"For us, there is only the trying. The rest is not our business." T.S. Elliot

Sigh. Friends, it's been one of those weeks.

My eldest student (of 16 years!) - age 85 - suffered two strokes last week and is not long for this world.

True Story: She's occupied the exact same time on my calendar (Thursdays at 9am) each week of those 16 years.

She was brought home on Sunday to receive palliative care. Her family set a bed up beside her piano.

They asked me to come play for her, which I've been doing this week.

Though she hasn't shown signs of consciousness since last Friday, her family insists she relaxes while I play.

It's unspeakably hard, but it's also a blessing to be a contribution.

Meanwhile, our family is very close to an 8-year old boy who is battling brain cancer. He was given devastating news last week, and underwent another 9-hour emergency surgery yesterday.

We all have our own versions of these stories; where we feel utterly wrecked with helplessness.

And - truly - sometimes there really are no words to say, or actions to take.

But, as we celebrate Thanksgiving today in the U.S., I want to remind you to embrace the unique skillsets you bring this world as a musician.

This week, my musical abilities brought comfort to a precious friend and her mourning family at the end of her life.

And - as I sat restless in my own home yesterday, feeling helpless while my little buddy William was in surgery - I decided it was time for action.

I began recording songs of comfort and texting one to William's mother each hour. I wanted her to know their family was in our hearts throughout this grueling day.

My point, friends, is simply this:

I know we have lots of emotions tied up in our musician identities. Many of us feel self-conscious about our technique, or our training... (fill in the blank with your Achille's Heel of the moment)...

Even still, I hope you never lose sight of your ability to be a contribution to a world that needs you.

I hope you will look for opportunities to put your skills to use, knowing we live in a world that is desperate for vulnerability and compassion.

I hope you embrace your ability to bring joy and peace to a room through your musician status.

I give thanks today for the ways we, as musicians, get to show up for others in this world. It may go overlooked at times, but that does not make it less valuable.

Aaaaand, of course, I give thanks for YOU! Thank you for being part of my support community, and even moreso, for the light you shine in your own circles of influence.

Now - on a much lighter note - hit REPLY and tell me how you're celebrating today.

🥂May we never lose sight of our ability to contribute, regardless of our own points of self-consciousness. 🥂

Other Ways I Can Help You:

On the Podcast On the third of my year-end replays, I'm featuring Episode 041: Cheers to Solid Before Spectacular. This is a topic so special to me it became our Studio Mantra for this school year. Listen Here

New Methods Resource! Do you ever feel limited by your choice of method book? My new resource: Making the Most of Your Chosen Method contains my very best advice for teachers looking to make their method books fit their instruction, rather than vice versa. $15 for November ONLY!

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire Amongst other things, this collection was a great source of inspiration for the musical comfort I provided this week. Check it out!

December Performance Challenge! It's ALMOST TIME, friends! THE best (easiest!) way to keep your students playing throughout the holiday blitz is right here... for FREE! Check it out!

Patreon Community If you are interested in supporting the work I do, you can do so for $3 or $6 (and score yourself some great community bonuses!) ​ Check Out the Patreon Here

A Favorite Thing My Patreon friends were just singing the praises of these collapsing giraffes I introduced them to. Check them out if you're tired of using words to tell your students to sit up tall. Find them on my Favorites List

One-to-One Teacher Consultations In the spirit of a RESTFUL wind-down to the year, I'm only accepting three consult clients in the month of December. If there's an aspect of your teaching you want to discuss, book today! More details here

Studio Foundations Course Our next "official" 6-week session will run in January, but I'm opening up the Studio Foundations Course to anyone eager to dive in NOW to prepare for their best teaching year yet! Course Information Here

NOW: Hit that REPLY button and tell me what you are up to this Thanksgiving Day!

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Onward and upward to BEING A CONTRIBUTION!🥂

Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here.​

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