My Theory Chops are Good. My Musicology is...Not Bad.

This was something I was told yesterday.

If you knew who it came from, you'd see it for the compliment it is. 

A friend whose advice I greatly value, both professionally and spiritually, reminded me recently of the importance of staying humble.  Good advice--faith-wise, and professionally.  I was freaking out that I was feeling a greater sense of achievement in my music theory classes than in my ethnomusicology seminar.  I was missing the point of education, research, learning. 

Humble.

Humble works to reach my fullest potential, regardless of the achievements of others. There is freedom in that. 

Humble sees a chance to learn from others, rather than seeing a threat to my own success.  There is peace in that. 

Humble acknowledges what needs work, and then does the work.  There is growth in that. 

Success is applying what I've learned to be a better researcher, writer, (ethno)musicologist. Success is not a grade.  It's not an award.  It's not recognition. 

Success is humble.  So even if being told my "musicology is...not bad," is really a compliment, it's also a reminder.  Stay humble.  Work to shore up the weak spots.  Freedom. Peace. Growth.