Today Ellisa, Maggie and Kristin sit down to wrap up 2020 with the 20 things we learned this past year.  Each of us also share a song that encompasses the year 2020 and share some exciting news coming in 2021. 

20 Things We Learned in 2020:

1. Changes are hard: tune into your body and mind's capacity to know what you need to successfully navigate those transitions.


2. Importance of treating yourself like a plant: you need sunshine, fresh air, lots of water and gentle hands. 


3. Growth happens even in the rocky places:  learning to improvise and be creative when times are rough. 


4. You can never have too much toilet paper!


5. Not to take things for granted, big or small: there is great beauty in living life with eyes wide open and taking moments to pause and be grateful. 


6. It's okay to not be okay: taking time for yourself to recoup and reset can be one of the most valuable ways to spend your time.


7. Importance of flexibility: being able to bend is a skill that saves you from breaking and allows you to be innovative. 


8. Everything will work out the way it needs to: things may not happen the way you imagine, but it will always work out the way it needs to. 


9. Screens can be addicting: Important to break the habit that develops from screen time. 


10. You can learn new things (like cooking): the extra time at home this year allowed opportunities to learn new skills like baking bread, making candy and creating new recipes. 


11. Hard work for the right cause and with the right focus is worth it every time!


12. Savings is essential:  it is important to prioritize savings when times are good so you can weather times of scarcity. 


13. Knowing yourself is powerful and allows you to communicate with grace and understanding:  hone in on who you are outside of the hats you wear. 


14. Too much of a good thing is still too much!


15. Rest is necessary and not all rest is created equal:  learning to rest is hard work and takes intention and diligence.


16. Being a musician translates to adapting to circumstances:  relying on your instincts in the therapy session, as a team and in life!


17. We need support to thrive: we are not an island and the support of a team is essential especially in times of creative fatigue.


18. Authenticity is foundational for a team: show up as yourself in all things!


19. Importance of a team that works towards a common goal: streamlines and focuses collaborative growth


20. Knowing your team is important: know their personalities, how they need to be recognized to feel appreciated, how they communicate, and other characteristics can highly improve your team culture, job satisfaction and productivity!

3 songs that encompass 2020 for us: 

1. "Up Against the Wall" by The Head and the Heart


2. "The Age of Worry" by John Mayer (cover version by Madison Cunningham - mentioned in podcast)


3. "I Am Light" by India Arie 

Exciting news for 2021 - we are switching things up and transitioning to a new podcast: Music Therapy and Beyond

Find us on Instagram @musictherapyandbeyond and at www.musictherapyandbeyond.com.