25 Years of Music and Musings

Today’s my birthdaayyyeee. I’ve lived a quarter of a century (I know, I know, it’s really not all that dramatic lol). Still, I feel blessed to see another year. In celebratory fashion I thought it’d be fun to share 25  lesson’s I’ve learned along the way. In typical artsy fashion, each lesson is accompanied by a correlating song. Hope you enjoy!

1. We’re not invincible. Pace yourself and don’t take anything for granted. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/6xTHfOkgqjaIOKEWxYwsAu”/%5D
2. A prayer and a good nights sleep can always get you through. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/6ugoCilGpmUBpifCprtxgC”/%5D
3. Take time to travel. Experience the unfamiliar.[spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/1OxcIUqVmVYxT6427tbhDW”/%5D
4. Understanding comes with age. Isn’t it funny how the songs you listened to as a child start to make sense once you understand what their really singing about? I had no clue what this song was about then one day I actually listened to the lyrics. Gotta love the 90’s lol. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/0AvV49z4EPz5ocYN7eKGAK”/%5D
5. Never underestimate the power of a smile. Show off those pearly whites :). It not only encourages others, but often lifts our own spirit. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/1oDCK7PW72XEZ1pE5rh87A”/%5D
6. Have people in your corner. Surround yourself with those gems who hold you down, pick you up when you fall,  love you and challenge you no matter what. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/37eC6DX0aYrFGw8cMQaBG5″/%5D
7. Take time to appreciate what’s right in front of you. Say thank you, text your friends and call your grandmother. Speak to people when spoken to. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/5xby1zRiHwj8jTAfDE9Cko”/%5D
8. Even after you travel, home will always have a special meaning. I LOVE this aria from Aida. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/2emuBukW6Tnj63XJnqhc4r”/%5D
9. Stay teachable. Never assume you have all the answers because there’s always something more to learn about life. Remain a student. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/6nzhhT57iQYrbqumru9NNP”/%5D
10. Sometimes it’s not really all that serious. There’s a time for everything. A time for Mozart and also for Designer. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/46THN9jjPWhSqFUu6YsBhv”/%5D
11. Be gracious, kind and forgiving. Life’s not always easy. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/40OlGm3HCmU4qu4tYmQF2U”/%5D
12.  Go over and above for the people you care about. Take care of your loved ones. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/6BQNJ0JFKh8sWjQLI6Zudi”/%5D
13. Make impromptu dance sessions a regular part of your week. Dance like no one’s watching. This is always a great stress relief. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/6JV2JOEocMgcZxYSZelKcc”/%5D
14. Ain’t nothing wrong with dressing up sometimes. Embrace your beauty. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/0t86ns47XuqfLYVlDclJWW”/%5D
15. Your parents know more than you think. With time you will grow to understand their complexities and be grateful for the things they have given you. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/5FPnjikbwlDMULCCCa6ZCJ”/%5D
16. Find your own path. Just because your journey isn’t exactly like someone else’s doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Unconventional isn’t bad. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/22c2pt75xtnDddA5Zlm0yy”/%5D
17. Own and embrace your background, culture, hood, block or crib. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/2TyCAfhwu5tRqFW8VnGMIL”/%5D
18. Be grateful. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/2VQc9orzwE6a5qFfy54P6e”/%5D
19. Practice patience. Life isn’t always as quick or reliable as Amazon Prime lol. Everything will happen in it’s time. Don’t rush. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/58CrldAc1Z5WIBozT1NMJH”/%5D
20. Know your name. Know your voice. Both are God-given and nobody can take those two things away from you. Embrace them. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/0xAVL3SQa8SxKdWJgly6Ht”/%5D
21. It’s okay to be emotional sometimes. Always be honest with yourself and others about what you feel.[spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/1PnBj6XP04gDqO5sWMTVkr”/%5D
22. Be unapologetic about what you stand for regardless of what people think. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/67rHyiT4RB0eTMC41ab5sC”/%5D
23. Spending time outside does wonders. Fresh air, blue skies and sunshine really can make you feel better. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/0ADAFZE0bYIuaIyPNFl3LE”/%5D
24. At the end of the day love is all that remains:  Love for others, love for God, love for yourself and love for you surroundings. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/3qZHUZTQiTMfJXcUYzY5mT”/%5D
25. Go after what you really want in life. Halfway never get’s you anywhere. Trying is much better than looking back with regret. [spotifyplaybutton play=”https://open.spotify.com/track/5MxNLUsfh7uzROypsoO5qe”/%5D