In this post, I honor the memory of the great Tom Petty, who passed away on October 2, 2017. His music, though, and its lessons live on for us to learn from and enjoy.

There is so much to learn from the late, great Tom Petty. He and his bands – The Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch – played their music for many years. In fact, Tom passed away soon after completing the 40^th anniversary tour with the Heartbreakers. Fortunately, his music – and the lessons found in his lyrics – remain alive and still have so much to say. Here are just a few of the meaningful things Tom Petty continues to teach us:

• Don’t back down – Tom told us in the song, I Won’t Back Down, that despite the many things that can and likely will happen to us, we should never back down. He insisted we stand our ground, especially when we are being pushed around by the world. It is important to note that this does not condone physical violence or putting yourself in harm’s way.
• Anything is possible – Tom taught us that even the losers sometimes win, and it is okay if the reason you win at times is because you were lucky. Winners over time somehow have a knack for creating their own luck. So, enjoy the victory and keep moving forward knowing that anything is possible.
• Be patient – It is hard to wait for something or someone, especially if it ends up being a long wait. Tom reminded us that the waiting is actually the hardest part. Be patient and ready to act when your opportunity arrives.
• Pursue your dreams – In his song, Runnin’ Down a Dream, Tom tells us something good awaits us down the road or around the next corner. Keep looking for and working toward it.
• Wish the best for others – Listen carefully to the words of Petty’s The Best of Everything. It may be tongue in cheek, but we can take it at face value when Tom sings of not knowing where someone is now but still wishes for them the best of everything the world has to offer.
• Reach out to the universe in a way that feels right to you  – In his song, Southern Accents, Petty tells us about his mother praying for him. He says he prays, too, but has his own way of praying. It is important to connect with the universe, and it is fine to do so in your preferred way.
• Freedom is not free – In the song, Refugee, Tom sings that no one has to live like a refugee, but you must put forth the effort and commitment – the fight – to be free. Everyone has had something bad happen to them at some point. Get up off the floor and work toward what you believe.
• Things will work out sooner or later – Tom sang in It’ll All Work Out that everything will eventually not necessarily go away, but will in time work out.

I miss Tom Petty, but I have his station on my satellite radio presets to often listen to his music and pay attention to the lyrics. It is enjoyable, of course, but filled with wisdom as appropriate today as it was when it was recorded.

You would do well to listen, too. After all, as Tom told us, we all belong somewhere we are happy and feel free.

REMEMBER…

◊ Tom Petty often sang about people dealing with adversity and finding ways to move forward. Honor his memory by finding constructive ways to meet and overcome the tasks and challenges that come your way. 

◊ This blog post is an excerpt from Dave’s upcoming book manuscript, Take This With You…100 Messages to Accompany You on Your Life Journey, that is currently being edited. Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts, other interesting content, and updates on future book releases and appearances.