S2: E72 Sunday Sip: Here's to More

Season 2
Episode 72
Sunday Sip:  Here's to More

Hello friends!  This is the final Sunday Sip episode for 2019.  These short podcast episodes on Sundays were meant to bring you encouragement, hope, and joy prior to entering the school week.  I hope that they did just that!  

I went back and forth on different topics for this episode because I felt internal pressure to share something big and grand and exciting to end the year, but I was lacking in words to make a big bang ending so instead I’m going to end with something simple.  And sometimes simple is best. Many of us reflect on our year and what has happened - things we are proud of, things that didn’t go so well, relationships that have improved or become distanced, goals met or unmet. 

I’ve spent time reflecting on the experience of putting myself out there to produce and create content for this podcast.  Last year I knew I wanted to create content for music educators in particular and it was one of my 2019 goals to create a podcast.  It took me 9 months to think about it, make notes, and gear myself up to believe that I could do it. In October I began figuring podcast ‘how-to’s’ out using YouTube videos, asking friends about how they’ve done it, and trial and error.  My editing was less than perfect. At times I talked too long. Too short. I interviewed 30 friends and colleagues - grew in my ability to ask questions that were meaningful, listen to what was shared, and then respond without it feeling like it was too stiff or awkward on my part.  I learned how to trust myself, listen to what others were wanting to hear on the podcast, and continue to grow more secure in putting myself out there for others to listen to. I’m more confident talking into a microphone and recording content. Still inadequate in so many other areas, but continuing to grow and learn.

Last year on December 18 the first episode went live and I was excited that five people listened to it.  As the year has progressed it has been encouraging and heart warming to hear stories from people who have listened and found the content helpful.  And I’m excited for what is to come this year! New episodes for season 3 have already been recorded and interviews with some of my favorite educators are being prepared with content that is important, helpful, and encouraging.  

It is hard to put yourself out there and go for things that are new to you.  In 2018 I would have laughed if you had said I’d be sharing content every week online.  That I’d be stretching myself in this way. I’ve been challenged and would never have known what I could do if I hadn’t gone for it.  Whatever you have in your heart to do, go do it. Take the next step and the next step. Even if it takes more time than you expected (likely it will).  Even if you feel inadequate and underqualified. Even if you’re afraid of the criticism or the judgement or others not understanding why. Even if you’re not sure how to go after whatever you feel inside of you.  

So here’s to more growth.

Here’s to trying that new idea in your classroom.

Here’s to building relationships with someone at your school that you’ve wanted to know better.

Here’s to prioritizing the things that matter to you in your life.

Here’s to more of what brings you joy.

Here’s to growing more comfortable in who God made you to be.

Here’s to embracing your unique gifts and challenges, and strengths.

Here’s to less comparison and more confidence.

Here’s to more _____

And you fill in the blank.

Happy New Year friends!