Resolutions with Perspective

It’s officially the New Year, ushered in around the world with fireworks and high hopes for fresh starts and resolutions - most of which are destined to be revisited next year at the same time.

 Years ago I was introduced to a different perspective on the ringing out of the old year and the ringing in of the new. Instead of reviewing what has passed (and admonishing yourself for all the things you didn’t accomplish) and making plans for what is ahead (setting yourself up for a rigid schedule or goals that you won’t be able to meet because life gets in the way and then you will find yourself “admonishing yourself for all the things you didn’t accomplish”), simply ask what achievements you would like to look back on when you reach the eve of 2014. Sound confusing? It’s really just a slight change of perspective and it leaves the door open for flexibility and creativity. Most of the time you do not control the path your aspirations will follow. You still have to do the work, but you might have to alter your plans along the way. I’ll give you an example.

In August of 2011, after an arduous application process, I submitted a proposal for a Fulbright Scholar Award. At the core of my proposal was the commissioning of a new musical piece for solo piccolo and wind symphony based on Bulgarian musical traditions. Several months later I received word that my proposal had passed the peer panel review and was recommended for funding. By January 2012, I was certain I should be making plans to travel to Bulgaria, and began mentally packing my bags. So when I later received notification that my project ultimately was not funded, I found it incomprehensible.  

I took about a week to reflect on my disappointment and asked myself some hard questions. Was I really interested in the music, or was I more attracted by the prestige of the Fulbright Award? My commitment to the music was the strong answer and I was determined to find another avenue. It wasn’t long before I did. I made plans to attend the eighth annual Folk Music Seminar in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in July 2012 on my own “Austen Scholar Award”. To make a long blog short, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival by mail of a new solo for piccolo and wind symphony by Bulgarian composer Milcho Vasilev. 

As this New Year begins I like to visualize the 2013 highlights I will be celebrating on the eve of 2014. I encourage you to do the same. Happy New Year!