This morning was like most mornings. I woke up and immediately remembered sad and hard things in my life. I felt stuck. I journaled a couple sentences in my phone, about how confused and exhausted I am. Then I opened Pinterest for some inspiration. I found a list of things to do to get out of a funk. I felt a little overwhelmed by the list, so I picked the easiest – play a favorite song. I opened “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root and I was ready to get out of bed. I brushed my hair and teeth. I smiled at myself in the mirror. The next song in my playlist came up – “Can’t Stop This” by Macklemore. I had to dance. I had to. And I remembered a move I had spotted on Pinterest the night before. It was a fun and simple shuffle. I looked it up and soon I was MOVING. Moving and having FUN.
I have found that music is so important to emotional people like me. It’s a tool to be used (not abused). Sometimes I will notice that certain songs send me back to my depression. I didn’t realize why I would suddenly feel so down again for the longest time, but I finally pinpointed it – I had my earbuds in and a sad song on when despair came back the fastest.
Don’t be reactive, friends. Find out what lightens you and gives you the boost to get moving again. It has to be your choice to help yourself.
For me, I had to create a playlist of upbeat songs that have nothing to do with romance whatsoever. I always feel better and refreshed when I play it. Sometimes I blast it on a speaker in the warehouse where I work, haha. I’m going to be looking up more dance songs to get myself to focus and exercise more. My favorite kinds of dance require a partner, but I’m learning how to dance with myself in my season of widowhood/singleness. It makes me happy to know that God is watching me, one of His many beloved daughters, singing and dancing to get through the hard days.
Things will get better. So add dance to your healing toolbox, if you want.
Share your favorite upbeat songs in the comments!
