Dear Miranda,
Couldn't it be that "the first day of the rest of your life" meant a fresh new start on some kind of a higher level/way of living? My impression is that if you had any regrets, this dream was encouraging a new start to "wash away" what you were "wearing" (imposing upon, blaming) yourself. I'm not any master on interpreting other people's dreams, but why should it be that "the rest of your life" is not long in years? Did the woman sound like she was warning you? I am also curious if you've heard the same woman's voice elsewhere, whether awake or in another dream. (I've heard unfamiliar voices giving me messages, but always when I was awake, and so far the voices were different..) Anyway, I hope you stay healthy and that I can update on my story as your client!