Most likely you can recall a time when you turned to music for comforting. Music possesses the rare ability to preserve emotions. You go along your day focused on some daily task. Suddenly THAT song comes on the radio and the time traveling starts. The present slowly fades away, replaced by a memory so fresh you wonder “Did I just hit 88mph in a DeLorean?”
Yes, music remains very powerful! In addition to preserving feelings, music can provide a therapeutic outlet. Finding those certain songs which reflect your current mood can equate to talking to a skilled listener. Both result in you feeling better. Then there exists those songs which thoughtfully go beyond and offer much desired counseling.
Personally I really enjoy conversation on how others find comfort in music. Therefore I’m pretty excited for tonight. #CPChatNow, the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat I co-host, engages in a focused chat about finding comfort in music. To help set the mood I decided to share here a few songs I find comfort in.
“Doin’ It Right” by Rodney Atkins
Last summer a couple friends and I went to Country Jam, an all-day event featuring various country acts. As per my pre-concert ritual I listened to a lot by the artist (or in said case artists) I’m seeing in order to hype myself up. While engrossed in my pre-concert ritual I came across Rodney Atkins’ song “Doin’ It Right.” Lyrics from the song supplied me counseling I needed oh so badly!
“You ain’t losin’ your mind. Naw you’re doing just fine.”
You see last year I went through turbulent times losing my friend Alex to suicide, watching my Aunt Ellen fight a 10-month battle against leukemia, and experiencing self-diagnosed entrepreneurial burnout. I needed encouragement and “Doin’ It Right” offered me my fix.
“One Hell Of An Amen” by Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert tells two stories in “One Hell Of An Amen.” One discusses a soldier who lost his life serving the United States and the second talks about a friend who did not let cancer break him. The latter always leaves me thinking about Aunt Ellen. Essentially “One Hell Of An Amen” aids me in keeping my aunt’s memory alive and well.
“DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” by Usher (ft. Pitbull)
Earlier this month my brother married. As I busted out my moves on the dance floor the DJ began playing Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.” I held back a few tears as I remembered my friend Alex. A specific memory makes me connect Alex and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love.”
Back in 2011 Alex and I amongst a couple others use to get together every Monday night. We played blackjack. Rather than playing for money the winner won the chance to ask everyone a question. One time I referenced “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” asking “What would ‘dance, dance like it’s the last, last night of your life’ look like?” Alex gave an elaborate answer I can’t fully recall but I do remember the dance involved strobe lights and a fog machine. Truly an Alex answer!
What about you? Share a song which you find comfort in and explain why. Either post your story in the “Comments” section below or even better join #CPChatNow tonight. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
