While performing with his band on an hour-long webcast from the Ed Sullivan Theatre, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder was talking about the lyrical interpretation of a song. Some, he said, heard “Scared Alive,” while others heard “Scared of Life.” Then he noted, “there’s quite a big difference in those two…”

For what it’s worth, and right now it’s worth a simple definition, Wikipedia defines Karma as “action or activity and its subsequent results.” It goes on to color the definition further as, “the fruits of action.”

I’ve believed in the power of Karma for quite some time now; actually since the early 80’s. Simply, I believe ones actions end up coming back around in one form or another. If they’re positive, good things await. Negative… well, chances are it ain’t gonna be good.

On a wet dreary day about a quarter century ago, I needed money badly. I don’t recall why, but I remember my frustration nearing its peak when my employer informed me “the checks hadn’t come in” that day. Driving home in a POS VW Rabbit I was thinking about stealing the money, then drifted in thought to all the failures I’d non-achieved in 23 years that had me in this position. I was at the proverbial fork in the road. At that point… on that dark, wet and angry road… I decided to take the one, um, less traveled. I’d try this “karma” thing I heard about in the California sunshine… I’d try to stay and act positive, and “do the right thing” when faced with decisions. I stayed positive and thought about constructive things I could do to change. I actually began to feel better… calmer. When I got home, a tax refund check was on our kitchen table. That ten minutes changed my life. I don’t know where it might have gone if I’d wandered a different road that day, but I’m fairly certain it wouldn’t have led here to this life I love.

I escaped it. I’m never going back again.

Life Wasted – Pearl Jam
Let me say just once that

I have faced it, a life wasted
I’m never going back again
I escaped it, a life wasted
I’m never going back again
having tasted, a life wasted
I’m never going back again

The world awaits just up the stairs
Leave the pain for someone else
Nothing back there for you to find
Or was it you you left behind?

You’re always saying you’re too weak to be strong
You’re harder on yourself than just about anyone

Why swim the channel just to get this far?
Halfway there, why would you turn around?

Darkness comes in waves…tell me,
Why invite it to stay?

You’re one with negativity
Yes, comfort is an energy
But why let the sad song play?

I have faced it, a life wasted
I’m never going back again

Oh I escaped it, a life wasted
I’m never going back again

having tasted, a life wasted
I’m never going back again

oh i erased it, a life wasted