"It's a Journey"

Intrigued by the meaning behind Mr. Ice Block's mantra, I sought to unravel its significance through a conversation with the man himself. Sitting down for an intimate discussion, he shared the origins of his renowned phrase—a moment of compassion amidst turmoil in a studio session, where he diffused tension with a gentle reminder of life's complexity.

For Mr. Ice Block, music is more than entertainment; it's a healing force, offering solace and introspection to listeners. Beyond the beats and rhythms, Ice Block's music carries a message of healing and introspection. When questioned about the phrase's deeper meaning, he described it as a spiritual reset—a comforting balm for the heart that encourages people to relax and reconsider their perspectives.

He views his role as a musician not merely as an entertainer but as a healer, using melodies to mend the minds and hearts of his listeners. His words unveil a perspective that goes beyond the surface, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and find meaning in the unfolding chapters of life. Beyond the beats and rhythms, Ice Block's music carries a message of healing and introspection. 

His song "Wake Up and Live" encapsulates this sentiment, urging us to embrace life's beauty and find meaning in our personal journeys. You can listen to this song by clicking on the link in the Jukebox section below.

Reflecting on our conversation, I realized the universality of "It's a journey" and its profound impact on my own perspective. In times of uncertainty and adversity, it serves as a guiding light, reminding me to embrace the present moment and accept life's unfolding chapters.

As I navigate through life's twists and turns, I've come to understand that true fulfillment lies not in reaching a destination, but in fully engaging with the journey itself. From grappling with health issues to accepting retirement, each experience has reinforced the importance of being present and embracing the unknown.

Suddenly, I found myself adrift in unfamiliar waters. Retirement wasn't on my agenda. Who was I now, stripped of the identity I had meticulously crafted over decades? The void left behind was staggering. What next? Should I plunge into another job? Start a consultancy? Perhaps take up leisurely pursuits like fishing or golfing? The possibilities loomed ominously, each one an uncertain path into the unknown.

My instinctive response was to revert to my tried-and-tested formula: set a goal, draft a blueprint, and relentlessly pursue it. Yet, this time, no goal materialized. No grand epiphany illuminated the way forward. It dawned on me that I couldn't force clarity; I couldn't conjure purpose out of thin air.

In the midst of this existential fog, a voice echoed in the recesses of my mind. It was as if Mr. Ice Block himself whispered to me, his words carrying the weight of revelation. "It's a Journey," the voice intoned. And so, I embraced the notion of being on a journey, albeit reluctantly at first. I christened this phase of my life "My Senior Gap Year," injecting a hint of levity into the uncertainty.

Rather than floundering in the wilderness without a compass, I realized I had been handed a blank canvas—a canvas upon which I could paint my own narrative. I relinquished the urge to control and allowed life to unfold organically. Like the refrain of a Beatles song, I chose to "Let it Be."

Amidst the ambiguity, a few threads began to weave themselves into the fabric of my newfound journey. Long intrigued by the intersection of well-being and the built environment, I embarked on a quest to attain the WELL AP certification. Months of rigorous study culminated in success as I emerged certified, validating my competency as I launched my Healthy Workplace Consulting  firm: Ener-Chi Solutions.

In addition to creating the consulting business I also decided to create a philanthropic project. Driven by person experience and a passion to make a tangible difference, I launched Lights on the Spectrum—an initiative aimed at supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Through online auctions, we raised over $15,000 for the Autism Society of America, championing the cause of neurodiversity.

Ultimately My Journey  led me to  Every Day's a Bonus—an ode to the profound life lessons that shaped my journey. In a twist of fate, the very lessons I sought to impart became the cornerstone of this endeavor.

"It's a journey" serves as a poignant reminder to cherish life's journey, embracing its complexities and embracing its beauty. 

Through Mr. Ice Block's music and wisdom, I've learned to find solace in the present moment and embrace the path that lies ahead.

Today, as I reflect on my trajectory, I see not just a transition from a career in lighting to a career in enlightenment, but a testament to the transformative power of embracing life's journey—uncertainty, detours, and all.