I discovered something about myself a few weeks ago.
Halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas and all that went with it, I decided to do what I haven’t done for a very long time.
I cranked up the radio and I sang along. Loudly.
It. Felt. Great.
There’s something about belting out a strong ballad or headbanging to a heavy bass that really makes me feel better. It’s soothing, aerobic, invigorating, inspirational, magical.
For me, singing is better than dancing or driving or exercise. And I love doing all those things! (Okay, not so much the exercise thingy.) It goes along with those things, sure. But singing is now second on my list of Ways to Feel Better. And isn’t this my year of being better? Of course it is!
So I’m singing my way through 2014.
When I began singing again a few weeks ago I was in my car. I used to crank it up and sing so loud! I haven’t done that in forever. I just listened. No more! I’ve decided to start participating again. To get my voice out there. Even if it’s just for me in my car or in my kitchen.
I began singing my recipes instead of just reading them. I have my alarm set to wake up to a song, not a beep.
Something wonderful happens when people sing.
The world stops. For just a moment. The world stops, and listens, and the singer smiles.
And people feel better.
There is no greater language than music.
And so today, I added a few more songs to My Soundtrack.
- Unwritten (Natasha Bedingfield). I love the lyrics: we’re all a blank page. It’s up to us to decide what others read from our lives.
- What the World Needs Now (Jackie DeShannon). I love this version from the soundtrack of My Best Friend’s Wedding. I also love the song. I believe the greatest thing in the world is love, and true love is incredibly powerful.
- Woman in Love (Barbra Streisand). I’ve always loved the Bee Gees. Even in the in-between time from when they were awesome to when they weren’t to when they were again. I have always loved the Bee Gees. The album, Guilty, written for Streisand, is a treasure trove of wonderful music. This is a great song to belt out.
- I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (The New Seekers). Okay, now who isn’t thinking of a Coke commercial right now, am I right? If I could give the world anything, it would be the ability to write it out and sing it out. Both are beautiful forms of communication.
Now I’m scouring my music collection for some rockin’ tunes as well. Maybe I’ll even through in another country hit. Johnny Cash, anyone?
I’m singing my way through 2014.
What music are you singing along with?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
I might be inclined to sing along to U2, or to Great Big Sea, a terrific Newfoundland band.
I really like U2, William. I’m not familiar with Great Big Sea. What kind of music are they?