\u00a9 Meredith Mullins<\/p><\/div>\n

Looking for Inspiration, Not Resolutions<\/h4>\n

I stopped making New Year\u2019s resolutions years ago. They were becoming less-than-meaningful clich\u00e9s and always had relatively short lives. From a few days to a few weeks, they stayed in focus only until some project or practical necessity pushed them aside. (And, by the way, when you resolve to limit yourself to only one croissant a day in Paris, you are doomed to failure.)<\/p>\n

However, even though I stopped the ceremonious list writing every New Year\u2019s Eve, I didn\u2019t stop searching for creative inspiration. Metaphoric lamplight in hand, like Diogenes looking for an honest man, I am always seeking ideas to fuel my own creative expression and make life better . . . for a new year or for a new day.<\/p>\n

The Inspiring Emily Bear<\/h4>\n

This week, the inspiration came in the pure and smiling form of Emily Bear<\/a>. She is a pianist and composer who says she can\u2019t live without music. When she plays, the music comes from deep inside her, full of strength and light.<\/p>\n

She started playing piano at age 2, began composing at age 3, and made her debut at Carnegie Hall at age 9. She\u2019s now 11. Although her parents try not to use the \u201cp\u201d word in their house (\u201cprodigy\u201d), she is gifted, in an extraordinary way. To her, creative expression is part of her natural rhythm. She just loves music.<\/p>\n