Our activity can be one of delayed gratification. It can still be a challenge to keep one's momentum and enthusiasm as the long grind of the season and the hard work of the teaching goes on and on.

Steve and I finally got around to watching "Disenchanted" on Disney Plus.  The big "Eleven O'Clock" number in the movie is "Love Power" which is sung to perfection by Idina Menzel.  At the climax of the story, her character reminds us that memories and the love connected to them are more powerful than the fear that is all around us.  This was a message that really resonated with me right now.

One of the real joys of the work I do is to get to do a deep dive into the music being arranged. Finding all the layers of complexity and genius within a great piece of music is wonderful.

It took me a long time to stop worrying about making others uncomfortable.  I grew up in a Southern household where one of our primary rules was that you were always polite and never did anything to make someone else uncomfortable.

Our society has developed an aversion to being uncomfortable.  All around us we see people lashing out at people or situations that they don't understand or which frighten them.  But "Only as we are uncomfortable can we grow."

I encourage you to find someone whose opinion you trust, who has some years of experience, and get their feedback on your show ideas. When you and your team are putting your show ideas together, you will inevitably get "into the weeds" with your thinking.

We need to remind ourselves to take time to breathe. By this I mean taking time to stop and rest and rejuvenate.  This means something different for each of us, and can be different things at different times.

My partner Steve and I attended "Spirit Fest" yesterday in St. Petersburg, a "holistic, metaphysical, and wellness expo."  It was a heart-warming and inspiring experience.

It's easy to get discouraged these days, especially when dealing with news and social media. I often have to remind myself that there is kindness happening all around me, and I get to choose here I focus my attention.

Take advantage of this chance for a fresh start.  It can seem cliche' but there is power in a new year and turning a corner. (Thanks Rose Parade!)