D-O-N-E

Sometimes you come to a point in your life. It doesn't matter what about, or when, or how, or why. This point can be pivotal or just a little hill you must climb. It depends on many factors. However, I feel that this point in my life is pivotal because I'm at a point in my life where the fog is clearing up and I can look to the ground and follow a clear path and see that it leads to a horizon. Here's what I mean:

1. I'm not going to care what other people think of my talents.

2. I'm not going to care what other people think of my performances, my interpretations, my technique, my musicality, ANYMORE.

3. I will not compare myself to others' talents and forth comings to mine.

4. I will not care what a certain person thinks of my piano-playing.

5. I will not be judged or allow myself to be judge myself by Richter's standards.

6. I will not let myself scare myself into a nervous wreck by imagining what my peers might say about my performances.

7. I will not let anyone's criticisms hurt me.

8. I will not let ANYONE tell me I'm not good at what I do.

But:

1. I will believe in my talents.

2. I will believe in my work ethic.

3. I will believe that I am disciplined and dedicated.

4. I will appreciate my talents rather than blame them for my shortcomings.

5. I will work for my dreams.

6. I will work for my parents' happiness and pride.

7. I will represent my people in the best way possible.

8. I will be happy that I am a pianist AND a singer.

I will block out everything and everyone when I play or sing because I'm going to enjoy the fact that I've been blessed with this gift for music rather than feel cursed by it, or cursed by the fact that NO ONE can agree on any performance as being good because I'm not Argerich, Richter, or Kissin. I'm done with self-criticizing and making excuses. I'm done with making myself feel small, uneducated, and untalented because one person says I'm not good enough. I'm done making negative and terrible scenarios in my head of failures rather than success. That's it.