"I go to bed feeling grateful and I wake up grateful." 

Mike Mattingly is living life in reverse, and he couldn't be happier about it. Though he has always had a passion for music, it's never been his full-time gig. He plans to change that, though. Like the message in his song Growth, Peace & Gratitude, Mike continues to develop and change, experience life's ups and downs and with acceptance, find peace.

Music has been a form of therapy for him. He was a self-described nervous child who battled anxiety. His mother introduced him to drums and through percussion, he found a sense of balance and peace.

Mike and I are great friends. He has played at my Christmas party for the last 5 years. Last year, I hosted an event at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis and asked Mike to play there as well. In short, I like Mike a lot.

Today, Mike joins us to share his experiences with anxiety, play some of his music for us, and offer advice on reinventing yourself at any age. 

SHOW NOTES: 

• Mike started playing the drums in the 5th grade. His parents placed his and his brother's drum sets in the living room of their house and never once asked them not to play. 
• Unlike most musicians, it never really dawned on Mike to be "Johnny Rockstar." He just loved the songwriting process and sharing his songs with people. 
• He was a tennis pro and playing music 4 to 5 times a week. So, playing until 2 in the morning and up at 8 to teach people how to play tennis. It was not great for his health and anxiety. 
• His song: Growth, Peace, & Gratitude is about growing and changing, even when it isn't always fun. Mike's message is once you accept the challenges you find yourself at peace. 
• The same year his mother passed away, Mike's father was diagnosed with cancer. Towards the end of his father's life, Mike became his caregiver. Mike shared that his father was always in a great mood and was "the greatest guy I ever met."
• He met his wife in the 3rd grade. He describes her as "really smart, an artist, with cat-like eyes." He asked her out at 15. 
• You can listen to Mike's music for free on his website: mikemattinglymusic.com or iTunes. 

MIKE MATTINGLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Besides ON FIRE by John O'Leary? The Power of Now & A New Earth both are by Eckhart Tolle.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all debt, pay off my house, and take care of my family and friends. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? All our DVDs and pictures. Perhaps my guitar "Marty" as well.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My mom and dad. As far as a famous person, Prince. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad would always say, "right is right."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Everything is sound.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  Growth, Peace & Gratitude.

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I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning