We all have songs that we listen to on repeat *High Hopes - Panic at the Disco,* and songs we never want to experience again *Stressed Out -TwentyOne Pilots.* Believe it or not, that song preference is unique to YOU and cannot be replicated (if you find someone who loves and does not love all of the exact songs that are on your list...please let me know!)
*Two of my song choices for those categories
As a Music Therapist, I have the wonderful opportunity to learn the different musical preferences of many different people, and it is one of my favorite things! Music preference tells us SO MUCH about a person. Have you ever sat down with someone and just talked about favorite songs: what song makes them happy? what song makes them sad? Song preference in the moment can tell you exactly how someone is feeling, without verbal explanation.
When I was young and boy crazy (and shared a room with 2 of my younger sisters), after a specific heartbreak, I listened to a song over and over again. A few years ago, I came across that song "Behind these Hazel Eyes" by Kelly Clarkson. My sister was standing next to me. I still enjoy the song, it has a catchy tune. So I told my sister "I love this song!" Her response, "yeah, I know...this was your *insert name here* breakup song" (followed by a slight eye roll). I never realized she saw the therapeutic benefit of the song to me! It was a song that was there for me, in that moment, for that time. And I hardly listened to it again.
These song preferences, are songs that define you. They could be songs that mirror elements of your life (past or present), your influences, or that show off your unique personality.
So now, it's time to create a "Soundtrack to your life." How? It's so easy. We call it a "soundtrack" because if you put all the songs together, you could create your own mix playlist/tape/cd, whatever your preference.
I have put together a list below, as a guide for your soundtrack. All you have to do is figure out what song fits the best in each category for YOUR life. This is unique to you, no one can answer these questions for you (unless they share a room with you and can name the tune you've been listening to on repeat and why you are listening to it....)
*A song that makes you happy......
*A song that helps you relax.....
*A song that you listen to when you are angry....
*A song that you listen to when you are sad....
*A song that makes you want to get up and dance.....
*A song that brings back a good memory....
*A song that you can listen to on repeat....
The list could go on and on.
Now, to get a little deeper....Look at each song:
Why did you include this song? How does it reflect an aspect of you (your journey in life, your influences, and/or your unique personality)?
Is there a lyric line that stands out to you, what does it mean to you and why does it stand out?
We would LOVE to know the Soundtrack to your life. Even just one song! I'll start....a song that makes me want to get up and dance "I want you back" by the Jackson 5, the instrumental melody, I can't stay seated! Feel free to email us, send us a video, or comment below! Keep listening, keep sharing, keep making music!
and remember...It's all about the SMILES!!!!! :-)
"Your life is a flashback
A question, a photograph
A statement, a story, a struggle
A chance to laugh
'Cause if you don't laugh you cry
A last crescendo when you die
So hit the rewind and listen
It's the playback
The soundtrack to your life"
-Soundtrack to your life, a song by Ashley Parker Angel
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