Imagine the thrill last evening when Echevarria joined Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias, Latin music luminary Rebeca Mauleon, Mexico’s Latin Jazz great Arturo O’Farrill and the master of modern jazz piano, Ellis Marsalis, Jr, on stage at the Kennedy Center for NPR’s 19th Annual “A Jazz Piano Christmas“.

Ok, so maybe you don’t like Jazz.  Or maybe you don’t like Latin Jazz.  Or maybe you despise Christmas music entirely.  It doesn’t matter, so pay attention to the point I want to make.

When these artists took the stage you could sense that they simply could not wait to do what they love.  And each of them went through a metamorphosis from the grand introduction to that very first note.  The most profound was 74 year old Marsalis.  

He slowly worked his way toward the piano from stage left.  Microphone in hand, he spoke a few quiet words in a slow and gentle voice.  Upon taking his seat, his large hands hovered for a moment over the keys.  Then suddenly – in the blink of an eye – this giant of a man shed at least thirty years.  The music flowed through Marsalis effortlessly and the transformation was truly magical to watch.

We all have plenty of reasons to be upset with what’s happening in our world today.  Terror in Mumbai, huge job losses, a terrible financial market, and the list goes on and on.  But what has been encouraging to me is the number of people who see this as an opportunity to reinvent themselves.  Many view current or pending unemployment as the one time in their life when they can try a career in something they love.  Sure, they still need to work to make a living, but if the great “reset” button of life has been pushed for you, why not become the person you always wanted to be?  

You may not get another chance, so learn from Mr. Marsalis and approach your dreams slowly and deliberately.  And once you’re ready, pound on those keys with everything you’ve got!  It may not make music, but at least you’ll know you tried.  Find your passion and let’s keep the conversation going.