Gratitude

 

It has been some time since my last post and a lot has changed in my life both personally and professionally. Many changes have been for better, however there have been other changes that truly challenged me and were not always the easiest to accept. Changes are often influenced by choices you make for yourself, but sometimes changes simply happen by coincidence or are due to decisions made by others. When life circumstances change, you simply must deal with them and figure out what to do next.

Regardless of how difficult things may seem or unfair life may feel, I try to take a step back and reaffirm the things for which I am grateful. I always come to the realization that my problems are minuscule in the big picture of life and compared to what many other people endure. I have a great life and have been blessed with so much.

grat·i·tude

 

First and foremost, I am grateful for all of the people in my life — my family, friends, and colleagues. The people we are have in our lives are irreplaceable and we must keep them as our top priority. I am writing this post to show our appreciation for the people in my life. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of my life, regardless of how big or small.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
― John F. Kennedy

I’m most grateful for my two sons. My boys are everything to me! I feel fortunate because all they are healthy, physically and emotionally. They bring me joy unlike I have ever experienced in my life.  And, full disclosure, I am not saying that my boys are perfect angels – they are kids after all. And they are 110% boys!! But, I appreciate how my boys challenge me in so many different ways — helping make me more apathetic, understanding, patient, and allowing me to be a better person overall. It’s remarkable how they continuously surprise me with their kind thoughts and love.  They are wild, crazy little boys and I love them.

I am grateful to have a home that provides me and my boys with a great place to live, play, and enjoy. I am grateful to have a job that allows me to provide for my family so that I can live comfortably.  My teaching position at Alpharetta High School is especially rewarding because of my wonderful students and families, a friendly work environment, the generous support from my colleagues and administration, and the high level of music making I get to do on a daily basis.

Through persistence and hard work, I have been rewarded with an enjoyable and successful career teaching orchestra, performing, and conducting.  I feel fortunate to have taught, presented, and conducted orchestras in many places across the nation. These diverse experiences allowed me to witness different cultures, lifestyles, philosophies, and teachings.  I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best pedagogues and orchestra teachers in the country.  Of course, each time I moved on to a new location,  my least favorite part was leaving great people. I dearly miss so many people, but I feel fortunate to have been able to keep in touch with most of them and I sincerely appreciate every friend I’ve met on this incredible journey.

I’ve been provided several unique career opportunities and am grateful for.  Sometimes I feel that perhaps I was just in the right place at the right time and that I am not deserving of the opportunities I’ve been afforded. I cherish the experiences I’ve had in each place I have lived and worked.

I am thankful and grateful for each and every day and want be sure to not take anything for granted. Life is so short and there are still so many good things to experience.

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

Peace to each of you, and I hope to see you soon.  Thanks for your continued support!  I write this post with utmost gratitude.