Recently, I was teaching a student how to remember the names of the sharp and flat keys in music. For sharps, the order is: F, C, G, D, A, E, B. I used to tell my students, “Fuzzy Cats Go Down And Eat Bugs.” Silly? Maybe. But it stuck. 

Now, when it came to the flats—B, E, A, D, G, C, F—I never had an acronym that felt quite right. That is, until now. 

Thanks to a little inspiration (and a dash of help from my virtual muse, ChatGPT), I found a phrase that not only works musically but speaks straight to the soul: 

BEADGCF – Bravely Embrace All Dreams, Grow, Create, Flourish. 

Yes, these are the same letters used to identify key signatures in music—especially on the guitar. And, they are also notes of our life’s symphony, each one striking a deeper chord within us. 

Let’s break it down, not just as musicians or students, but as seekers, creators, and dreamers: 

Bravely – To go forward with courage, even when the way is unclear. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the refusal to be stopped by it. In life, just as in music, we play on, even when we miss a note. 

Embrace – To wrap our arms around all that we are and all that we’re becoming. Embrace the messy, the beautiful, the unknown. It’s all part of the music. 

All – Not just the polished pieces. Not just the public wins. But everything. The heartbreaks, the setbacks, the detours—all are notes in your melody. Leave none out. 

Dreams – These are not foolish wishes. Dreams are sacred blueprints of your soul’s longing. Pay attention to them. Give them space. Let them dance on your staff lines. 

Grow – In music, growth comes from repetition, feedback, and patience. In life, it’s the same. Don’t rush your song. Just keep becoming. 

Create – To create is to give life to what once was only imagined. A melody, a painting, a business, a family, a new way of seeing. You are a creator. Yes, you. 

Flourish – Not just survive, but flourish. To thrive, to shine, to bloom right where you are. When you bravely embrace your dreams, when you grow and create from the heart, you will flourish. 

From Scale to Soul 

Music theory might teach us the BEADGCF sequence to read a staff or play a scale. However, I believe it can also be a call to action—a rhythm for how we live. 

So, whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, navigating a life change, or simply trying to remember the notes to your own soul, may this simple string of letters remind you: 

You are brave. 

You are growing. 

You are a beautiful, unfinished symphony. 

And you are meant to flourish. 

Your Turn  

Which letter of BEADGCF speaks to you most today? 

Is there a dream you’re ready to embrace? A step of bravery you’ve been waiting to take? A new way to create or grow? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment below and share which “note” you’re living right now—or better yet, write your own acronym for BEADGCF and let it guide your week. 

Let’s compose a life of harmony—together and change the way we see and change the way we live.