Accomplishment

After three months of trying to get up the courage, I finally did a back flip on the trampoline. Not by myself, of course. A friend of mine, 6’1” and stronger than most, helped by flipping me over; similar to something a show choir would do. It was terrifying. But I felt so accomplished when I did it. I knew all along that I was physically capable of it; I’d been doing lots of front flips and I had been a gymnast a few years back. It was the mentality that I was having trouble with. I needed help with it- someone to gradually take their hand away until I could do it on my own. I was so happy when I finally did it by myself. The feeling of that kind of accomplishment is similar in music. Finally getting a certain rhythm or a difficult part in a song, and then perfecting it from there is a great feeling. I’m not saying that jumping on a trampoline and learning music go hand in hand. But they are a good comparison. It’s different in the sense of someone might have to work up the courage to try a new move on the trampoline, but they don’t necessarily have to work up the courage to try out a new song. Although they’re too totally different things, there are some similarities. First, trying out the new thing. Whether that be a twist back flip or singing something that’s usually out of your range, it doesn’t matter. Second, successfully completing the task. Thirdly, perfecting it. Once you have basic thing down, you can work from there. Add a twist to your back flip, or try to do one on the ground instead of using the trampoline. Add some vibrato and crescendos in the song you’ve just learned, or try doing it without using music. It’s a great feeling. It’s important to one’s self esteem to feel accomplished, even it’s as small as this.