As unique as being a Manny may seem to some people in this world, so is living in Hollywood. A random spin class at the gym you may be sitting next to Charlize Theron sweating your brains out, or you may be served by an ex-reality star at a local coffee shop. They don’t call it Hollyweird for no reason. But, to people who live in Los Angeles this is the normal, good, bad, or indifferent. So when I met Grayson Chance at a MTV Video Music Award party I was not too surprised. If you don’t know who Grayson Chance is, he is the 12 year old YouTube video sensation who sang Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” which garnered over 30 MILLION views to this day.
When I went up to Grayson at this party, I was not sure it was him. But I suspected it was. I never go up to people, but wanted to speak to this wonder kid himself, since no one else had approached him that night. I said, “Excuse me, are you that young musician who…” “Yes!” he replied doing hand motions as if we were playing the piano enthusiastically. I asked him if he was in town for the VMA’s and he told me he was recording his new album with a well known producer. We then chatted about our favorite musicians and musical influences. He mentioned that he wrote/composed all but 2 songs on his new album. I was in awe when talking to this amazingly talented kid. At this young age he was so enthusiastic, polite, mature and talented. I know Grayson will be a huge star one day soon. I did not want to take up too much of his time since his mom was waiting for him at a table and he was trying to get a juice box at the bar, which I politely pushed my way through the bar to get him his non alcoholic drink. He said “thank you” and I wished him well on his new record.
Grayson is not the only talented kid out there, just one who has had a lot of recognition. As a parent or child provider, I believe that nurturing a child’s inherent interest, while helping to cultivate, expose, and refine it is one of the greatest gifts we can give any child. All of us are different, wired unlike anyone else, so when the child is lucky enough to unearth a new passion, a passion that makes them completely and utterly happy, we have done our job right. What else could we ask for? I know that sacrifice is also something that goes along with this territory. Like anything in life that is worthwhile and meaningful, sacrifice just comes with the territory.
Personally I have learned that while helping someone else find their passions in life, we can also learn new things about own true self. You never know what you will see and experience on this journey. As much as I hate to say cheese ball sayings, success really is the the journey and not the destination. So lets get to it and start living our passions!
Here is Grayson giving you some inspiration, now go find you passions!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDlC7YV5is
