7 Ways to Learn from Michael Jackson’s Legacy

After Michael Jackson passed away, I was inspired to write a piece that I thought I’d reprint to celebrate his life, one year after his death. I hope you enjoy…

1.    Live with the belief that anything is possible. No matter how the media portrayed him or any of the obstacles he faced, Michael Jackson continued to believe. In his words: “In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” You don’t need to be a pop star, politician or philanthropist to see your dreams actualized. We all have the power within us to dream big and reach awe-inspiring heights in our everyday lives. All we need do is see it, believe it and take action. Getting specific with your goals is also a great way to see your dreams come to fruition. Get a helping hand with Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles.

2.    Regardless of your age, look at the world through child’s eyes. When we’re born, we are the closest to our true source as we will ever be while in this physical life. As children, we follow a natural flow, trust our instincts and believe in magic. On many levels, Michael Jackson always embraced those qualities, despite being ridiculed and condemned by the media. As young children, we are generally free from the social mask we learn to cover ourselves with — a disguise that hides our true personalities. Take a moment each day to let the child in you run free. Speak your truth. Play games. Laugh. Expect magic to happen. As you do this more frequently, the authentic you will come out to play more often, allowing you appreciate the simple things and truly enjoy the life you came here to live.

3.    Understand that creativity knows no boundaries. On the surface, Michael Jackson’s changing physicality may have seemed extreme to many. But what if the King of Pop used his physical appearance as just another way to channel his creativity? He not only re-created his music with every album, but also the way he presented himself to the world. He was, in every sense of the words, a musician and a sculptor, a poet and an artist. Michael Jackson was his own canvas. Amid recession and world pollution, we are being prompted to look within … to return to our creative roots … to get resourceful. Michael Jackson’s passing is another reminder to follow your own creative calling, whatever it may be. If you’ve always wanted to paint, get some paint and brushes and begin. If you’ve always felt you have a message that should be heard, work out how you can use your unique creative abilities to get your words across. Creativity is in every one of us and bringing it into your every day is a direct blessing from you to the universe. All you need do is start.

4.    No matter how bad your day was, know love conquers all. He was ridiculed, exploited and persecuted, yet through it all, Michael Jackson not only continued to love, but showed love through words and actions. Whether he was expressing it openly toward his family or fans or through donating time and money to charity, he innately knew when all was said and done, love was all that really mattered: “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” It can also be summed up in a simple saying that many of us hear often, but may not always act on: “Treat others as you want to be treated”. Ultimately, love is the tune that everyone wants to dance to. Michael Jackson gave it a beat we could all feel.

5.    Never judge a book by its cover. In his death, the world has looked beyond the physical—beyond the media-labeled oddities and quirks that defined Michael Jackson in life. What we remembered were his God-given gifts: musical talent, incredible rhythm, a giving heart, and love of family. No matter what our wrapping may be, we’re all on a journey of self-discovery and fulfilment of our purpose. The ability to look past the tangible, to see with your heart and intuition can open doors and lead you to a path of fulfilment in ways you may never have imagined. As we move towards a new way of thinking, as the world approaches 2012, a major shift is in how we view others and the recognition that we all come from the same source.

6.    Just one person can make a huge positive impact to the world. No matter where you sit or stand at this very moment, it is a launching pad for your next move. The outcome depends on the direction you decide to take. Michael Jackson was one man. A single person, made from flesh and blood. The only thing that differentiated him from the rest of us was that he recognized and used his talents to make the world a better place, to inspire others, to express love. While his life’s purpose involved bringing joy to the masses through his music and dance, making a difference need not involve the world’s population or an album of greatest hits. From growing an organic vegetable garden to getting a job for an employer that contributes to the world in way you resonate with, there are infinite ways you can use your talents to give back. Remember, the universe is a mirror. Ask how you can serve the world, and it will serve you right back.

7.    Life is short. Live it like every day is your last. In just 50 years, Michael Jackson fulfilled many a dream. While he may have succumbed to negative energy that seemed to latch onto him at every turn, he continued to live with passion, creativity and love. Take a moment for yourself every single day, and whether it’s through meditation or just sitting in silence, ask yourself what it is that will make your heart sing. Then take out a notepad and begin to write whatever thoughts drop into your mind. From those notes create a list, detailing every dream and ambition. Post your list somewhere you can see it and read it every day. When we understand the only thing that could ever stand in the way of fulfilling our dreams is ourselves, any perceived obstacle becomes a mere illusion.