Hitting Rock Bottom: The Gift Of Losing It All | Sal Costa | Tedxcollingwood

Unveiling the Dream

Music has a way of touching the depths of our soul, doesn't it? I recall vividly, as a kid, a recurring dream that felt more like a memory painted in vibrant hues. It was my older self, no different from who I am today, strumming a guitar in a rock band, surrounded by a roaring crowd in a colossal arena. That dream, oh, it was magical! Night after night, it lulled me to sleep, filling me with a warmth that only true passion can bring.

The Harmonious Obsession

From that point on, music became my world. Every waking moment was an opportunity to strum a chord, write a verse, or coax friends into joining my musical escapades. My toys and games were stowed away, forcing everyone who crossed my path to partake in the symphony of my dreams. Little did they know, they were unwittingly auditioning for a role in my future band.

Pursuit of a Dream, Lost

As time surged forward, my passion for music morphed from a boundless joy to a relentless pursuit of success. High school slipped by, peers soared towards accomplishments, while I lingered, playing for a handful in local clubs. I craved the title, the accolades, the fame that others were chasing. Music, once my sanctuary, became a vessel I shamelessly exploited for wealth and recognition.

The High Cost of Success

They say, "be careful what you wish for." I landed in the spotlight, living the dream I had craved. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, I felt hollow. The warmth that once coursed through me had ebbed away. The pressure I put on myself to succeed overshadowed the love I held for music. Living my childhood dream turned into a perpetual nightmare, a cruel irony that left me yearning for the comfort of that recurring dream that once brought solace.

The Tumultuous Spiral

I found myself spiraling, drowning in a sea of anxiety and depression. Desperate to survive, I clutched onto medications that shackled me further. I was a puppet in a show I no longer wanted to perform in. Panic attacks became an unwelcome companion, a stark reminder of the suffocating reality I was trapped in.

The Desperate Escape

It took a pivotal moment, a panic attack during a meet-and-greet, to make me realize that I couldn't keep running from the monster I had become. Terrified and ashamed, I chose to walk away from the life I thought I wanted. In that moment, I embraced the terrifying prospect of rediscovery.

The Rediscovery

A kitchen became my refuge, a place where the aroma of cooking triggered buried memories of childhood joy. In those moments, surrounded by the essence of homemade meals, I rediscovered parts of myself I had long neglected. I came to realize that the pursuit of one passion had obscured the mosaic of passions that made me whole.

Embracing a New Harmony

As I rekindled forgotten passions, a love for life sparked anew within me. I made peace with myself, with my newfound life. I found joy not just in the melodies of my guitar but in the laughter of my kids, the warmth of family, and the simple moments of creation.

The Symphony Rekindled

And just when I thought the music had faded away, serendipity intervened. Reconnecting with old friends led to a spontaneous studio session that reignited the pure joy of creating music. This time, the chords flowed effortlessly, and the laughter echoed with genuine elation.

The Crescendo of Gratitude

Through the tumultuous journey from rock bottom to rediscovery, I learned the most valuable lesson of all—gratitude. Gratitude for hitting rock bottom because it paved the way for a profound rediscovery of myself, my passions, and the true essence of happiness.

The echoes of my journey serve as a reminder: life's symphony is composed of varied melodies. While the allure of fame and success can be bewitching, the harmony of one's soul thrives on the symphony of passions that make us complete. Thank you.

[Applause]