Embrace Positivity: 8 Ways to Thrive During Life’s Challenges
Dear parents,
In this newsletter, we address the concerns expressed through numerous calls and emails from our valued students and dedicated teachers.
In challenging times, it’s natural to feel anxiety and fear about health, finances, and overall stability. We’ve all wondered, “What should I do?” and, “How can I handle being with my kids at home full-time?” Remember, this is a test for all of us, but it will pass. Your experiences during this period will make you stronger and more resilient, empowering you to bring happiness and encouragement to your children and friends in the future.
1.Reflect on Your Past
Think back to the difficulties you’ve overcome in the past. Just like then, this tough situation will eventually become a distant memory. As the proverb goes, “This too shall pass.” Life is a mix of highs and lows, and the challenging times make us appreciate the good ones even more.
Life is said to be white and black- white for good times and black for bad.
When I was a child growing up in the Soviet Union, my grandma taught me that no worry or hardship of mine could compare to what people endured during the War of 1941-1945. My grandparents, as children, supported the army and helped bring victory over Fascism during World War II. Instead of nursery stories at bedtime, I heard real stories of survival and resilience. These stories, though frightening and disturbing, taught me about strength and perseverance.
I started my music teaching business in the Soviet Union in 1991, right after the August Coup, when military tanks appeared on the streets of Moscow, the ruble devalued, and times of uncertainty and worry replaced the country-wide belief in a “bright future.”
I have lived through the financial glory of the late 1990s in the US and saw the stocks plummeting in 2000-2001, making many Americans and me poor. I also experienced the 2008 recession and stock market crash when my music teaching business lost 60% of the students in the first three weeks of the new school year. Our musical families rapidly lost jobs and were unable to pay. I survived my past. So did you! You saw the ups and downs of your life, but you survived it all. Remember, this too will pass, and one day, you will not even mention it in a conversation.
2. Accept the experience.
Imagine that you are traveling to a different country and have to adapt to new rules and culture. Take it as an experience rather than an emergency. Acceptance helps reduce stress and allows you to adapt more easily.
3. Positivity Is Contagious
While you may need to manage your finances more carefully, think of the extra time you can now spend with your children or on personal interests. Since more families have started switching to our Online Music Lessons, both students’ parents and teachers reported that students were thrilled to see our teachers through their computer screens. Young students miss their lessons, feel disconnected, and are excited to see the familiar faces of their beloved teachers. Hands up to those who switched to our online music lessons!
When you stay positive and our teachers show a good example, your child is happy overall and takes the situation as an experience rather than something devastating to your family circumstance.
4. Stay Connected Through Technology
Staying socially distant does not mean limiting your communication with friends, neighbors, and family. Socialize by phone, text, email, or chat. Make new friends online! “Meet” your neighbors via online groups and platforms. Keep talking; we are social animals, after all.
5. Practice your music!
Stay busy and calm by practicing your music pieces. Playing music and working on challenging passages have a relaxing and calming effect. It tends to lower your blood pressure, calm your nerves, slow your pulse, and decrease stress. Our traditional recital parties will take place in the near future!
6. Limit Exposure to News
While it’s essential to stay informed, excessive exposure to negative news can increase anxiety and exhaustion. Strike a balance between staying informed and maintaining your mental well-being.
7. Stay Productive and Creative
Finding a new task to do during social distancing is easy. Your elder neighbor might benefit from your assistance with grocery purchases, your child will enjoy playing a game together, your spouse will love your undivided attention, your pet will be eager to socialize, and your new hobby, such as learning a new musical instrument, will brighten your day. The new online exercise routine you were putting on hold for so long will make you feel satisfied. Your new cooked dish will fill the house with a pleasant aroma. The list will never stop as long as you choose to stay positive, creative, and goal-oriented. Use the new disadvantage to your advantage!
8. Share Laughter through Videos
Remember, we’re here to support you during these challenging times. Stay healthy, stay happy, and don’t forget to spread the word about MUSIC TEACHER LA.
Thank you for your trust.
Kind regards,
Olesya MacNeil | PRESIDENT & CEO
Music Teacher LA
