I’m still disturbed if a chord isn’t together, but your priorities change as you get older.
Esa-Pekka Salonen
As we age, the unsettling chaos and discord that once bothered us gradually lose their power to rattle us. Our priorities shift from seeking perfection and harmony to valuing personal growth, embracing imperfections, celebrating diversity, and prioritizing self-care. The discordant chords of life become opportunities for growth and resilience, leading us to discover the profound and beautiful composition of life’s richness.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Quote – I’m still disturbed if a chord isn’t together, but your priorities change as you get older.
As we journey through life, we inevitably go through various phases and experiences that shape and transform us. Our perspectives, priorities, and values undergo a continuous evolution, like a melody played over time. Esa-Pekka Salonen, a renowned Finnish composer and conductor, beautifully encapsulates this idea in the quote, “I’m still disturbed if a chord isn’t together, but your priorities change as you get older.”
In our younger years, we often perceive the world in a more simplistic and black-and-white manner. We yearn for perfection and expect everything to fall seamlessly into place. This longing for harmony is reflected in Salonen’s mention of being disturbed if a chord isn’t together. Whether it’s a literal musical chord or a metaphor for the various elements of life, this notion suggests that during our youth, we are driven by a desire for things to align perfectly.
As we mature and gain more experience, however, our priorities naturally shift. We begin to recognize that life rarely unfolds according to our neatly constructed plans. The chaos and discord we once found deeply unsettling gradually lose their power to rattle us. Salonen acknowledges this transformation by stating that our priorities change as we grow older.
One explanation for this shift is the realization that there are more important things in life than attaining flawless harmony in every aspect. We start to value more profound and nuanced qualities, such as personal growth, relationships, and happiness. We come to understand that life’s richness lies not in its perfection, but in its messiness and unpredictability.
Additionally, our changing priorities arise from a greater acceptance of imperfection. We become aware that striving for an unattainable and rigid ideal can be both exhausting and counterproductive. Instead, we adopt a more flexible mindset, recognizing that life’s beauty often emerges from the unexpected consonance that arises amidst the dissonance.
Furthermore, with age, we become more attuned to the importance of embracing diversity and difference. The world is composed of a myriad of voices, perspectives, and experiences, each adding its unique note to the symphony of life. Salonen’s reference to the chord not being together can be seen as a metaphor for the harmonious coexistence of diversity and individuality.
Inclusivity becomes a key aspect of our evolving priorities. We learn that blending voices in a way that respects and embraces everyone’s unique contributions creates a richer and more vibrant harmony. We come to understand that the beauty of life lies in the collective orchestration of different notes, both in music and in our relationships, communities, and societies.
Another aspect of changing priorities as we age is the recognition of the value of self-care and balance. In our youth, we may be so preoccupied with external achievements and meeting societal expectations that we neglect taking care of ourselves. We may prioritize external validation and neglect nurturing our own well-being.
However, as time progresses, we begin to understand that maintaining inner harmony is crucial for our physical, emotional, and mental health. We discover the significance of self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-care practices in sustaining personal happiness and a sense of equilibrium. Prioritizing our well-being allows us to show up more authentically and be present for others in a more meaningful way.
Moreover, as we age, we also develop a deeper appreciation for the power of resilience. Life confronts us with hardships, trials, and tribulations, which can shake the very foundation of our being. Yet, through these experiences, we discover our own capacity for bouncing back, adapting, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
Salonen’s quote implies that as we grow older, we become less disturbed by dissonance because we understand that it is an integral part of the human experience. We learn that setbacks and challenges can be transformed into moments of growth and building resilience. We recognize that the ability to navigate through the discordant chords of life with grace and resilience is far more valuable than merely seeking harmonious perfection.
In conclusion, Esa-Pekka Salonen’s quote beautifully reflects the evolution of our priorities as we mature. We transition from an obsession with achieving perfection and longing for harmony to valuing personal growth, embracing imperfections, celebrating diversity, and prioritizing self-care. We learn to appreciate the discordant chords of life as opportunities for growth and resilience. Ultimately, our evolving priorities lead us to discover the symphony of life’s richness, where the harmonious interplay of diverse voices creates a profound and beautiful composition.
I hope this quote inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
