For Jeanne Krausman, music is a “mitzvah.” Every day, she wakes up determined, responding to a call that is changing her in ways she doesn’t quite understand. And yet, she is certain of one thing: as long as she feels this way, her life will continue. For an anxiety-prone woman of 92, this sort of certainty is precious.

Jeanne fell in love with the piano as a young girl, but didn’t perform her first public recital (for friends and family) until she was in her 60’s. In her 70’s, she learned two virtuoso works, Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Sonata and Schumann’s Carnaval, performing both from memory and, for the most part, at tempo. She has continued to perform, despite failing eyesight, arthritis, and issues of mobility. She sums it up this way: “I can’t stop.”

Although striving to unlock the mysteries of such masterpieces as the last movement of the Schumann Fantasy—the piece that drew her back to the instrument two years ago and resulted in her special friendship with the famous pianist who is now her teacher—is a driving force in her life, Jeanne’s musical mission goes far beyond personal fulfillment. She is remembered by many as a beloved teacher, both in the classroom and privately, and choral instructor whose commitment to the music of the Jewish temple led her to direct annual cantatas well into her 80’s.

My question of the day is this: what if each of us focused on one positive goal, despite our limitations, and embraced both the courage and hard work required to lay the foundation for true inspiration?