I’ve always loved space… and music. Classic rock especially. But I did not know that Brian May from Queen is an Astrophysicist until recently! He is highly educated and has a PhD in astronomy, returning to his thesis and love of science after he abandoned it around 36 years ago for life with his band, Queen.

May, with the help of his father, built his own magnificent electric guitar, named “The Red Special” from a fireplace mantle. They also built a television together—because they didn’t have the money to buy one. It was for the same financial reasons that they made “The Guitar.” It’s a typical day in the park for dads and sons to build stuff together, but this went on to become a PERFECT example of science meets art.

Musical talent and intelligence and craftiness met in a TREMENDOUS life romance that ignited their respective worlds. Dr. Brian May, Lover of Science and Music, had his heartlight turned up to 11. He became a musican first, but the passion for science was always present.

I am no music historian or science researcher, however I do think the studies that show scientists are often fantastic musicians are truthful.

Look at NASA astronauts Chris Hadfield and Cady Coleman for example. Shoot. NASA has their own rock band. Have you noticed that kids who are great at math are also great musicians?

And physicians are also known to have some extraordinary music skills. There’s physician-musician Dr. Theodor Billroth (1829-1894) for example. He was widely recognized as one of the most influential and innovative surgeons of his day. Although he first wanted to pursue a career as a pianist, his family persuaded him to study medicine, and he ultimately embraced the field and established himself as a disciplined scientist, superlative teacher, and surgical pioneer. (AMA Journal of Ethics, 2014)

You can choose to work in the sciences and have art as a hobby, or be an artist and have science as a pastime. It all goes back to doing what you love. It doesn’t matter which way you do it, so why not bring together elements from both? Move between worlds. It seems to me that the people who do both—however they can—are the happiest people I know.

Don’t settle for being a workaholic with no peripheral vision. It doesn’t have to be either/or. Be optimistic that you can work and enjoy life at the same time. Allow yourself this luxury. It’s free!

“Turn on your heartlight 

Let it shine wherever you go 

Let it make a happy glow 

For all the world to see” 

— Neil Diamond

Things get super busy. We have long lists and a lot on our plates. Sometimes we become so consumed that our positivity cup gets full and we don’t notice that we’re out of space. When we make time to pause—not rushing, doing, doubting, or worrying—it becomes obvious we have to take a break and rejuvenate. Empty out our storage. Take a walk, a nap, a swim, or a yoga class. Meditate. Paint. Play or learn an instrument. Explore physics. Power on, power off.

It’s okay to have to hit the reset button. We’re human. The secret is to not have things get to a point where we lose focus on a full life. We can’t afford not to. You’ll pay for it in money, energy, time, health and happiness.

Do the things you LOVE to do while you work—either mixing the two or alternating—and calmness will happen naturally. You’ll turn on your heartlight! Excellence and dedication balanced by creativity and exploration is a formula for success in many professions, since we tend to find the things we love to do when we’re not working our buns off. 

“I like the love

And I like the peaceful

I wish everyone I know could

Stand in the heartlight”

— Kenny Loggins

Find your special thing whatever it is. You might have to uncover a few rocks or do some investigating, but I promise, it will fill you up!!! ‘Cause it all goes back to doing what you love. And when you’re full of love, you simply are HAPPY.