“I no longer feared the darkness once I knew the phoenix in me would rise from the ashes.”

— William C. Hannan

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the image of the phoenix rising from the ashes to emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever. 🔥

This metaphor resonates with me because I have been going through some rough times since the start of the year. But in my darkest hours, as I watched elements of my fragile happiness go up in flames, I held onto the idea that I will be able to rise from the ashes that they would leave behind. 

It certainly wouldn’t have been the first time, nor will it be the last.

And then a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Venice for the first time. As I wandered through its narrow streets and winding canals, I was amazed by how much beauty and history inhabit its walls…and I was reminded of all the treasures I have yet to discover, around me, within me.  

I was delighted to learn that Venice has its own phoenix – ‘La Fenice’, the city’s famous opera house. This name was originally chosen to symbolise the rebirth of the city after a period of decline, when it was built in 1792. Since then, the place burned down twice, each time living up to its name by being rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

We visited the building and its marvellous interior during the day, when it is possible to catch musicians during their rehearsals, and it was like a dream. I couldn’t believe how much beauty my ears could hear and my eyes could see, and I caught myself in one of those profound moments of contemplation brought by life’s humbling coincidences. 

I was moved to tears… because I knew that even if it would take some time to rebuild myself, just like the Fenice, I too will be able to stand again in my all splendour some day. 

I will paint colours over the darkness, I will decorate my interior with beautiful ornaments that will tell my story of resilience in the face of devastation. I will play my music, and who knows – maybe some day, somewhere, someone will hear it and be inspired to rise from their own ashes… ✨