When I left San Francisco more than 3 years ago, I knew I needed to change something. I was out of balance, and I felt like I was spinning with no axis. I thought I had a plan when I arrived in Massachusetts, but very slowly the folly of my planning was revealed to me. At the time I was sure I would stay in program management, preferably in higher ed, and be well on my way to a masters degree.

Now, I am a private music teacher-songwriter-performer with a few side gigs thrown in. This year I’ve had one of my songs pitched for a $170K car ad (sadly that didn’t come to fruition), I’ve won some amazing accolades locally for my original music, I’ve watched students transform their voices and piano playing and find confidence and self-esteem through their practice, and I just put gigs in the calendar for the next 3 months!

Last month I brought my singing class to a local rehabilitation center to perform. I sat down at the old, slightly out of tune piano, and played songs for everyone to sing along to. It was pure joy. As we end the year and inevitably reflect on what we accomplished, who we lost, who we found, and what we learned, I want to recognize just how important it is to let go of your plans when they no longer reflect who you are, or who you are becoming.

Sending lots of light and warmth to anyone reading!