The Heart of the Matter―Forgive to Start

Welcome to 2020! As we start the New Year, we all start a new beginning. But how do we start something new, when the past still resides in our hearts, minds, and everyday actions? As with most life solutions, we can rely on the words of music to help us find the right answers and guidance.

American musician and songwriter Don Henley is a fabulous wordsmith and one of the founding members of the rock band Eagles. Henley, along with his music partner Glenn Frey went on to write some of the greatest songs in rock history, from Hotel California to Lyin’ Eyes, to The Heart of the Matter. The group sold over 200 million albums, making them one of the most successful rock bands of this era. Henley did not write The Heart of the Matter to help start a New Year. No, instead, he wrote the song to signal the end of a personal relationship. However, we can use his powerful words to help us commence 2020―because, with all endings, personal or professional, there has to be a new beginning.

In the song, Henley anguishes over the pain of losing a loved one, and the loneliness of missing a partner. Naturally, he writes about the bitterness we all feel when we have our hearts broken, and how betrayal causes us to become bitter within. Henley addresses the fact that in uncertain times, there’s a yearning undefined. While we can become full of rage, tenderness and love would serve us better in those moments.

Henley recommends that for new beginnings, The Heart of the Matter is to focus on forgiveness. That trust and self-assurance are the keys to our happiness as well as peace of mind. It is when we can possess both that we can forgive. We need to let go of resentment, jealousy, and anger towards others and ourselves. We must forgive and heal. We need to realize that the more we know, the less we understand. With anger and bitterness inside of our hearts, we will never start the New Year in the right state of mind. We will never join the 12% club of achieving our resolutions because the internal battle will prevent us from reaching our fullest and most authentic potential. So get down to The Heart of the Matter and begin this year with forgiveness in your heart, in your actions, and, most of all, in your daily behavior.

Happy New Year to you and yours! Our team at The Daily Coach wishes you a day filled with grace and gratitude.

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