Musical Therapy

Music is really important to me. I LOVE music! I have loved it for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, growing up in Colorado, I was infatuated with John Denver. In 6th grade, I was obsessed with Michael Jackson. Later, it was Prince, then Def Leppard, Nirvana and many others. As an adult I discovered Kenny Chesney, who got me through my husband’s 2nd deployment to Iraq. I can sit and listen to music for hours. It is meditative and it helps me cope. I, personally, have NO musical talent, but I live my life with a constant background playlist. Kenny Chesney’s song, “I Go Back”, says it all. Songs can take me right into different parts of my life.  They bring back feelings, smells and the most vivid memories – good and bad.

Over the past year, I’ve listened to a lot of different music – Milky Chance and Alt-J got me through those first few months after my diagnosis. More recently, when my doctor gave me hope that I may be able to get back to running, I put together a playlist to run (or WALK) to. I named this playlist “Fuck RA”. I would apologize for using that word, but it would be insincere. It is the perfect word for the situation. These songs represent my refusal to let RA control my life. They motivate me to push myself physically and emotionally, to accept the struggles and to enjoy the journey that my life has become.

I was thinking, as I WALKED on the treadmill today, that this playlist might help someone else with a struggle, so I decided to share it. My taste in music is pretty eclectic. This playlist doesn’t  really convey the extremes of my taste, but it is a fairly good mix of artists.  I hope you like it! In no particular order:

“Whatever It Takes” (by Imagine Dragons)

Before my Dx, I adopted this as my theme song when I was pushing myself to get back into shape – it fits even more now, I think.

“Fight Song” (by Rachel Platten)

It’s totally cliche and was way overplayed, but I still find in motivating.

“Shadow of the Day” (by Linkin Park)

A favorite from my marathon running days…even more touching after Chester’s suicide.  Some of my favorite runs were to this song.

“Lose Yourself” (by Eminem)

This is so motivating at the beginning of a race!  I still love this song during any workout-even a short, easy walk on a hard day.

“Rise” (by Selena Gomez)

I found this song by accident but loved it immediately. It’s even more inspirational because Selena Gomez has Lupus.

“F**kin’ Perfect” (by Pink)

I am often FAR too hard on myself.  This reminds me to be more kind to myself.

“Only God Knows Why” (by Kid Rock)

A little “woe is me” but also “keep pushing forward!”

“Love Runs Out” (by OneRepublic)

I can’t stop and won’t stop trying to run until I KNOW it’s impossible or I don’t love it anymore.

“The Climb” (by Miley Cyrus)

I don’t care how you feel about Miley Cyrus, this song is inspiring!  It is CRAZY how well this describes my life and feelings about it right now.

“Rise” (by Katy Perry)

My best friend sent me this song a few months after my Dx.  She said it made her think of me. It’s great for when you feel beat down by your circumstances.

I am currently waiting on Humira to kick in and, hopefully, allow me to do the things that I love to do – ski, hike, run…This playlist helps me stay motivated even in the face of disappointment. I hope it helps someone else as well.  It will be ever evolving. If you have a song suggestion, please share it!