12 Days of Christmas
Day 6: Gift of Music
When I discovered I had osteoarthritis in my knees, I began taking water aerobics classes. The environment and people in the class are inclusive, but it’s evident from the conversations happening that they've been together for a long time. I am the newbie. Many of them have suffered and/or celebrated marriage, divorce, grandchildren, and the death of children and spouses. The one thing that quickly connected me with them was the music. The lyrics to the songs that are played during class helped make me feel connected.
I have always considered food to be the ultimate connector of people (at least it is in my family!) Music is another very common connector. Not only does music connect us with people when we attend musical events, but by its nature, it connects us to current and past events, and/or memories of people, places, or particular relationships. Music has many different genres and different tastes among its listeners. Some of my favorites include blues rock, country, meditation, and piano or acoustical guitar instrumental music. What are your favorites?
What are the reasons people listen to music? What do they want from it? What does music provide for its listeners? These questions are beyond the scope of this post, but I think we can agree that we might listen to music to relax, to be inspired, or to be more motivated. Music has the ability to transform my mood in a matter of seconds and truly allows me to open my heart and soul to my current situation.
I have over 10,000 songs and several playlists on my iPod! I'm not sure whether to feel proud or feel embarrassed, but it works for me. I have many playlists on Spotify, too. The playlist I listen to depends on what is going on in my life. The emotions I may be feeling may impact what songs I listen to and whether I look to change my emotions. Music is the way I rid myself of negative energy and thoughts and welcome positive energy and thoughts into my day.
Want to know what is on my playlist as I'm writing the 12 Days of Christmas: Gifts for Your Success blog series? If you know the lyrics to any of these songs, you’ll understand why they are on my playlist. Check it out!
"Dive” performed by Steven Curtis Chapman
“This Girl is On Fire” performed by Alicia Keys
“Stronger” performed by Mandisa
“It’s My Life” performed by Bon Jovi
“Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough” performed by Michael Jackson
Today is Day 6 of my 12 Days of Christmas series, so we're halfway! We have worked hard looking at different ways we can design our life to have more of what we want. The purpose of my series is not to provide suggestions of what you should do, it’s more to conjure up possibilities of what you could do.
I find music to be my strongest source of inspiration, healing, and mood shifting especially during challenging times. My personal playlists are an essential component in my toolkit for success. Music is everywhere, so amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I encourage you to take some time to get connected with yourself, get inspired, and listen to music. Here are some ways to include the gift of music throughout your day:
· iTunes
· Spotify
· Local Radio stations
· XM Radio
May the gifts of joy, peace, and happiness be yours this holiday season.