A Missed Anniversary

I was on my way home from work yesterday, sitting in the car, fighting to remain awake, and I realized something pretty important to me. 

I missed my anniversary.

Now, this was not an anniversary with someone else. and it really isn't a date that anyone recognizes but me, but it was a silver anniversary - 25 years! 

My anniversary was on March 26th. It was 25 years ago on that day, three days ago, that I graduated from my internship and school program. I became a professional music therapist - student no more! On that day, I accomplished one of my biggest goals and accomplishments - I became a Music Therap-IST!

I am very privileged to be in a profession that I loved the idea of in 1984 when a music education professor mentioned in an off-handed manner that there was "another program here" during a Girl Scout Wider Opportunity. She left a brochure, and I met my fate.

I am very privileged to be in a profession that I feel challenged by on a daily basis. I love watching music therapy interns transform from student to therap-IST in sessions with my clients. I love the debates that we get into within our own ranks (#opinionsareimportantJanice). Most of all, though, I love the clients that work through music therapy sessions day in and day out. Without my clients, I would not be able to claim the title of music therap-IST.

I can't believe I missed my anniversary. I was all wrapped up in the world of pneumonia and medications and doctor's appointments and sick days and blah, blah, blah, and I missed it, but I am determined to celebrate this silver anniversary.

I am trying to figure out how to celebrate.

Maybe the best celebration or gift I can give to myself for this anniversary is something I've wanted for a long time - refurbishing my orchestral instruments into playing order. I have a cornet (mine) and an alto saxophone (my brother's) that need minor refurbishing. I also have a flute that my sister found for me in a thrift store that needs more work. My grandfather's violin also needs some work. With those instruments back into good working order, I could spend some time playing both familiar and unfamiliar instruments. Something completely musical and completely for me. That and a cake would be a great celebration!

Do you celebrate your own music therap-IST anniversaries? 

I celebrate the music therap-IST dates of almost all of my most recent interns (numbers 13-23) through Facebook memories. I always announce their day (with their permission, of course) in a "welcome to the profession" announcement. When their anniversaries come up in my feed, I take some time to remember each one of them and what they brought to my life as a person and as a music therapist.

I will spend some time trying to figure out where I can take my instruments today. I will remember my initial professional development through finding this profession, learning about it, trying it out, graduating, working, going to learn more, and being a supervisor and mentor to others. I will flip through my memories of clients and classmates.

Happy anniversary to me (a couple of days late, but still an anniversary)!