I am an extension of my phantom limbs.

Some Thoughts On Graduation

I am filled with humbling gratitude that for 4 years, I was able to study music therapy, a practice that I’m convinced was tailor-made to fit me, and am moving towards actually making a career in the field. Music’s power to heal and connect people is undeniable and innate, a fact that reassures that what I’m doing will truly improve other people’s quality of life and move them towards their ultimate potential as individuals.

I was not aware that it was possible to fall more in love with music every day, and yet, that is my fortunate reality.

If I’ve learned a few things, it’s that being both authentic and transparent is the best way to earn and maintain trust in relationships of all kinds. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and providing space for others to be vulnerable is a frightening, essential step for meaningful connectivity. This translates to music as well, for if you’re not playing form a place of authenticity, those that you’re playing for/with may not connect to you. And people love, even need, music that they can connect to, hence why the central themes of songs are often love, sadness, hope, hate, etc. cycling universal emotions forever and ever amen.

That being said, no everyone adheres to (or even agrees with) the vulnerability idea for one reason or another. But, one cannot control how others think/feel/act, etc. The only thing a person really controls is their perspective on situations, and how they themselves choose to treat others. My SUGGESTION: arrive at a point where you are able to play and create authentically, and you’re bound to find an audience. Remain authentic even when faced with adversity/dishonesty from others, and the rest will tend to work itself out. Also, consciously be aware how you’re treating others! Be mindful, look inward, ask questions, and perhaps choose to change depending on what you find. No doubt it takes courage.

I wanted to extend these thoughts because they are my current perspective, and I want to be able to look back on them later.

May these thoughts keep me hopeful in the early hours of the morning as I am sobbing in the fetal position on my empty bedroom floor because of the crippling amounts of debt I am sure to be faced with in the coming years.

Cheers.