Sometimes when the world is feeling dark, gloomy or frustrating and you have nowhere to turn, the best direction to look is towards music. It gets you when no one else will. It finds a way to touch your heart and your mind without you even realizing just how intensely you connect to it.
When you’re having a bad day or week, sometimes you just need a playlist ready to go that you know you can rely on. No one wants to, nor will they, take the time to put something together when they’re already feeling exhausted mentally and physically. Find some time and prep for the days where you just can’t seem to find the motivation to get through.
This is my playlist, and I hope it brings someone else as much serenity as it does to me.
- Wonderwall – Oasis (Remix or Original)
- Snow – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
- Your Bones – Of Monsters and Men
- Skin Of The Night – M83
- You and Tequila – Kenny Chesney
- Demons – Imagine Dragons
- Eyes on Fire – Blue Foundation (Zeds Dead Remix)
- Make It Stop – Rise Against
- Madness – Muse
- Diet Mountain Dew – Lana Del Ray
Life throws curveballs at us when we least expect it; these can be good, bad or simply surprising. Regardless, sometimes we need to take a second and just be alone, listen to some music and bring ourselves back to a calm and reliable place. Making yourself a playlist that reminds you of that peaceful place and helps bring you there is immensely helpful.
Use mine or make your own, it doesn’t particularly matter. What does matter is that you find strategies to help you get through days that seem impossible? People are wonderful and most are loyal and trustworthy, but sometimes you just need something even more constant than your best friends or sibling.
You need music.
Never has anyone sang lyrics as true as Eric Church in his song Springsteen when he says, “funny how a melody sounds like a memory.” We all have experienced the jolt as a song comes on that sends us down memory lane. Finding songs connected to comforting and happy memories can help take your mind to an easier place. It may be for only a second, but each time I listen to one of these ten songs, a memory is triggered and I feel a deep sense of contentment. Years could go by and I know that same memory will still appear.
These songs remind me of happy memories and wonderful people. They remind me of times where I was at peace with myself and the world. They remind me to believe in myself and who I am. It’s that perfect combination of lyrics that hit you, a beat that soothes you and/or motivates you and a memory that comforts you. It’s hard to find, but once you find that ultimate combination, you better write that song name down because it might just change your life.
Finding music that speaks to you isn’t all that difficult. However, finding songs that can bring you from one emotional state to another, even on your darkest days, that is something special. Don’t underestimate the power of music. Next time you hear a song that does this for you, start making your playlist. I promise you won’t regret it.
Featured image via Zach Kadolph on Unsplash
