We are almost finished for the 2015 holiday and concert season. Those of us in the community and academic sectors are finished already and can take a deep breath. Those of us doing church choir work are gearing up for the busiest and packed two days of the year; then we can relax. And we all need to relax.
If you haven’t done anything good for yourself this December, think about doing it soon, while you have time. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t be good to your students and choirs. There is something to be said about the “Pause that Refreshes.” A refreshed choral director is more creative. A refreshed choral director is nicer. A refreshed choral director can think clearer. You get the idea!
Do something different. Eat a holiday treat you’ve never tried. Drink a holiday beverage you’ve never tried. Compliment the cook. Watch a child open their gifts. Watch a senior citizen open their gifts. Wear something sparkly. Read something having nothing to do with choral music. Sight read something you’ve always wanted to play. Read an actual newspaper and not the online version. Sleep in and have a good yawn when you get up. Be quiet. Laugh over something silly. Tell your family you love them. Watch a movie. Have a long lunch. Make grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner sometime between Christmas and New Year’s. Be lazy. Fit in some “me” time. Use your gift cards before you forget. Throw a snow ball. Go someplace warm. Call a friend and talk to them, don’t text them. And don’t check Facebook. Do all of these suggestions or none of them, but do something for you!
If you can through the next two days, then you can relax, refresh and regroup for a bit. At least until the new school term starts in January and Lent begins in February!
Tim Sharp says
Nancy Menk says