10 Things an Aspiring Pool Player, Artist, or Musician Can be Thankful for on Thanksgiving

I have never been one who get’s all worked up during the holiday season, but Thanksgiving is a day that I usually enjoy eating a good meal and reflecting on life.

Throughout my life in NY, I have seen a lot of artists, musicians, and athletes on the grind… doing what they do to make their passion a success, in whatever fits their definition of “success.”  The grind, especially during difficult financial times, can be a challenge and sometimes feels like it’s a thankless lifestyle.

After several conversations with a few of my friends, I have put together this list of ten things that we as pool players, athletes, or artist can give thanks for.  Read on to check out the list!

1. The Internet, Email and the Social Web.

The Internet and ability to utilize networking platforms and email to communicate with those of us who we enjoy and love. I am sure everyone who has a Facebook or Myspace page… has came across one person who they have “Friended” that made them go… wow, this is cool, I haven’t spoken with this person for like 10 years and he just reached out to me.

The ability to comment on blogs, forums and interact with areas of interest for all of us is pretty cool and empowering.

2. The progression of Video Technology and Video Sharing websites.

It is super cool that an artist who just finished a piece dear to their heart can upload it and share it with the world. A musician who just played at an underground hotspot can help share his or her unique sound and creativity with anyone is their network, or whoever stumbles across it.

At the same time, pool players can be thankful for the ability to embed their favorite videos of themselves running out, or any promo pieces or interviews on their myspace, facebook page or blog.  This not only gives them exposure for potential sponsors, but the ability to share their accomplishments with their friends and family.

3. Having a Support System or Fanbase

Whether your fanbase includes just your immediate family and friends, or you have a Facebook fanpage or 1000 Twitter followers, we all appreciate the honor of being able to contribute our niche tribes and enrich another person’s life.  Sharing our talent with people that have an appreciation for it is a great gift, and I am thankful for everyone who enjoys what we do here at NYCgrind.com.

4. Connections that we make on our Journeys

Anyone on the grind in life or business meet an abundance of people along their journey. We can all be thankful for those few relationships that have stood the test of time and enriched our lives. Even the contacts and connections that we don’t do anything with tend to shape our overall paradigm and perspective on life.  If we just tried to express ourselves in a basement somewhere, we would never have met the great people we have along the way.

5. Experiencing different food and culture along the way

Whether you are traveling in the city or to your favorite small town to follow your heart… each place has a unique flavor. We all have favorite hot spots in different locations, and look forward to experiencing new things in places we haven’t yet.  Many travelers have mastered the art of quickly finding the best places to eat to satisfy our specific palates. To the places that cook up the meals, to the people that help get us there and enjoy the experience… we are thankful.

6. Breakthrough Music

Whether you enjoy music from the mainstream or “off the beaten path” music is an intrinsic part of our everyday lives, shaping our culture and perspective. Now more than ever, there are tons of great breakthrough musicians that are waiting to be discovered. For those of us who are open to hearing new music, and mash-ups of old and new music, the web provides a great platform to find and enjoy an different sounds that expand our minds.  Many people have a deep relationship with the music they love, and we can definitely give thanks to the talent that create it.

7. Having Idols, Icons, Coaches and Favorite Players

We wouldn’t be able to create a successful model for expression without patterning ourselves after the icons in which ever field we enjoy. We are inspired by those who play the game at its highest level and know how to let it all go, or leave it all on the table… so to speak.  For all of those who have taught us and positively influenced us, we thank you.

8. Having the Ability to Book Our Travel on the Web

It feels like as each of us have less and less time in each day, and when we decide to make a trip to perform a gig, sites like make it easier for us to arrange things quickly and easily, and help save us money in the process.

9. The People in Our Industry That Help Make it All Possible

Whether you’re a pool player or an artist, you know that there are plenty of people that work tirelessly to make what you do possible.  Whether its tournament directors, pool room owners, producers, or club managers, we can all be grateful for the dedicated people making things happen behind the scenes.  Although we may not always agree with the decisions they make, the leaders in our respective industries have made it their duty to see a dream become reality, and their hard work makes it possible.

10. The Little Things

Although we all have hectic lives and have a lot to keep in balance, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to take a minute to appreciate the simple things in life… whether it’s spending time with your favorite pet, or taking the time to read a good book, every moment in life is precious and worthy of appreciation.

What’s on your list?

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving? What do you think other readers would be grateful for if they learned more about it? Let us know in the comment section below.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at NYCgrind.com!