I’ve said it many times—music is my drug of choice. It’s in my blood. My dad was a locally beloved blues trumpeter, and my mom was such a talented soprano that she nearly became an opera star. Our family is practically a mini orchestra: bassists, guitarists, composers, pianists, and even a few drummers—like my son and me—make up our ranks.
(Oh, and here’s a quick dad joke for you: Want to know the secret to playing an instrument well? Stay tuned!)
Beyond playing music, I’m also an obsessive listener. My taste spans just about everything—from Marty Robbins and Mozart, to Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Miles Davis, and, of course, Elvis.
My Spotify account is home to nearly 200 playlists, meticulously curated for everything from working out to sleeping, and yes, even writing. (In fact, I’m listening to one of my playlists as I write this!)
Music has always had a profound effect on me. I’m not usually much of a crier, but certain songs can get me misty-eyed just thinking about them. Music brings me joy, but it also helps me process pain, suffering, and grief. It inspires and excites me, yet it can just as easily soothe and center me.
And that got me thinking:
Even if you’re not a music lover in the traditional sense, you still have a kind of playlist running in your head. We all do.
Music sets the tone for our lives. It defines our mood and shapes our experiences. Sometimes it’s actual music, but other times, it’s the soundtrack of our self-talk or inner dialogue—that quiet mental chatter that can sometimes lean toward the cynical or judgmental.
What kind of mental music is playing when you wake up in the morning? Is it a sad, heavy tune? Or is it something uplifting and energizing?
When you drive into work, are you hearing angry songs about the traffic and those “idiots” on the road? Or are you tuned into something more hopeful and optimistic about the day ahead?
Here’s the thing about our internal playlist: It’s not set in stone.
If the “music” in your head is souring your mood or pulling you down, you have the power to skip to a better track—one that matches the kind of day you want to have.
Take Bobby McFerrin’s classic, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” I’ll admit, there have been times when I’ve rolled my eyes at that song. So silly, right? But when I actually listen to it, I can’t help but feel better. Even on my bluest days, songs like that manage to break through my wall of orneriness and give my mood a little lift.
So listen up, my friend! What’s playing in your head today? I hope it’s something that makes you feel confident, hopeful, and happy! And if not, change it up!
And before I go, I’m genuinely curious about this: What are some of your favorite songs that boost your mood and remind you, as Bobby McFerrin did, to not worry and “be happy!”
Send me an email and let me know!
And that’s me, just checking in!
