interesting thread here....the artistry surrounding a professional musican relates to a life choice...the artist lives a life repleate with creativity, production, manifestation, and surrounding oneself with artistic endeavors..it's a commitment..it's a lifestyle...and it's a choice....James Taylor has a beautiful lyric, "the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time, anyone can do it"...if in fact you are fortunate enough to make music your vocation, where it in fact can pay the bills, afford you the lifestyle which within your means you can sustain, then by most accounts you can be succesful and enjoy your lifes choice..however, there is a deeper and more significant choice at hand, and that's to be true to yourself..if indeed you need art and music in your life, then you must have it, or you will be void of satisfaction....the "high" associated with music making is a great one, and should be sought after if you indeed want it...This choice involves commitment to craft, understanding your needs and the needs of your loved ones. An artists life can be selfish, if in fact you don't pay attention to your family around you, and take a step back every now and again...you are the product of your environment and this means listening to and observing your obligations to those that support your life and career choice. Having been married for 28 years I can tell you that my wifes support enables me to succeed and furthers my commitment to realizing that there is in fact more to life than strictly playing music...take a look inside, take a look around you...enjoy the gifts that music brings, yet don't sacrifice all that is circling your world, the folks that help your trip be so wonderful.. give someone a hug, play a tacet, let someone else talk...this might just in fact be the most powerful thing you can do to help sustain a healthy existence both on and off the bandstand...cheers, and let the groove play on!!