Never Say Never - Shoreline Music Therapy's First Blog Post!

If you had told me that in 2023 I would be standing behind a table at a networking event and advertising for my own music therapy private practice, wearing a shirt with the logo on it and giving away some cool pens that also had the logo on it. I would have laughed in your face and said NEVER. When I began my journey to become a music therapist, I had very strong NEVERS that I stood behind. These are the types of Nevers determined by fear, insecurity and uncertainties. It is easier to say I will never do that rather than try and fail. Little did I know that someday I would feel a little silly looking back on those statements. 

Below are some of the things I believed I would never do........ and the reality today.

I will NEVER live in a small town. I grew up in one, couldn't wait to leave, and never plan on going back!

I currently live in Moose Lake, MN. Population  2,565. Moose Lake reminds me a lot of the town I  grew up in. Now that I have a family of my own, I  see all the wonderful things about building a life in a rural community. As we continue to build our life here, make memories and build relationships, it is hard to imagine calling any other place home.

I will NEVER be a teacher. What a nightmare!

They call me Mrs. Levinski! I work part-time as an elementary school music teacher. I can't say it has been a "dream" versus a "nightmare", but it has been one of the most rewarding roles I have ever had. Teaching music to our youngest learners has been so much fun and I have learned a lot.

Teaching has also opened my eyes to the alarming decline of our public education system, the lack of support for school teachers and staff, and the increased stress and burnout for both staff and students. If anything, teaching in public education has empowered me to think of ways in which music therapy can be used to help make a change, not only for students but staff as well.

I will NEVER start my own business. A private practice would be way too much work!

I became the owner and founder of Shoreline Music Therapy Services, LLC in June 2023 after realizing that it could be possible to offer a variety of music therapy services that can address a wide range of needs for individuals of all ages. As a music therapist, I do not feel drawn to one method, population, technique, or setting over another when it comes to music therapy. What fills my cup is seeing music heal, empower and connect us in all the different settings.

I am no longer scrolling through job sites, hoping for a job description that fits even just part of the criteria that I would consider my "dream" job. Once I took the time to look into what is required to start my own practice, it has become one of the most exciting challenges I have ever started. Don't get me wrong, for those of you who are in the beginning phases of starting a business, already own one, or even know someone who does, it is A LOT OF WORK. However, I have never learned so much this fast or taken this much pride in my own work.

I will NEVER find a job that I love, so I will just "work to play". That's how it is for most people anyway!

I never did find a "job" that I love. I found that I can do what I love and get paid to do it. My passion for music, and its power to heal, empower and connect others also plays a large role in my own journey and search for meaning in this life. Looking back, I was never going to be content just "working to play". I would have kept searching for that feeling, that sense of "this is where I am meant to be, this is who I am". Recently, after a presentation in which I shared my personal journey of becoming a music therapist with my professor, she said to me:

"It sounds like you became truly alive when you became a music therapist."

The validation I felt from hearing those words was all I needed to solidify my path moving forward. Don't let anyone tell you that it is normal for people to hate their job or that you can only have fun on the weekends. It is also absolutely OKAY to love a job that others think you should hate! Do not allow others to stop you from finding joy in every day, and that includes your work.

I will NEVER be creative enough or have anything of value worth sharing. I will remain silent and hidden so that more creative and talented individuals can be heard.

Only in the last few months have I come to truly see and believe in my own worth as a person. Each of us has an inner critic and even imaginary voices of judgment that work tirelessly to make us feel as though we are not enough, do not belong, and are bound to fail. With continued practice, I am learning to silence those voices, taking notice of my unique qualities, and rebuilding a relationship with myself, and guess what:

 I have come to the conclusion that I am freaking awesome.

Not only am I creative, but I am funny, loving, open-minded, goofy, witty, hard-working, and passionate. The unique way I view the world holds value and worth, and that holds truth for YOU too. A lot of times we are able to see the value and worth of other people before they see it in themselves. It is important to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to discover, get to know, and accept the amazing parts of themselves they have yet to appreciate.

I will NEVER be a leader in the advocacy and growth of the music therapy profession. I will wait until someone else takes the lead and let someone else forge the path.

I used to think being a leader meant needing to know everything, telling people what to do, and being in charge of when and how others did things. However, I have learned that by taking a lead role in advocating, educating, and offering music therapy services, I am branching out and taking the overall mission to grow the music therapy profession in my direction, which is northern Minnesota. I also believed that being a leader is isolating and lonely. I feel less alone now than ever before. I am choosing to build my relationships with other leading music therapists, healthcare professionals, and advocates of music therapy who want to stand alongside me and bring education, awareness, and access to a wide range of music therapy services.

When I first decided to become a music therapist, I was in awe of those who fought so hard for music therapy to be recognized as an established health profession. I continue to feel inspired and motivated to keep learning, practicing, and advocating for the profession that has changed my life. Who are your inspirations? How does it feel to imagine yourself in their position? You are fully capable of being someone else's inspiration or motivation. Just never say never.

What do you believe you will NEVER do?

I challenge you to revisit a few of them and ask yourself why not? 

Now change the phrase I WILL NEVER with the phrase I MIGHT. How does that change the statement or connotation?

Now change it with the word I WILL or I AM. Does it feel any different?

I learned never to say never. Because as time passes, so does our direction. Things change, we change and opportunities present themselves or get taken away.

I have never been happier to be wrong about my future or grateful for a life lesson.

 I encourage you to be open to whatever comes your way because well...

you NEVER know,

Written by Becky Levinski, MMT, MT-BC