There is something powerful in our world that we take for granted. Something that we don’t use well enough to our advantage. It connects with our primal instincts and makes us move in ways we otherwise wouldn’t. It syncs with our mood and can take us through a range of emotions. Even little babies, before they can even speak, are entranced and compelled by it. Music. It can be such an important part of our lives and most of don’t realize that we can actually use music to improve life.

 

Music can move mountains. Or rather, make us feel like we can move mountains.

The right song can be a great motivator, confidence builder, and ice-breaker. It can bring those who are shy out of their shells. Music can greatly improve our mood when we’re feeling lethargic and lazy. It can energize us and put a spring in our step, even when we’re doing activities we don’t really enjoy, like cleaning and working.

 

Music is powerful.

It lifts us up when we’re down. It fuels our rage when we’re angry. And it helps us express it when we feel lost and alone. Certain songs can give you a positive and loving feeling toward ourselves and our world. The right song played at the right time can move us to action to make our world better. It’s why they use that damn Sarah McLachlan song during the ASPCA commercials. I’m not even going to link to that one; I’m not trying to spread sadness here. If you really feel compelled to see that video, it can be found on YouTube. (Side note: I think anyone who has ever donated to or helped animals in any way should be given a code that puts them on a list so they never have to watch those commercials ever again!)

 

Music is personal.

Think back to a significant moment in your life. Any moment. The day you were married, the birth of a child, a particularly memorable high school dance, the death of a loved one. I’m willing to bet that each of those moments can be tied to a specific song. It moves us and we connect with it, tying it to our lives major events. There’s a line of a Kenny Chesney Song, “I Go Back“, that says “We all have a song that somehow stamped our lives/Takes us to another place and time.” It couldn’t be more true. “I hope you dance” reminds me of my grandfather’s passing. “Forever and Ever, Amen” makes me think of my husband. “Like my mother does” reminds me of my mom. I could go on and on and on. And no, they aren’t all country songs (that just happens to be a theme right now).

Music builds connections between people. Who doesn’t feel pride of their nation when The National Anthem is played? How many people tear up during the Wedding March or Pachelbel’s Canon in D as the bride walks down the aisle? In those moments, we’re connected. Different songs make us feel joy, pride, empowerment, sympathy, or spiritual and they make us feel it together. It bonds us to those who are feeling the same thing we are.

 

Music is important to me. I use music to improve my life constantly.

Sadly, such a powerful tool to improve our lives is underutilized. Most people listen to music just when they’re in the car, so as to not be in the silence. Or they’ll listen to it and dance at a wedding or party. Lots of people listen to upbeat music while they work out. I think we can do better. We can utilize music to improve life by honing in on what we’re trying to feel, express, or accomplish, and match specific songs to our activities.

Instead of just upbeat songs for workouts, how about songs that encourage you to work harder? Or songs that make you feel strong and confident, rather than just energized.

 

Monthly Top 10 Music lists comin’ your way!

I want to help you utilize music to improve your life. Going forward, I’m going to write a monthly Top 10 Music post. Each one will be a different theme, but the overall goal will be to provide you, my readers, with excellent music to improve your life.

 

Stay tuned for the first Top 10 List next month!

Month 1:Motivational and Inspirational songs

 

What emotion, task, goal, or activity do you want to see a Top 10 list of for? Let me know in the comments below!

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