Interview with Daniel Taddeo

I’m excited to announce a new monthly post called VOICES! Every month I will feature someone with an interesting story to tell. It will either be an interview, an essay, or video.

This month features Daniel M. Taddeo. Two years ago, Daniel and I held a One Act Of Kindness Day on May 7th. We had people from all over the world participate. I later learned that Daniel was a musician and author who has led a very interesting life.

1. 1. Why did you write Never Let Your Life Ruin Your Day?
      That’s a very good question, Krista. If you’d have asked me the same question twenty years ago concerning whatever I was doing then, I’d have come up with an answer resonating with what I thought people wanted to hear. The truth is, I don’t have kids of my own. And, since I think it’s important for all of us to try to leave some wisdom behind, I decided to write the book for my nieces and their kids. The thought of it actually selling never crossed my mind. I’m content to know that people are embracing it.
   2. How are you different now than when you were in your early twenties?
      Hum…. I rarely think about the person I pretended to be in my twenties. The first thing that comes to mind is a lost person desperately looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Back then, my primary focus was recognition of any form. I set goals for myself and spent every waking moment thinking about them and making moves toward achieving them all the while neglecting the people I loved. And like anyone who does so, I achieved those goals. What I didn’t realize, was that what I wanted was the opposite of what was good for me and everyone I cared about. In other words, I sacrificed everything to reach goals that I believed would bring me peace of mind but ended up destroying me. Today, all I need is a quiet place to live, a bed, some food and good friends. Everything else which offers temporary relief no longer has any effect on me. So, I guess the best answer to your question would be ”Who are you referring to…” I simply don’t know the person I was desperately trying to be.
   3. What advice do you have for young adults who want to pursue a career in music? 
      I can finally answer it truthfully. Your question applies to each and every one of us. We are all artists. Whether we are doctors, lawyers, writers, postmen or greeters at a restaurant, We are all performing in one way or another. I am friends with contented musicians who are rich and famous and friends with others who are what society considers ”poor” and are also content. I know people from both spectrums who are miserable. Having been there, I can tell you that fame and money have nothing to do with contentment. Again, we are all artists. Understand that every time we speak we are singing either a song of love, sadness or anger. In a way, we can all chose to create our own song. The problem is that most of us are not aware of it.Getting back to your question, I’ve found that there are two types of artists. The one who decides to dedicate her or his life to creating music at any cost and the ones who can separate the art from reality. Never look at any form of art as a ”career’ but rather look at it as a gift. Do it and let go of it. Learn how to create, have fun, become the best you can be and then, nevermind about the outcome. You have no control. Enjoy the process.The fact is, there are millions of amazing songs out there which no one will ever hear. There is absolutely nothing personal about rejection. If you’re open enough to realize this, life will give you what you need. If you are not successful, it only means that you’re simply not using your gift in the right way. No big woop. If you’re successful, do not make it your identity and remind yourself that just like seasons, everything is temporary. In short, just have a great time creating! It’s the best part of it!
   4. You’ve done a lot of traveling. Do you have a favorite place to visit?
      When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in Venice, Italy. If you ever need a guide, I’m your man.
   5. What choices did you make in life that you’re grateful for?
      I’m grateful for every mistake I’ve made. Without them, I wouldn’t be speaking to you. But if you want something more to the point, I’d say that writing you about creating a buzz for One Act of Kindness May 7 (Your Birthday!) and getting 300 people from 5 different countries to step out of their comfort zone and doing something sweet for a stranger was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Daniel and I are having another One Act Of Kindness Day on May 7th! Click here for our Facebook page.

Check out Daniel’s book! Never Let Your Life Ruin Your Day by Daniel M. Taddeo

VOICES is open to everyone! Teens you too! If you have a story to tell, a book coming out, a job you love, or a cause you’re passionate about, email me your idea. Kristarausin@earthlink.net