School is over in 22 days. Last week, my students gave their end of the year performances. I can't say that these performances were perfect, impressive, or that they will win any awards at Kings Dominion. But I can say that I am so proud to be working with this group of kids. I can also say that I was IMPRESSED by their performances. Some of my students put every ounce of themselves into the things that they do and it is so awesome to watch them develop into outstanding people. It's absolutely incredible to reflect on the beginning of the school year and see how much has changed. How much I have changed. How much the students have grown. How much the ensembles have changed. It's really a beautiful thing...change, I mean.
We all set goals for ourselves. And no matter how small we feel the goal we have set is, it's still an aspiration. At the onset of this year, I gave myself very little credit. I was still riding the post college melodramatic lifestyle. As I started to shake off college and the "student attitude," real change started to happen. My student's started respecting me, my colleagues started respecting me, most importantly, though, I started respecting myself. It doesn't matter if everyone around gives you constant recognition for a "good job," or if they all "believe" in you. If you don't REALLY believe in yourself or REALLY respect yourself, you have no chance of accomplishing your objectives.
Yesterday, my trainer worked me hard. She always gives me the option to stop, but what's the point in even showing up if you are just going to give up? Every time I look in the mirror and I don't have to suck in my stomach or I don't have to adjust my shirt so that it is bigger around my mid-section, I consider that a victory. Why would I even consider giving up now? Everyone has a different ambition, but this sentiment is applicable to every aspect of life. No matter what you want to accomplish, there is no point in even trying if you are just going to give up half way through.
Keep going. No matter how hard it seems. You can endure.
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