On Music, Community and the Beauty of Imperfection

From Pandemic Pause to Purposeful Action: with Elena Rahona

In a world that too often glorifies perfection, it's so so refreshing to come this close to stories, thoughts and open conversations that celebrate the beauty of the opposite, IMPERFECTION. On a recent episode of Ordinary Talks with Extraordinary Women, I had the pleasure of speaking with my long-time friend and a truly inspiring individual, Elena Rahona.

Elena's journey, sparked further by the reflective pause the pandemic offered, led her to find purpose and joy in … music! As the founder of the New York Late Starters Orchestra, she is passionate about empowering adult beginner musicians to embrace their imperfections and find community through the shared joy of making music.

Embracing Imperfection

In our candid conversation, Elena shared her belief in the transformative power of embracing imperfection. She believes that by letting go of the need for everything to be perfect, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, authentic experiences and being truly present. The Late Starters Orchestra is a testament to this philosophy, providing a safe space for individuals to explore their musical passions without fear of judgment.

The Power of Community

Elena is absolutely passionate about the importance of community and connection in our lives. The Late Starters Orchestra has become more than just a musical ensemble; it's a thriving community where individuals of every age and background find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. To Elena it’s a tangible reminder that we are all in this together, and that by sharing our vulnerabilities and passions, we can create something truly beautiful.

Finding Joy in Purposeful Action

Elena's dedication, consistency and intelligent determination is a testament to the power of purposeful action. From her early days researching water sustainability to her current work empowering musicians, she exemplifies the impact we can make when we align our passions with our actions. Her journey, her passion, her unwavering belief serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that it's never too late to pursue our dreams and make a difference in the world, one small imperfect note at a time. 🎶

Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace imperfection and let go of the need for everything to be perfect.

  • Find joy in purposeful action and pursue your passions with intention, whatever it may be.

  • It's never too late to start something new and make a difference. So, go and explore!

Listen to the full episode:

Join us as we delve into Elena's inspiring philosophy and discover the transformative power of music, community, and connection. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

You CAN Make a Difference:

  • Share this blog post with your friends and family.

  • Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the episode.

  • If you're inspired by Elena's story, consider supporting the New York Late Starters Orchestra or finding a community where you can pursue your passions.

More Resources:

  • The Power of Music: learn about the benefits of music on physical, mental and emotional health.

  • The Power of Imperfection: delve deeper into the concept of embracing imperfection and its potential for personal growth and creative expression through Brené Brown's research and writings on vulnerability and authenticity. This is a quick summary of her brilliant book and research.

The world needs your unique voice and your imperfect authenticity.

Much love,

Olga @YelloBirdie