. As a trombonist, I performed with the Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, the Ohio Light Opera, and in pick-up bands for touring acts that included Rosemary Clooney, George Burns, and the Manhattan Transfer. Reborn as a jazz guitarist, I sing and play my own solo arrangements of jazz classics, am half of the Godfrey and Guy duo, and hold the guitar chair in the Sentimental Journey Orchestra. I have been a freelance music copyist since 1995, served as Director of Music at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation from 2011 to 2017, and currently serve as Contemporary Band Director at the same congregation.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Losing It #6: Choices, Choices

Who you are today is the sum total of your decisions and actions up to this point. You can't change the past, but you can alter your present course by making different choices. You can make new choices and take action now, right this very moment.

I weighed 323 pounds before I finally made the choice to lose weight and regain my health. I didn't reach that weight overnight. It was a result of consistently poor health choices over the past several years. I've lost 56 pounds, and I have 77 more to go. The 56 pounds hasn't come off overnight, and neither will the rest. I reached my highest weight of 323 by consistently choosing chips, Ben and Jerry's, and lethargy. I'll reach my target weight of 200 by consistently choosing long walks and healthy foods.

Who you are today is the sum total of your decisions and actions up to this point. You can't change the past, but you can alter your present course by making different choices. You can make new choices and take action now, right this very moment.

I made a lot of money as a full time music engraver, but I wasn't very happy. I didn't know how much I missed being a musician until my ex-wife gave me a guitar for Christmas 6 years ago, I instantly chose to restart a performance career. It wasn't long before I made the decision to cut way back on my music engraving. I chose to practice at least four hours a day and pursue as many performance opportunities as possible. Because of my choices, I progressed from stone cold beginner to a professional level player in fewer than five years. Through my playing, I'm finding fulfillment once again as an artist, and I'm meeting people, forming new friendships, and feeling more connected with my community every day. Another result of my choice to cut back on music engraving is that I'm dirt poor, but I have faith that I'll soon start earning enough money through performing to pull me through.

Who you are today is the sum total of your decisions and actions up to this point. You can't change the past, but you can alter your present course by making different choices. You can make new choices and take action now, right this very moment.
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1 comment:

  1. Helen and JayJuly 26, 2010 at 8:25 AM

    Tom,
    Keep chanting your mantra! It is truthful and hopeful. I wish you every success in your future, both is losing weight (and keeping it off) and in your professional career as a musician.
    Helen Borland

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