Saturday, June 1, 2013

Begin Again


I'll admit it—I'm a nut for Taylor Swift & her songs written straight from the heart. And the one that keeps echoing through my thoughts lately is her lovely tune "Begin Again." Why? Because we've all had times when life comes crashing down on us & what we thought was so secure suddenly seems shattered in pieces on the floor. This is especially difficult (or even heartbreaking) when people change on us—or when we're the ones who do the changing. You know what I'm talking about—a love relationship begins to feel one-sided, or people take you for granted, or what used to bring you joy now makes you feel hemmed in or creates downright pain. Is there really any question about what needs to happen next? Healthy people usually realize that the most positive thing you can do is acknowledge the pain—and then pack up your soul & your dreams in a suitcase & follow your heart down a new road that will lead to fulfillment...


But that takes a lot of courage, doesn't it? You bet it does! Making the decision to face change & to remain authentic about who you are & where you're going always requires the most soul-building bravery of all. And interestingly enough, so many of these changes seem to happen in summertime. People graduate from school, leave jobs to transfer, or take chances in life & even sow their wild oats more frequently when the weather warms.  Coincidentally, have you ever noticed that in June is when the butterflies come out?


There's simply no greater model of the inherent beauty in change than the butterfly. It once began as an egg, hatched into an all-consuming caterpillar, then entered its dark night of the soul in a chrysallis & morphed into one of the most elegant creatures on earth—with wings, no less! So if you're facing one of those moments in life this summer where everything's rocking your world, take heart in the example of the common butterfly. You will get through this, you will find a better path—and you will become more gorgeously who you are than you ever dreamed possible. And once in a while, on a warm summer evening, if you close your eyes & remain very, very still, you might even hear the flutter of your invisible soul wings...


P.S. I was lucky enough to see Taylor Swift in concert last month for her RED tour—and she was awesome! Her show was filled with enough grand costumes & elaborate sets to rival any Broadway stage. Yet despite all the glitz & choreography, what really touched my heart is that when it came time for her to sing the intimate & lyrical song "Begin Again", which is all about starting over after a broken heart, Taylor Swift turned off the lights & sat on a stool with an acoustic guitar & then delivered the tune as though she were sitting with you on your front porch. The impact of the song was so powerful! And of course, she sang it as though everyone in the audience was her dearest friend. Is it any wonder why this woman is famous? I think she gives people the courage to live from the heart. So here's to you, Taylor Swift, and your big RED heart in lights, showing us all how to begin again...



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7 comments:

  1. "Begin Again" is one of my new favorite songs too. Beautiful sentiments about how life is always changing and challenging us to start over and begin again as a stronger person. Thank you !

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    1. Thanks for visiting & for your comments! Yes, whenever I hear the song "Begin Again" I feel peaceful inside, knowing each phase of life has it's place & season, like the waxing & waning of the moon, and despite losses everything eventually renews. For her age, Taylor Swift is such an insightful artist : )

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  2. Wow, I can sure relate to this! My daughter (and only child) just graduated from high school and just broke up with her boyfriend of two years, is getting ready for college... so much going on but most all good. We're not fans of Taylor Swift, but can appreciate the sentiment! :)

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    1. It just seems like summertime always has some abrupt changes up its sleeve, doesn't it? Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Hi , I also love Taylor Swift's music :) It touches the heart .My favourite song of hers is 'today is a fairytale'. Also going through changes in my life ..Seems like everyone is.


    PS I posted a requested for a reading whenever you feel guided please. Thank you.

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  4. ~Sigh~ I knew it was love at first line when I read you! You wrote what I just this past week experienced. I am so glad I read this TODAY. Diane your gift of intuitiveness gives me hope and JOY! Summertime does indeed bring winds of change~ xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much! What a lovely thing for you to say—and I'm honored that "the winds" brought you by to visit : )

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