What I Learned From Stevie Nicks

It's not every day we get to see a living legend in action, someone who's mastered his/her craft and left an indelible and original mark on the world. Stevie Nicks has been making her mark on the world of music for decades, both as a solo artist and as a member of Fleetwood Mac. At 60 years old (her birthday was last month), she's still every bit as captivating as she was in the years that made her a superstar.

The tickets to her concert, last week, were an unexpected boon. The experience, an unforgettable event.

Here are a few life lessons that came to mind while watching the leather-and-lace-wearing songstress in action. . .

Cultivate Creativity. While introducing a hit song that she wrote in 1973 (which was a great year for her writing, she noted), Stevie referenced her days as a waitress, when she'd return home after a long shift and delve into her music. Kind of makes you take stock of your own dreams and the attention you give them, doesn't it? Surely, we're all familiar with working long shifts, paying our dues, and toiling "for the man" [apparently, when writing about 1973, one is also compelled to use the vernacular too- sorry about that]. Yet, it's important to keep a vigil for the creative endeavors that fuel us. Each day, do something that feeds your soul.

Share Success and Show Gratitude. Stevie acknowledged her band at one point, revealing that many of them have played with her for decades. Her gracious recognition of the people around her made me realize how essential it is for all of us to build our own rock bands, small, loyal units of people who sustain, excite, and support us.

Be Authentic. I'm gonna go out on a limb, here, and say that most of us should steer clear of wearing gypsy dresses, shawls, and full-length leather gloves in late June. Yet, you have to respect a woman who crafts a look in the 70s and continues to rock it more than 30 years later- and looks amazing and authentic rather than kitschy or outdated while doing so. How refreshing to know that there isn't a stylist, publicist, or puppeteer cultivating Stevie's image- and there never was. Her creativity is what makes her well worth watching for as long as she wants to keep rocking. Not to mention, she sounds as wonderful as ever.