When we love someone, we also have the privilege of learning from them.
Back in 2013, when Prince received the Billboard Icon Award 2013 I wrote a tribute to the living legend, listing 50 things I learned from him over my years of adoring him as the consummate artist. Why 50? Duh.
I was shocked to learn about his death on April 21 – I was traveling and chanced upon the news. I felt devastated.
As I cried, I recalled moments of unlimited joy when I found solace in his music and concerts. No, I’ve never been to any of his live concerts, except maybe in my dreams, but thanks to YouTube, I have enjoyed almost all of them. And yes, of course I had a collage of his pictures on the wall in my room! And yes I have all his music.
Prince Album covers – discography
I first met Prince in 1987 – so late! I know! And I am grateful to my friend of 30 years for introducing me to him! (Thanks Ranjit! You rock in more ways than you’ll ever know!)
Today, I want to look at my list of 50 again. It makes a pretty good case for mindful living. Okay, so I added 7 more for obvious reasons.
And? You don’t have to be a fan of Prince to practice what’s on this list!
- Be original
- Be bold
- Be true to yourself, your abilities
- Be Yourself. There’s no one quite like you.
- Collaborate
- Showcase / appreciate others
- Try new things
- Be gutsy
- Don’t be afraid to give away your idea. You still own it.
- There is nothing to fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real
- Follow your passion
- Fly out of your comfort zone
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Strrrretch – it feels good!
- Challenge yourself constantly
- Don’t be afraid that others won’t like you
- Keep creating, no matter what
- Always keep learning
- Help others, raise them up
- Don’t worry about reciprocation
- Don’t hang around waiting for appreciation/gratitude/credit
- Just do what you love
- Playing second fiddle to someone is not infra dig
- Keep your energy levels high
- Don’t be afraid to flaunt what you have. You never know who you might inspire
- An award or fame is not the goal for what you do. Inner satisfaction is.
- It is fine to experiment.
- Be consistent.
- Be self-motivated
- Stick with what you do.
- Don’t give up
- Be humble
- Be committed to what you do
- Dream big
- Be faithful to your dream
- It is okay to not go with the flow
- Give yourself permission to be different
- Be generous with praise
- Don’t hesitate to highlight others
- Enjoy what you do
- Love yourself
- Do your thang with style
- Modesty IS a virtue
- Don’t be stingy about acknowledging those who inspire you.
- Use what you learn
- Don’t brag. Let others do it for you
- Innovate. All the time
- Be proactive about supporting others
- Talk is cheap. Actions count
- It is okay to be a perfectionist
- Let go of ego
- Don’t be afraid to speak up
- Live life on your own terms
- “Don’t ever compromise on your art, or who you are, ever”
- Give. Life isn’t always about money
- Love without inhibition
- Leave a strong trail
There will never be another like him.
Ever.
Today, I wish I could hug my Mom and bawl my head off. She’d call me on the phone every time a Prince song played on MTV. Did she watch MTV, you might wonder. Yeah. She was cool like that. I’ll never forget her expression when she first listened to the lyrics of some of his songs…. but she didn’t say a word.
Go ahead and laugh, but I have this stuck on my iPad cover, which had other uses before it became an iPad cover.
I remember the time, back in the 90s, when my friend and I were about to go see a movie. The VJ on MTV announced the Top 20 – and we chose to catch the No.1 – Prince’s “Gold”, even even if it meant missing the first scene of a James Bond Movie (Golden Eye)…and that’s saying a lot!
Sury, who doesn’t care much about western/pop music went out of his way during his visit to Glasgow to buy me Purple Rain – the VHS tape.
Why, even the newspaper staff I coordinated with in my job during the 80s would cut out Prince pictures from the newspaper and keep them for me. I blew one up and stuck it on the inside of my cupboard!
Sigh!
Thank you, Prince, for the gift of your music, for the inspiration.
And for being my friend!
You know we can never say Goodbye, don’t you?
“The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016) was an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and actor. He was a musical innovator and known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress and makeup, and wide vocal range. His music integrates a wide variety of styles, including funk, rock, R&B, soul, psychedelia, and pop. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.[1] He won seven Grammy Awards,[2] aGolden Globe Award,[3] and an Academy Award.[4] He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the first year of his eligibility.[5] Rolling Stone ranked Prince at number 27 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time – Wikipedia
I love my friends who wrote a tribute to Prince:
Claudya at Unknown Mami with 57 celebrity Twitter reactions to the death of Prince
Sarah Arrow at Birds on the Blog with Goodbye Prince
Brian Bolland's Prince. pic.twitter.com/5Kqoom8dm9
— Gosh! Comics (@GoshComics) April 21, 2016
If you’re a fan of Prince, you might enjoy these links:
Batman, Spider-Man Artists Pay Tribute to Prince
“Don’t ever compromise on your art, or who you are, ever”
28 comments
Vidya, I remember your first Prince post and it lifted my heart. I discovered him a few years earlier than you, by accident rather than design. I went to my first Prince concert in the late 80s, it was his Lovesexy tour. He insisted that no one could come unless they wore peach or black. Like many other fans, I complied. He was much younger than I imagined, and he gave a great performance (which many told me was spoiled by his tantrums!) What tantrums, he was performing and singing his heart out, I didn’t see a tantrum. A bit like a new mother doesn’t see the tantrums of her child, just a frustration that something isn’t right. He introduced me to Mavis and Chaka Khan.
Then I saw him in 2001/2001 in a smaller more intimate venue (The Hammersmith Apollo, a theatre-style layout rather than arena) and he was just divine. He played his heart and soul out and this time, he introduced me to Candy Dulfer. He was more subdued but the music was sublime, and then he invited all to a party afterwards. Seriously! 2,000 people! And he invited us to Soho to party with him. I would’ve loved to have gone.
The final time I saw him live was in 2007, and this time, he was in the O2 arena. His stage was his purple symbol and he sat at the piano and played. There was less dancing and no romping on the bed (from the first concert), and no party invitation. He was just delightful, and I never imagined it would be the last time I saw him live.
Each live performance was so different, yet so unique, yet utterly Prince. I hope this gives you an idea what a Prince concert was like. The closest I’ve seen it online is the Prince at the Superbowl video where he plays in the rain and the crowd immediately get up and start dancing. Go and check that one out if you haven’t already.
Thank you for sharing your memories, and of course reading mine. I think we will both miss his music, and him very much.
Sarah Arrow recently posted…Blogging: 50 Creative Video Marketing Ideas [download]
Thank you so much for sharing this with me Sarah! Sadly, India was not on Prince’s tour list – but we avidly followed him and got as much of him as we could! Thank heavens for MTV and video parlors and other unnamed sources! And most of all, I am grateful to YouTube and other video sharing sites for posting his concerts there. Now, there’s even more of his music online after his passing. Somehow, he spoke directly to me. Hugs! Thanks again. I love you more for being a Prince fan, you know!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Perspective
Hi Sarah, I’m doing a round-up post about Prince – bloggers sharing their memories and what he meant to them. I love this comment, would I be able to use some of it or do you want to contribute something original? Email me at uju (at) inbox (dot) com. Thanks!
What a beautiful tribute. Vidya! ♥ Although more of a “casual” fan, I was shocked and saddened by Prince’s sudden death. A friend of mine had been to his concert in Toronto just a few weeks prior.
Debbie D recently posted…T is for TAILS AND TALES | #AtoZChallenge
Thank you, Debbie! Your friend’s so lucky! The news of Prince’s death was so sad and shocking! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Overcoming Overwhelm
That’s a great tribute, and wow, amazing photographs. I’m sorry for your loss, our loss. Especially one so young and with so much more to offer!
Yolanda Renee recently posted…U – UNUSUAL
Thank you Yolanda! Yes.. I love that he was always partying, entertaining, giving! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Our Love Grows
Great list, definitely a defining artist and fantastic musician.
Mars xx
Mars recently posted…U is for Uttoxeter
Thank you Mars! I am so glad we have his music… immortal!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inner Smile
This is a gorgeous post Vidya, so lovely to see you share your love and lessons – and also to see this side of you <3
Ellen Bard recently posted…10 Tender Picture Quotes To Help You Love Yourself More
Thank you Ellen! Most people are quite surprised to see my taste in western music! I love Prince, what can I say? It was souls meeting at first listen! So happy to see your comment!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How do you treat a friend?
Vidya, I love this post and I love your list, you bring the colour to life that was prince, thank you
Suzie Cheel recently posted…Is the Real You Shining to the World?
Hugs! Suzie! Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Mindfulness for Moms
Sad when someone leaves the world. My favourite comedien died the day before too.
I love your list. So inspiring!
Thank you for sharing.
ps: Thanks for reminding me to smile.
Nicola recently posted…V is for Viewpoint
Hugs, Nicola! So sorry to hear that! I hate it when someone leaves the world – especially someone who’s been part of our lives, on tap, when we wanted to see them! They seem so much more as close friends and speak to us through their work. The only consolation is that their art lives on! Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Nothing Really Matters
I’ve posted once but don’t know if it went through. Just wanted to say that it is sad when people leave us. My favourite female comedian died the day before Prince. Sad times.
I love your list. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing AND thank you for reminding me to smile each day.
Nicola recently posted…V is for Viewpoint
A beautiful tribute to a truly talented and creative artist. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Kate!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Perspective
What a tremendous tribute Vidya. Such a sad loss and yet, such is life.
Reached # 20 on the list and breathed deep:
Yes- this one.
Yes- this one.
Yes- this one, too.
I will be taking my time, taking tiny bites, chewing and mulling and hopefully imbibing at least some of this wisdom. Maybe, I’ll print it out and stick it on my wall or fridge. It’s a good list.
Thank you.
Arti recently posted…V is for Visiting the Dalai Lama
Thank you, Arti! I am so freaked out by Prince’s death. Feels miserable when great artists pass on! Oh, I am heading over right now to read your post about visiting the Dalai Lama! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Tribute to a Legend #Prince
Thanks so much for writing this and sharing your thoughts and inspiration (I saw your earlier post too). I’m collecting short tributes (a few lines, or a paragraph or so) from fellow bloggers and writers about Prince for a post to hopefully go up tomorrow. Would you be interested in contributing? Or could I use an excerpt from one of your posts? I’ll credit and link to you of course – do get back to me via email if you’re keen. Thanks again, Purple love x
Wow, thank you! It would be an honor to be included in your compilation – I just emailed you as you suggested. Love and hugs, and Purple love, indeed! He owns the color!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Tribute to a Legend #Prince
Awesome tribute Vidya. What a great legacy this incredible musician has left behind. Just love this post. 🙂
Thank you so much, Elle! Indeed! Gone too soon, after leaving behind his great gifts!
Vidya Sury recently posted…When I met The Dalai Lama
I enjoyed reading your tribute. I have had no idea that you are such a great fan. I love his songs but have to admit hardly read much about him until after his death. It was great finding out that he was a creative genius who impacted the world in more ways than one.
Vidya, what a lovely tribute to our wonderful PRINCE.
I was/am madly in love with his abundant creativity and consider him a poet.
Also, I thought he oozed sexuality 🙂
He would like this very much, darling.
xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…Prince Died
He is REal legend! That news about his death was completely shocking( One of my frinds was so depressed with it, that he didn’t even eat for 2 days
I still freak out to think he’s no more. But what a legacy he’s left behind!
Vidya Sury recently posted…When it comes to blessings