Being able to play piano with emotion is my greatest skill. Playing dynamically comes naturally to me and allows a fluent change of speed and volume in music. This skill is improved daily both by playing and listening to music. Mainly, I improve my dynamics by listening to songs. This does not mean I merely play a song in the background. Instead, I pay attention to the intricacies of the piece. To do this I listen for the pitch, volume, speed, and sustain in the notes being used, then replicate the music as best as I can. This is why I prefer not to use sheet music, because it does not allow you to hear the piece to its fullest extent. Another thing that improves this skill is being able to memorize the piece. Memorizing the melody makes it easier to focus on dynamics because you do not have to worry about playing the correct notes. To memorize the movement I play it in sections until the end. This usually ends up being thirty seconds or more. This allows me to store the music in my head rather than on paper which is why I dislike relying on sheet music. Overall, I improve my piano playing skill by listening to the dynamics of a song on a daily basis. I remember to focus on the intricacies by habit and apply them to my playing. I then memorize and practice the piece. These strategies are how I improve my skill as a piano player.

I stay true to myself by doing what is best for me regardless of outside opinions. As long as my choices do not harm others, I will stick to them. The same is also done for opinionated things such as clothing. Our lives are too short to worry about what others think. Primarily, my health matters more than others opinions. This means I should attend therapy despite the view that someone sees me as crazy. In this situation I tell myself that they do not truly understand what it means to attend therapy. They may think it is for the mentally insane when in reality many people need therapy and attend it for more than that reason. Furthermore, what people say against you does not matter if you like what you are doing and not harming others. For example, when someone says they dislike my clothes I tell myself, “I’m not wearing them because you like them, I’m wearing them because I like them.” A major decision I made was to wear a watch on each wrist. Most people would think everyone would call you out for it, but since then, not one person said anything about it or gave me a funny look. This proves that we worry too much about what people think. Overall, being yourself makes life better because you can experience what you desire. Having to follow everyone else is stressful and dull since you never get to do anything that interests you. It also gives an opportunity to bring out your personality. That is how I continue to be myself.

I have stayed optimistic through failure and life challenges using different tactics. One tactic is knowing you will be able to help someone who had the same hardship. Music and meditation are also tools that suppress my pessimism. A primary skill that helps me stay optimistic is realizing my struggles are the same as another’s. It prevents me from feeling alone and helps me understand other people who have dealt with it. This allows me to help them get through it by giving them the tactics I use. There once was a time where I met someone who struggled with anxiety and because of my own anxiety I was able to help them minimize it. This in consequence led me to become their friend. Another thing that helps me stay positive is listening to joyful music. One such song is titled “Fly” by Phil Lober. Whenever I was in a negative mood I would listen to this song and it would stop me from being angry or anxious. Furthermore, listening to ambient sounds is a great way to help because you can picture yourself in another place away from worries. Overall, these methods taught me you will make friends if you persist through hard times. This is due to you having similarities with them. It also allows you to learn from your mistakes and shape yourself as a person. Using these methods is how I stay optimistic.

The song that causes the most inspiration is “Fly” by Phil Lober. Whenever this song plays my feelings become calm, and I begin to be excited about the future. Once when I was annoyed I played this song and it casted away my annoyance. When I was anxious I would listen to it and I would become worriless. I soon believed this song to be a refuge to seek when I was in need of emotional support. “Fly” also prevented negativity from entering my mind. This meant I could think more freely without any intruding thoughts, as this song would remind me there is nothing to worry about. It subsequently prompted me to have imaginary adventures. One such adventure was where I was soaring through the clouds, flying towards a floating ancient city where everyone who resided there was joyful and optimistic. I also had positive reflections of the past that eventually led to the present. This caused me to realize with every ending would be a new beginning. The new beginning would be the start of a new song. In conclusion, the absence of worry that this song brings allows me to be more open minded. This can benefit someone in many ways which is why even one song can be powerful. These reasons combined are why “Fly” by Phil Lober drives inspiration from me. So that is why that that is what it is done.