Make gratitude your attitude
Zig Ziglar said, “The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude.” He also said, “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.”
As a new violin student in high school in the 11th grade, arriving in the second semester at the North Carolina School of the Arts, NCSA, in Winston-Salem, I attended my first music theory class on my first day. of classes. The teacher told me, “There is no way you can pass my class!” After classes that day, I was quite depressed and went back to the dorm. That was the day I met my neighbor, Lois Artis, a wonderful trombonist, a wonderful academic student, with a positive motivating attitude, always ready to help others. We talked for a few minutes and I told him what the teacher had told me. Lois replied, “I’ll help you and you will do well in your music theory class.”
Lois patiently helped me understand the material as I did the laundry, so I did well in class! She knew, even at that young age, how to “lift” others to realize her potential. She was a leader even in high school and knew how to develop a team. I will always be grateful for your help.
In Mr. S’s English class in high school at NCSA, I met Bruce Lemerise, an excellent artist and illustrator, with a brilliant mind. We enjoyed discussing assigned books and Shakespearean plays that we read for the class and our collaboration produced the best grades in this class.
We discussed the psychological dimensions of the characters and wrote thoughtful articles about our discussions. Bruce went on to study art in New York City and I went to the Juilliard School and we continued our friendship and our discussions about books, art, music, and theater.
When I played my graduate recitals at Juilliard, Bruce said, “The way you get on and off the stage is really important.” So he made sure that I practiced walking on and off stage with my shoulders back and my head held high and balanced on my spine, walking with my viola and my music. I also had a friend who did stage makeup and he would show me how I should do my makeup correctly. Bruce knew how important first impressions were and he wanted me to make a great one.
Bruce later worked as an illustrator / artist for Pepperidge Farm, Nestlé’s, Ogilvy & Mather, Avon, Durkee Spices, MGM / UA, Western Publishing, Woman’s Day, Ogilvy & Mather, Country Time Lemonade, and other companies. He made Broadway posters and greeting cards.
Bruce Lemerise also wrote and illustrated a children’s book called “Sheldon’s Lunch” dedicated to his mother, Marie Lemerise. He illustrated a gold book, “Can I get there from my room?” and “The great golden book of funny poems.” Bruce sent copies of these books for my children to enjoy.
In 1988, Bruce Lemerise died. He was a wonderful person who cared about his family, his friends, and loved to draw and make illustrations. I think of him often and am very grateful that he was my friend.
When I was a student at the Juilliard School in New York City, I met Karen Iannotti, an extraordinarily talented pianist. She was a beautiful young woman, inside and out, with a warm personality always ready to help others. We lived at Coliseum House in New York City at 228 West 71th street. We were neighbors and became good friends and enjoyed playing concerts together.
A writer friend of ours had written a one-act play that premiered at Sardis in New York City for sponsors, and Karen and I played the background music for the play. One of the pieces was “Saber Dance” by Khachaturian, in which Karen and I wrote a wonderful arrangement for viola and piano. We had a wonderful time making music together and helping our writer friend with his hit play “One Act.”
Karen Iannotti performed at Carnegie Hall in 1979 in a piano concert sponsored by Carnegie Hall, Inc. to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of composer and pianist Louis Gottschalk. She also acted as guest artist / pianist for Jim Henson Associates’ workshop and executive offices opening, “Moppet Show.” She was also the musical director and pianist of the “Bel Canto Opera Company” of Borodin’s production “Prince Igor” from New York City, during this time she taught many students and they learned the joy of playing the piano.
Karen was also a well-known singing accompanist at Sara Lee’s studio in New York City. When I wanted to study singing, she suggested, “Study with Ms. Lee, she’s the best singing teacher in New York City. She taught Todd Duncan who sang Gershwin’s” Porgy and Bess “.” Karen played for my lessons with Ms. Lee. We had a great time. In 1983, Karen Iannotti passed away. She brought so much joy to her family, friends, relatives and students, for her warm and caring personality and her beautiful way of playing the piano. He was one of the best people I have ever met and I like to think that he is playing the piano for angels.
So what are the 3 things you can do to thank the friends, teachers, coaches, mentors, parents, or family members who have helped you?
1) Start the day by remembering and writing down the people who made a difference in your life. Write them a note or give them a call and thank them. Think of a person who has had a positive impact on your life and do something nice for them.
2) Honor a special person in your life weekly through acts of kindness to others.
3) Think about the people who have made a difference in your life and honor them in some way by sharing your appreciation through random acts of kindness to others.
“Of all the ‘attitudes’ we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.” ~ Zig Ziglar
So start a notebook today and enter the names of your teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends who have made a difference in your life and do something nice for them. Do not wait. Do it now, before it’s too late!
Remember what Zig Ziglar said: “The more you express your gratitude for what you have, the more things you will have to express your gratitude.”