A New Day

A few weeks ago I had coffee with a friend/colleague of mine who I hadn’t seen since late spring. We had planned for me to go to her house so she could share some of her extra landscaping plants with me for my garden. But the day before, she e-mailed to cancel because she’d just been given a diagnosis of thyroid cancer and would have to start treatment immediately. As she was telling me all, she shared how terrified she felt at the time. Fortunately, the doctors were able to remove her thyroid without any problems, and all her subsequent bloodwork/tests have been clear. But what she’s taken away from the experience has been life-changing.   She now has a new appreciation and zest for life. For her, every day is full of opportunities to live, love, explore, experience, spread the joy of life.

I’ve heard similar stories from friends and clients who have been through difficult medical diagnoses– how it changes their outlook on life, how they use their time more wisely, how they try to make each day meaningful and special, how their appreciation for everything has deepened. And all of us can learn a lesson here. Appreciate the simple joys of each day. Greet every morning with an open heart and mind to what may unfold and come our way. Spread a little kindness and good will.

It reminds me of a poem I once had to memorize in high school.  Maybe it’s familiar to you, too–

“Tomorrow is not promised us
So let us take today
And make the very most of it
The once we pass this way….”
~Louise Mae Hogan

If you’re curious about how music therapy and GIM fit into the picture, contact me for more information.  I’m always happy to answer questions!