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Year Two, Day 145: Will the Real Zita Please Stand Up?

I made it!

One whole dang week, did I!

Last Saturday at 5:30 p.m. was the last time I talked to R.

I have kicked a habit.

The world is now my oyster!

I am feeling calmer and more centered than I have in many weeks.

I admit, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush that my text flirting and gym workouts with R brought. But now that a bit of time has past, I am embarrassed to admit that I fell back into a dysfunctional groove with him.  I lost a bit of myself in the hopes of gaining him.

Not sure if a relationship was ever in the cards, but if not I did fast forward whatever it was to its demise.

I was too clingy. Was  not firm enough in my boundaries.

I like myself. I am glad to have myself back. Even if I am a bit of a loner book worm.  An over thinker.

But I have learned that I am not quite as introverted as I originally thought. I do need people.  I just need to be transparently me.

It is not too late for the real Zita to stand up!

That said, I had a stellar day teaching.  Speaking of allowing authentic selves to be seen, I have a few students who have requested certain genres of music, certain composers and particular pieces.

These are established students who have been with me for many years and are strong in their fundamentals.

It tickled me no end to help them learn music that really spoke to their hearts.

One of my high school students is interested in jazz. This is outside of my comfort zone and I told him so. But we agreed to explore it together.  He shared with me that he would like to play Thelonius Monk. And it just so happened that I had a book of Thelonius Monk music (his arrangements and solos written out). I have had this book for years. I think I got it free from Day Music when they closed their doors.

He had the biggest grin on his face today when he sat down at the piano and saw that Monk book there! And we had a blast. I just may have to try my hand at jazz yet!

Another student is obsessed with David Bowie. And again, by chance I had downloaded "Lazarus", one of his last compositions before he passed away.  This student has been with me many years, studying mostly classical music. It was quite the trip to change it up. And I love the enthusiasm these kids show when I allow them to play their choice of music.

Like "Stone Cold" by Demi Levato for another young man.  We found a lovely arrangement. He is playing it with much feeling!

I could go on, but you get the picture.

Today was all about letting our authentic selves shine.

And on that note, happy Saturday!



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