Any kind of work is hard. Work is work, right? However, I feel blessed to be able to do what I love as a job, as I know everyone doesn’t have that kind of option.

Still, its easy for me sometimes to get complacent and start complaining.

“So-and-so is a more successful musician than I am.”

“Look at the position that person got. I’ll bet I would be better at it!”

“That guy is so much better than I am.”

And so it goes.

My observation has been that there are two aspects to working in the music field. The first is the high level of competition out there for any kind of position, education or performance wise. Because there is more of a “limited” number of music jobs and there are fifty-million people who call themselves “musicians” (Hey, I sang in choir in high school one semester. I can do that!), the job scene is a little over-saturated and has to be sifted through.

The second is that I have found that most career musicians are kind, humble people who realize their expertise is limited. It is such a struggle to want to do everything music related perfectly. But soon you have to come to a realization that while it is somewhat tempting to take “any job” that presents itself, you will not be able to do everything. Once you figure that out, you are more than happy to help fill in the gaps by recommending your colleagues who are better equipped or simply have more time in their schedule.

Gratitude is a challenge in life in general. I’m always telling #thedudes, “you need to be grateful for what you have.” In reality, I need to be telling myself that all the time. It is so easy in this field (at least for me) to compare myself to the teacher in the next studio, or the musician I follow on Facebook, or the just-out-of-college students who are landing positions I would love to have.

Gratitude. To be thankful.

For the opportunity to teach music to others.

For the opportunity to have flexible hours so I can take care of #thedudes.

For the opportunity to take new opportunities.

For the opportunity to grow in my musicianship.

For the opportunity to support my fellow musicians and help them reach their goals.

For the opportunity to show love through music.

For the opportunity to show gratitude to those who have taught me.

For the opportunity to worship through music.

For the opportunity to live out my life doing music.

I am grateful.

Vague and cheesy? Perhaps. But something I am making an effort to focus on as I move toward my goals. There is always stuff to worry about. (Ask my hubby. I’m always asking him, “should I worry about it?”) But there is more to be grateful for. Life is a gift. My life is music. Music is a gift.

I am grateful.