While crossing 2nd Avenue, I felt the familiar stirring of my cell phone in my back pocket. I answered to hear the voice of my decision-phobic friend, Avery. Avery has been “moving” to Paris for about thirteen months now. She has moved out of her apartment, found a place to stay in Paris, and even has a job lined up. She informed me that her latest cause for delay is that she really wants to go to New Orleans for Jazz-Fest this year. She claims, “It’s only six months away, and why go all the way to Paris, barely get settled and then have to jump a plane back to the States?” I couldn’t hold back any longer and blurted out, “To quote Rush, ‘If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.’” Dead silence. Then she sheepishly muttered, “I know, I know.” After a few tense beats she burst out laughing and said, “You’re the only person I know who would quote Rush and have it make sense. I actually feel better, thanks.”

As I made my way down 6th street, I thought, why NOT consider advice from Rush, or, for that matter, any other 80’s Metal icons? Did Ozzy Osbourne, Lemme Kilmeister or James Hetfield of Metallica not freely share their gems of wisdom with me throughout the 80’s? Let’s be honest – what separated them from the Deepak Chopras, Anthony Robbins or Eckhart Tolles of the world? The more I thought about it, the more I realized the lyrics of 80’s Metal anthems were what a whole generation turned to for guidance and support before the “self-help” craze of the 90’s brought peace and tranquility to every corner of the suburbs.