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Writer's pictureRyan Reed

Reflecting and Giving Thanks

It's Thanksgiving weekend and the start of the holiday season. If you are like me, this is a very busy (maybe the most busy) time of the year. I have winter/drum corps writing happening, winter teaching really getting started now, weekly Zoom calls, design meetings, school concerts...the list goes on and on. During this busy time of year if is often easy to get bogged down in the constant hustle of one thing to the next. I won't lie to you and say it is easy, but I do enjoy it. I enjoy it more now that I have gotten better about managing my time and can take time for myself to recharge. I think that is why I try to be constantly ahead of my writing schedule. The other thing I try to do during this time is to reflect, and because of the holidays, give thanks.


Here is another honest moment. The reflecting part is easy, but the giving thanks part isn't always. It has been very hard for me since losing my dad back in 2020 and it has been harder this year than previous. I have been very wrapped up in negatives, and struggles, for the past few weeks. However, doing an activity during our Thanksgiving Eve church service helped snap me out of it. We wrote on a rock all the things were were thankful for. I struggled to think of any (again wrapped up in negatives) until they gave some examples of what they were thankful for. I would love to say that I came up with all this in that moment, but about half of this list just came to mind now.


I am thankful that I had my best year financially by picking up more marching band writing. I am thankful that Southwind came back out after 2 years off and was successful. I am thankful that I got to teach, and spend time, with friends at Phantom Regiment. I am thankful that I have spent the last 10 years pushing myself, and being pushed, at Matrix. I am thankful that West Clermont had it's most successful year being named WGI Finalist, the marching band earning it's best score and winning a show, and the top concert band (Symphonic 1) was chosen to play at OMEA State Conference. I am very thankful to have the support of my friends and colleagues. I am thankful to have the support of amazing companies - Innovative Percussion and Mapex/Majestic Percussion. I am thankful that I have new opportunities with new groups and new companies (not yet public information). I am thankful to be healthy and, for the most part, happy.


Lastly, I am thankful to have struggles. I believe that that is a sign that I am doing the right things. I believe that struggling is the key to growth. I believe that struggle is the key to discovering your best self. They aren't fun, but I believe they are necessary.


So as we all get into the hustle and bustle of the holidays, concerts, life, whatever you have going on...I encourage you to find time to reflect and give thanks for the things that are going on in your programs, and lives. I hope you all have a great holiday season!!!

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