recreatingreality.com

Life is much like a movie.  There are songs and background music that stay with us long after the movie has ended.  We can hear a song from a movie and our minds take us right back to a specific scene.  It’s the same with life.  We are surrounded by “white” noise, by talk, by music all day everyday. 

Think about it for a moment.  You are driving in your car and you hear the song on the oldies station that takes you back to your senior prom.  It may remind you of the last slow dance.  It evokes an emotion.  Depending on whether you were infatuated with your date or if you were wishing the dance over, you will respond emotionally every time you hear the song with the same feeling.

If you hear a sad song, for example your mood will be lowered.  If you hear a happy song, your mood will be elevated.  Studies by someone far smarter than I, indicate that songs with higher notes create more happiness and a lighter, brighter spirit.  That’s a rather general study.  But, each of us have a favorite song that make us feel good when we hear it.

It’s hard to be negative when you hear in the background “We are the champions… da…da…da.”  The song and the music seem to bring a sense of getting it done to most people.  Or, perhaps you remember the movie “Chariots of Fire.”  The music in the background as the runners were on the beach creates a sense of freedom.  We all took a deep breath and enjoyed the exhilaration.

My personal favorite song to hear first thing in the morning is “What a Wonderful World.”  It isn’t all rah-rah, but it certainly puts me on the right foot and creates a good attitude.  If you aren’t familiar with this old song, listen.

This is not to suggest that everyone reacts the same to every song.  We don’t.  Our memories color our preferences almost as much as the sounds.  Over time your favorite background music will change and that is fine. 

Become aware of how music affects your mood and your pace for the day.  When possible… when driving to work or cooking dinner… select a playlist that elevates your mood. 

One of the most subtle ways to create the environment we desire to design a soundtrack for our lives.  We are all listening all the time.  Select the music that will assist you achieve a positive mood and attitude.

We will begin talking about the necessity for developing a positive attitude in the next few days.  That said, your music choices can have a major effect on your attitude.  It’s subtle.  It’s easy to control.  It is powerful.  Spend the next few days loading your iPod with the songs that make you feel good. 

Take a little time to enjoy the music.  Get the feel of those songs that pick up your spirits.  Notice those that slow you down.  Create the playlist for your life.