New Beginnings

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end…” Green Day, “Closing Time”

I’ve always been struck by that song lyric, probably because I never thought of beginnings/endings that way until hearing the song. There’s also a great truth in those words. Often, but not always, when we start something new, we also give up something old. Whether it’s an exercise program to lose weight, or a fascinating hobby to occupy free time in retirement, or knitting to replace a smoking habit. Sometimes these beginnings and endings are positive in nature, like the ones I just mentioned. Other times, they’re a response to life’s not-so-good events–learning to knit to occupy the time during chemotherapy treatments, for example.

Life is full of beginnings and endings– every day, in fact, is a new beginning followed several hours later by the day’s end. It’s a natural cycle of life. That knowledge can be a comfort or a frustration depending on where we are in the process.

It’s worth considering– how do you approach beginnings and endings? How do you react, move through them, interpret them, integrate them into life? Are you able to shift your perspective on them– see them as a necessary part of life’s journey, opportunities for growth and learning?

As we enter a new year with all the resolutions and beginnings that it brings, think about it. How will you honor the beginnings that occur?  How will you honor the endings?  What do you do with the time spent in-between?

If you’re curious about how music therapy might help, contact me anytime.  I’m always happy to answer questions!