What Music Inspires You?

Brain fog. Dead space. Down and out. Abyss. Demons of darkness. The dogs days.

We have all experienced moments like this.

I think it is highly unlikely that everyone on this planet, at one time or another, hasn’t felt this way. It is part of being human. It is an emotion, a feeling and a natural reaction to circumstances in our environment. We are all different and what you may experience as upsetting or depressing, may not even affect the person standing next to you. It’s going to happen from time to time.

But what do you do with it? What inspires you?

I want to preface this conversation with an absolute truth. This is all easier said than done. You’re reading this from someone who has been struggling with depression for the last 30+ years (most of my life). It is much easier to be in control from the driver’s seat than having to just ride along in the backseat. I get that. As I’ve said, “been there done that.”

I will never be cured from depression, I just enjoy those times when it goes into remission.

I’m not discounting your feelings and emotions at all. Quite the contrary! The struggle is real and I know that. As I just shared, depression has and will continue to be a part of my life. The concept of acceptance has played a huge part in my struggle (I’ll leave that for a future post). Over the years I have found some of life’s simple pleasures to help inspire me and redirect me onto the “right” path.

Music sings to me.

Have you ever listened to a song that seems to not only describe you but seems to reach the furthest depths of your heart and soul? Yea, me too! In fact, over the years there have been many songs. Long ago are the days when you had to tape a song from the radio to be able to play it over and over again. In fact, I remember an 8-track player in my dad’s car. Anyway, audio CD’s quickly emerged and literally smashed the music industry. You could sit and listen to your favorite music genre and artist for hours and hours. That is when I realized how much music enriches and inspires me. And so this leads me to my original question.

What music inspires you?

When I need time to think and ponder life’s many questions, I find the sounds of classical music touch my soul. As I listen to the music playing, I rest my body in a comfortable and relaxing position with my eyes closed. I immerse myself in silence to the direction and flow. It is truly rejuvenating. One of my favorites has to be, Piano Concerto No. 21 – Andante by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. (Don’t forget to close your eyes)

There are yet other times when I feel the darkness of depression and it makes me somewhat angry. I get tired of feeling that way. It is absolutely exhausting. Do you feel that way too? These are the moments when I reach out to music that doesn’t necessarily relax me but helps me express what I am feeling. It is fairly reassuring. If you are someone who enjoys the sweat and exhaustion from a good workout, then you’ll know what I mean. That is how I feel when I listen to one of my all time favorites, Animal by Def Leppard. Turn up the volume to experience this with me!

However, the most inspirational song to me is easily I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff. When I listen to this song, I repeat the lyrics in my head. It reminds me of the times I have overcome and beat my lowly mood. It reminds me that I can do it. As Jimmy sings to me,

“Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day.”

Come sing with me!

Don’t you feel great now? I know I do!

Please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know what song(s) inspire you!

©Julie Corbett