All Aboard The Change Express!

Sep 2

September is usually a marker of change. Change of location, career, program of study, seasons, you name it... so much change. This year is a little different in that I feel like we've been in a constant state of change and entering the unknown over the past 6 months.

Something that remains constant is my connection to music. The release it gives me when my emotions are through the roof. (Which has been a lot more often than "normally").

There's a song by Misterwives called "Decide to be happy." The lyrics say this:

Music, it saved me
But it drives me crazy
'Cause it forces my eyes to take a look and see
Got to decide to be happy
'Cause it don't always come naturally
Been feelin' like a stranger in my body
I haven't been myself in a while, I'm sorry (I'm sorry)
Got to decide to be happy (Happy)
'Cause it don't always come naturally

'Cause flowers don't grow without the rain
And goodness don't grow without the pain
Flowers don't grow without the rain
Goodness don't grow without the pain.

That's exactly how this most unusual time has made me feel. Except, I'm not Sorry! I'm done feeling the guilt this season of change has instilled in myself and many of the friends I've talked with.

This time has required a constant decision to wake up and decide to be happy; deciding to wake up and make the most of whatever the day brings, deciding to give myself grace for maybe not being as productive or meeting all the goals set out for myself. A constant decision to show up for the people in my life despite the distance, deciding to see that there is goodness and a beautiful strength in my own resilience, deciding to see the goodness left in society. I may not be able to change all of the craziness happening in our world right now, but I can start with changing my mindset.

Our thoughts inspire feelings that lead to actions and I am actively choosing goodness. I am actively choosing kindness. I am actively becoming a better listener, friend, and problem solver. So, maybe not all change is a bad thing. I think I should have been actively taking better care of myself and the way I interact with my environment long before this point in time. Is that true for you as well?

So, in true musical fashion... I want to share a few songs that I'm finding speak truth to me right now:

1) "F2020" by Avenue Beat

2) "Decide to be happy" by Misterwives

3) "Be Nice" by the Black Eyed Peas

4) "Impossible" from Cinderella

5) "I Love Me" by Demi Lovato

6) "Used to be Mine" by Sara Bareilles

7) "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman (and Camp Rock!)

8) "Into the Unknown" & "The Next Right Thing" from Frozen 2

9) "Ease on down the road," "Can you feel a brand new day," & "Believe in yourself" from the Wiz

10) "Stronger" by Britney Spears

What songs are you connecting with during this time? Let me know in the comments below.