With the first month of the school year and doctoral work complete, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take a moment to reflect on things.
First and foremost, I’ve never felt so close to my family as I do at this moment. From coaching travel soccer for our older son to being the “go-to snuggle buddy” with our younger son, to making memories and laughing through the craziness with my wife, my balance with family has been the best it has ever been.
Work has been managable so far. I’m so thankful to work with an amazing department of dedicated music educators who believe in me. It is so nice to go to work, do your best, and feel appreciated. I don’t feel the pressure or burden of trying to “prove myself” - I can focus on being the best teacher possible and let my work speak for itself. Life has tossed and turned me in many directions over my career, but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and that I am exactly where I’m meant to be right now.
Another semester of DMA work has begun! This semester, I am trying my hand at film scoring- something I have never done before. At first, I was not too enthusiastic about this genre of composition, as I felt that I was being placed in a box with hit points and directors expectations. But now that we are almost halfway through the semester, I am enjoying the learning process and how to find my voice in this medium.
I’m sure there are many things I could complain about, but there is so much to be thankful for- I’d rather practice gratitude. Positive energy attracts positive energy.