Much To Be Thankful For
Even in the midst of a year like 2020, there is much to be thankful for. I have been constantly on the lookout for “silver linings” and have found many. This has kept me grounded and optimistic in the midst of so much stress and disappointment.
Connections
I have found that even though we are being together less in person, I am connecting more with family and friends. My family started a weekly web call as the quarantine began and it has been a joy to reconnect and spend so much more time together. My elderly parents have enjoyed having so much more attention, including all the baked goods I have been sending them. Connections can grow without being physically in the same place.
Trying New Things
Limitations have caused us all to try new things and push ourselves in ways we would not have done otherwise. I’ve been so happy to see band directors and instructors finding new ways to teach and connect with students, adopting virtual formats which may even be improvements in many ways. (Check out this webinar with Jeff Young.) Thinking outside the box is often a challenge for directors who like to do things they KNOW will work. I’ve been proud to see so many stretch and grow. In my own life, I’ve been learning to bake and have enjoyed the process of trying and failing and succeeding and sharing baked goods!
A Reassessment of Priorities
Along with trying new things, I’ve seen many programs return their focus to their students and their community. Rather than being consumed by what a judge might think, I see programs focusing on what their students needs and what they can do for their community. I think a season where the focus is not on competition has been good for many programs. (Check out this podcast with thoughts on the freedom of this non-competitive Fall.)
Facing Our Demons
The pandemic has brought all of our personal issues right up in our face. Stopping to slow down and take a look at these things is a huge opportunity for growth…
Personal Growth
When we began the shutdown, I realized that I would have an opportunity for growth and introspection. I resolved to use the time wisely and come out of this experience as a “better Beast.” I am proud to say that I feel this has happened. I have done a lot of thinking and considering my life and my priorities. I have taken time for self-care. I see neighbors all around me walking and exercising and taking care of themselves through this time. I hear many people say they are taking time to clean out and clean up and cleanse their lives in a multitude of ways. All of this will serve us well.
I am so thankful for the friends and colleagues who have reached out to me and had meaningful conversations. I’m thankful for Jason Robb and Courtney Allyson Mills and all of the MAE team who worked so tirelessly this summer to present the DCI Summer of Learning. I’m thankful to DCI for trusting us to present these 128 webinars in their name! I’m thankful for many sponsors and businesses that in the midst of a crisis were still willing to support our work. I especially want to this Mark Miller and everyone at FJM, Inc. for their continued support all throughout the year.
I’m excited for the coming year and a fresh start. I’ve had my Christmas tree up for weeks and am using the cheer of Christmas to finish the year with lots of self-care and introspection. I’m also thankful for a new relationship with a wonderful man and look forward to that growing in the coming year.
Take time to consider all there is to be thankful for, be patient and kind to yourself and others, and use this time wisely. Be safe and keep growing. Happy Thanksgiving!
Tim Hinton
November 18, 2020
