The last week has been filled with stunning highs and unspeakable lows. My mind feels like it’s filled with a thousand bees that won’t stop buzzing.
One thing that has been a saving grace this week is the mix CD that I’ve got in my car. It’s the CD I made after writing “The Miracle of the Mix Tape” back in April. It’s got most of the songs that I mentioned in that list, plus a bunch of others that I thought of later.
There’s something on there for every mood, and I’ve learned the track numbers to hit depending on what I need in the moment. I almost always start with Track 6 – Bubbly by Colbie Caillat. Then, if I need to laugh I head for “Lime in the Coconut” and “The Pina Colada Song”. If I need to push through something, I go to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” (oh god, I know…who ever thought I’d be using Eminem??) If I’m in a really melancholy mood I go for Norah Jones, Diana Krall, and Billy Joel. If I need a reminder that God really is watching over and loving all of us, I put Bobby McFerrin’s “23rd Psalm” on repeat. I’ve been listening to the Romeo & Juliet track a lot because it somehow reconciles love and violence in a way that makes it possible for me to move through the day.
I’m grateful to myself for putting this CD together a couple months ago. It has helped me to stay calm and centered during car rides when my mind might have otherwise had too much time with too little to do.
Music has so much power. I am so grateful.
4 comments
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Lisa LaPlante
July 7, 2011 at 9:36 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Love this! Music is language of the soul for me. I’m so glad you have made something of music that touches you and keeps you going.
Love & Hugs!
Leah Carey
July 8, 2011 at 6:47 AM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you, my love. Thank you for all of your love and support. When are we going to get together??? It’s going to be a year in September, and although we’ve gone much longer than that in the past, there’s just no good reason! 🙂
Michael Thompson
July 8, 2011 at 3:44 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I have a hard time describing how important music is to me; it has given me joy, understanding, empathy, courage and grace; it has allowed me grieve; and kept me alive. I have several mixed cds in my car and carry my mp3 player with me all the time 🙂
Leah Carey
July 8, 2011 at 5:02 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hi Michael, I completely understand what you’re saying. Thanks for being here and sharing the music with me!