Appreciating New Opportunities

If you live within 8 blocks of me, you know that last year I started playing the saxophone.

One of the reasons was to pick up a hobby that I could do from home and to activate my brain with non-work topics.

Yesterday I played the 1st chair part in my community's concert band. I was filled with joy at how far I had come. But that joy came with a bit of stress to play the parts correctly. I play every day and aim to get better every day.

One of the many things I love about the community band is the community. I had a solo in the second half of the show and I flubbed it in creative and new ways each week, including the rehearsal immediately before the concert. One of my bandmates approached me before the concert and complimented me on my sound.

I'll be honest, my sound was nowhere in my consciousness. Rhythm. Notes. Tempo. I was wondering if I’d ever get it right.

Last night I reflected about the power of a supportive and patient group. I’m thankful for the reminder of the impact of a kind word. I also realized how passion can show up. I played the solos nearly every day with a metronome. I worked on them with my sax teacher. I listened to recordings. I sang them. I clapped them.

The tempo of my heart accelerated like the driving rhythm on the timpani. When the conductor began the song all that went away. I'd put in all the work I could. At this point, the notes would be whatever they were meant to be.

Action request: Who can you impact today with a word of appreciation? What is your thing where you strive to be better?