Four Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was Fifteen
Once upon a time, I was a music educator. I‘d played the (french) horn for years and even made a living at it for a while.
We have several young brass players in our church congregation. We were invited to provide ambient music for Christmas Sunday. It was my first time playing music with these youngsters, sitting with them as colleagues, not as a teacher.
“When we play together, I imagine I’m 15,” I told them, “or y’all are about 50. We’re working together to make some beautiful music.” I thought saying that would make me sound so approachable and wise. It did make them feel comfortable enough to talk about the music we were playing and a few things about themselves.
It being church and wanting to feel wise, I wrote them all little notes on their Christmas cards. I am unsure if the advice will stick with them or if it is applicable. I wrote to them things I wish someone had said to me at that age. Knowing and practicing these four things would have provided a much better life experience.
The four things are:
- Always leave things better than you find them.
- Never confuse Ego for Ambition.
- Dare to become great at what you do.
- Your focus is your fortune.