Self-Care Sunday: Everything I Want in Music

The upcoming 2021 Grammy Awards show got me thinking about how much music means to me and my mental health. I’ve literally lost count of the number of times throughout my life I’ve turned to music when I was feeling low, lost or some other kind of way.

Because music is such a personal thing with me, I’ve been constantly disappointed with the Grammy Awards. I guess I got tired of watching the artists I like either loose, or not even get nominated in the first place. Plus, the overall show itself is never that great. But maybe my mental health favorite this year might win?

But I’m not going to watch the show and find out. BTW, this is the official video directed by Billie, but also check out the video that has the lyrics if you don’t catch all of them in the song.

Here’s a few other mental health favorites of mine…

You’re probably familiar with the expression, “Things I would tell my younger self.” Well, the very first line of this song is, ”I saw the part of you that only when your older you’ll see too.” Mic drop! I was truly blown away by the wistful beauty of this Flora Cash song.

Admittedly, I’m not big on sappy love songs, which is why I LOVE this song from Cold War Kids. Rather than being about love, it’s about relationship. And let’s face it, falling in love is easy, being in a relationship is hard! The lyrics of this song say a lot of things I have felt but couldn’t articulate. Another reason why I turn to music when my emotions feel like they’re tangled up in knots. I can hear a song like this, and understand more clearly what I’m trying to communicate. Plus it’s fun to watch this guy ‘dance.’ 😂

And then there are moments when ladies need to celebrate ourselves. Especially when are hearts are broken. Wish I had this Lizzo song when I was going through it! Nevertheless, I can still sing along while these girls in the video show themselves some love. It’s a beautiful thing. ❤️

I can also REALLY appreciate it when a guy ’get’s it.’ And Billy Joe Armstrong certainly does in this song. Which is why I posted this video with the lyrics. I wish more guys understood girls the way he does in this song. For me, the mic drop moment is when he asks, ‘Are you feeling like a social tool without a use?’

I mean come on… didn’t God make all of us with a purpose?

This last video is by my ‘home band.’ And by that, I mean the band that makes me feel like I’m in a safe place where people know me. Of course I’ve never met U2, but they were my college band, and continue to be my favorite. I have to say though, in this version of One, Mary J. takes it to a whole ’nother level. I love it! She’s the type of artist you don’t just hear sing, you can feel her sing. When she expresses herself, you KNOW this is NOT a wedding song! Yes, some people really believe it is, pay attention people! 😆

So that’s just a few of the many, many songs that are close to my heart. Please share your favorites. I love discovering new songs!

Take care everybody! ❤️