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“If you’re tired of the same old story, turn some pages. I will be here when you are ready, to roll with the changes.”
REO Speedwagon (1978)
Who says you can’t find mindfulness in a classic rock song?!
These lyrics are particularly dear to me… when I moved from my hometown at the age of 16 to my new home, across the country, I was incredibly sad. In some ways I wanted to move, to go on a new adventure, but I was leaving behind my extended family and friends. It was the summer before my senior year in high school, and I felt like my world was being ripped out from under me. Once I landed in my new environment in California, I used to find solace in this particular lyric. Whenever I felt sad at what I’d lost, I told myself to turn some pages, and embrace this new chapter.
Today, I find myself once again in the middle of one of life’s upheavals — leaving my job and career, and working to discover my next steps, finding my passion and calling. These lyrics remind me that it’s okay to leave behind things that are dear; a new chapter awaits. I didn’t know what my life would be like in California, and yet I bloomed and thrived. That same spirit is with me now.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this song is also a great workout tune — since fitting in more physical activity is an important part of my journey, the music helps!
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Comments
Still one of my favorite songs and one of the best workout songs too! Funny I never equated it with my move to Cali. My theme song was Journey’s “Lights.” When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay ooh I want to be there in my city…I substituted lake for bay for good ol’ Waukegan. But that was more for the disastrous Oregon move my junior year. I loved San Diego right away! And when I moved to Atlanta, it was the city by the bay I missed.
I know you’ve told me before, but remind me why your parents didn’t wait for you to graduate. Gosh life would have been so different for us because even if our parents did move, we probably would have gone to college in Illinois.
It really is one of the BEST workout songs, isn’t it?! I have it on my iPod and whenever it comes on during one of my gym workouts, it gets me moving faster. I can see how “Lights” would be another strong reminder of Waukegan, with the lake and the harbor (back then, it was nicer). I can remember feeling so “lost” when I first moved — it seems like just yesterday! But that song, my yearbooks, and so many letters from friends (too bad there was no email then!) helped. It didn’t take me long to adapt and learn to love my new home.
I asked if I could stay and live with my grandparents but my parents had none of it. I suspect they knew what might happen if I was left to my own devices
Their feeling was that I would be going off to college anyway, so just pretend that was happening a year early. All turned out as it should 