Weekend self-care open thread: Songs of new beginnings

Happy first weekend of the new year!

You know what they say: New year, new me. As I wrote in my New Year's post, this is another chance to get things right. To fix the things we've gotten wrong.

That double-headed gentleman fronting this piece is Janus, the Roman god of new beginnings and endings. Let us resolve this year to end the things which harm us, and begin the things which bring us joy and life.

But, of course, it's the weekend. So let's dive into songs of new beginnings. Share your favorites in the comments.

You'll notice that three of the five songs I chose are by Black women. Why? Very simple. Black women are the one demographic who, despite having every reason not to, believe in this country and work to uplift others. This isn't mammyism or "save us Obi Wan Kenobi". If more people actually followed the lead of Black women, we'd be in a much better place as a country.

As always, dear friends, be ever kind, gentle, and joyful with yourselves and those around you.