Dear Friends,

 “Life is a journey not a destination.”

                                   ( Ralph Waldo Emerson)

          Everybody has a story and as long as human beings exist there will be stories to tell. In my short lifetime on this planet, I’ve heard many people’s stories and they always fall into one, if not all, of these categories; the good, the bad and the ugly. My story is one of those that can take all three categories! So, here is my story, my journey, where I am learning to expect nothing and embrace everything.

          My life was pure, playful and fun until I was 8 years old. Then I became quite aware of my family’s ‘dysfunction’ except back then we perceived it as normal and classified the dysfunctional moments as simply ‘family embarrassments’. My sisters and I grew up with alcoholism in our household along with all of its violent symptoms. The intense arguing, especially around the holidays, and the fighting and verbal abuse we witnessed are examples of the moments that created my childhood home life. The tension that was created eventually tore our family apart. To add insult to injury was my degrading school experiences! I was called weird and suffered with low self esteem, and I fought with my peers. I struggled with boredom which led to frustration, low grades and then finally dropping out of school. Adulthood brought new challenges for a person coming from a childhood void of healthy relationship models and countless breakups including, one failed marriage and estranged relationships with my only son and his mom.

          Life can be difficult without a proper foundation, and clearly my experience shows that. However, at some point we all have to take responsibility for our own actions and thoughts. It is written that we are the sum of our life experiences and the last time I checked I’m still alive, which means I can make a choice to grow in any direction that I so choose. “Life is 30% what happens and 70% how you handle it”

          It is clear by reading this part of my story that I have made some unwise choices but it will also be clear by reading the next part or viewing this entire website that I’ve also made better choices.

“When I cease to create, I cease to exist”

                                                         (Author unknown)

          Since I was 8 years old I’ve always loved listening to music and dancing. My imitation of James Brown was flawless. Throughout the years my love of music has become so intense that I can’t stop thinking about it, practicing it, recording it, performing it, creating it, teaching it, selling it, giving it, dreaming it and BEING it!

          Why? That’s like asking why does a bird fly? It’s in their nature. Music is my nature. When I’m happy, I play. When I’m sad, I play even more. Growing up in my household, music was my refuge. It gave me a place and a purpose. These days my esteem is improved and still improving. My body and mind are healthy and strong. Like attracts like, so I’m always working with and meeting very talented people. I’m living and maintaining the life that I, with the help of others created. I want my example of taking responsibility and making choices to inspire others to aspire to reach their full potential. Each day is filled with possibilities and choices.

Be wise my friends!

Peace,

Jo Sallins