I really need to stop. I was doing so good, or at least kinda good, but then I slipped. I need to do better. Everyday is a new day. Make new and better choices.

Just smile.

Even when it seems like everything is wrong, just plaster a smile on your face. It’s okay if it’s a fake smile. Just keep smiling.

The greatest advice I ever got was from both my dad and my guard instructor. But it really is the only thing that keeps me sane sometimes. Just smile.

“I have had some phenomenal band directors over the years and each has given me pieces of advice. But, a few have stuck with me and reflecting upon my experience as drum major I believe that they directly apply.

“This activity is crazy. Asking a bunch of kids to run around a field playing heavy instruments is crazy. And asking them to be perfect is sheer insanity. But we do it anyway because we must get something indescribable out of it that we can’t get anywhere else. That’s why I do it.”

“This is it. This is the band that will change everything. Everything that happens in the future is because of what you did today.

“The few. The proud. The Band.”

I have gained many things from my experience as Senior Drum Major of the Edison High School Marching Band. But the most valuable lesson that I learned it that it is O.K. to care. A person who is passionate about what they do may not always have the easiest job, but they will always have the most rewarding. And if a person continues believe in the thing they are truly passionate about, despite the difficult moments, then they will never live a life with regret.”

I’m so gald I found this. This gives me the confidence to go after what I really want. And it gives me hope that I can do it. All you need is passion and drive, and that is something I most definitly have. Sometimes I misuse it, but I don’t think I am this time. This is the right decision. 

(via wrists)