“People are just about as
happy as they make up their minds
to be.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Good
morning!
One day, my
daughter had her second band concert.
Her band teacher likes to highlight each
student throughout the course of the concert and often chooses “rounds”
so that
each student, or small group of students, can play eight to sixteen
measures of
a song.
The band as a
whole had made wonderful progress since their
first concert, when they had only had their instruments a few months. That was an enjoyable –
but often squeaky –
evening. The second
concert, four months
after the first, featured wonderful sounds and some great jazz and
blues
favorites.
During the
small-group playing, I noticed that my daughter
had a very strong tone to her instrument.
There weren’t any squeaks, there were no
mistakes and her playing was
smooth and deliberate in her few short measures.
Many children did well (and all did better
than I would have done!) but some did not play as loud or as
confidently in
front of the packed auditorium.
On the way home,
I asked Samantha what helped her do so
well. She said, “I
know I have practiced
and know the music as well as I ever will.
So, I don’t focus on that or what will happen
next. Instead, I
focus on positive things. I
think about the neat birthday banner the
kids at school put on my locker. I
think
about our vacation.”
“Do you think
about those things while you play?” I asked,
intrigued by her explanation.
“Nope. I think about
positive things right before I start each song.
When I play, I only think about letting the
positive out.”
I smiled as I
continued driving. Our
kids often have so many words of wisdom
when we are curious enough to ask and slow down long enough to listen.
Your Turn:
Where in
your life has uncertainty hampered your ability to do and be your best? Release the grip of
uncertainty by preparing,
planning, and then “letting the positive out.”
Today’s Affirmation:
Today, I focus on “letting the positive out.”
And as always, don't forget
to
start your day with a heartfelt: "Something great is
going to
happen today... I can't wait to see what it is!"
And when ending
your day ask yourself: "What is one more thing I can do
to
make today matter?
