Baby, it's cold outside. While this post is going to be about music, I'm not referring to the current heatedly debated song with that statement. Its legit cold outside and getting darker earlier and, for some (ahem, me), its certainly affecting my mood and making me a bit less energetic and lively. During Winter, a great battle takes place within my brain. There's my urge to hibernate away from society for the next 4 months of cold weather, with bottles of wine and all 9 seasons of The Office on Netflix versus, you know, living and stuff.
During warm weather, I'm up and at it early and barely sit still because I WANT to be outside and enjoying the day. During the cold weather, though, it takes a bit more for me to stay motivated. The one tried and true trick for me has always been some great tunes to start my day and keep me going.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. My parents ALWAYS had music on when we were younger, especially my dad. I have very vivid memories of us putting on concerts in our living room as kids with my father. He would blast his records and would grab one of our legs to play air guitar on, while he grabbed another person's fist to use as a microphone, all while also playing air drums. He was the star of that show. The love of music passed down to my siblings and I who, to this day, have a text message thread devoted entirely to new songs we find and think the others will enjoy. We also continue on the tradition of putting on mini concerts when we go camping. Music isn't just something I like to listen to in the background, its a huge part of what makes my life worth living. Certain songs connect me to certain moments of my life, certain people, certain experiences. I find inspiration and solace in the lyrics that artists have poured their hearts and souls into. The instrumentals and beats can pull at my heart strings or get my booty shaking. Music has been there for me through all the ups and downs of my life...always giving and never asking for anything in return. You can say it has been my best relationship thus far, a true best friend.
So, if you're like me, and need some extra motivation during these long, dark, cold months, I've created a playlist on Spotify of some of my favorite upbeat, fun, motivating songs. I started the playlist thinking I'd share 20 or so song with you all, but its so hard to pick just 20 of my favorites. The list is now 280+ songs. Whoops! I'll warn you now that there is no rhyme or reason to this list. I have a very wiiiiiiiiiiide range of music that I like. So consider this a sprinkling of music from many genres that will hopefully put you in a good mood and keep you shakin what your momma gave ya throughout the winter.
Also, if you're wondering what my "go-to" song is that always makes me feel better on this list, there's 2. The Cure's "Mint Car" and Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." Those two songs can always put me in a great mood no matter what.
Enjoy, friends! <3