by Janice M. Woerner, OTR/L
Back in the 90’s there was a show called Ally McBeal.
This show was pre-Sex and the City, so I consider it to be the first show that depicted 20 to 30-something single women in their quest for love, fulfilling careers, etc. in all its glorious neuroticism. It pushed boundaries and showed that it’s ok to be a hot mess while you’re trying to figure it all out. Oh boy, I played that soundtrack to the bone!
With that, Ally’s therapist was played by the incomparable Tracey Ullman. In an episode titled “Theme of Life”, Tracey’s character advises Ally to get a “Theme Song”. As Tracey danced around the room playing her own personal theme song, I thought to myself “this is GENIUS!”
From that point on, I dubbed “O-O-O-H Child” by The Five Stairsteps, my personal theme song. When I am struggling, I start singing it (or play it in my head when I’m in public, obviously). Crappy day at work? I start to sing my song. It becomes a personal mantra put to music.
But I’m going to take it a step further…because I’m finding that, at times, there are other songs that are more appropriate to the scenario. Sometimes I need something that’s going to make me sing loud, practically screaming, to vent my frustrations. Sometimes I need a super happy song that is going to get me out of my funk. Or sometimes I use a song that reminds me of a particular time or person (my daughter, to be exact), and I’m receiving just the right medicine that my soul needs.
So I’d like to share with you all my personal playlist. These are songs that I keep on my phone so they are always ready to go in my time of need. Each one has been tested over and over to specifically deliver (administer) just the right beats, melody, key changes, etc. that affect the right area of my brain.
“Just Dance” by Lady Gaga
This is my “just breathe, Janice” song. The song is all about escapism. For the duration of the song, just escape from the day, escape from your problems and just be in the moment.
“Learning to Fly” by Foo Fighters
Remember in Jerry Maguire when he was in the car after signing Kush and he was searching for a song on the radio to fit his mood? Luckily he came upon Tom Petty’s “Freefallin’”, but I prefer a little Dave Grohl to shout out at the top of my lungs! This is perfect to crank up in the car on your way home from work to wash the day away.
“Ray of Light” by Madonna
The techno beat is just infectious. I believe if you did some sort of neurological study, you could see the effects of this beat as it enters your auditory system it directly affects the parasympathetic nervous system. You would think the beat would increase your heartbeat…but I believe it actually chills you out. Yes, Madonna can help you “rest and digest”!
“Square One” by Coldplay
This is the song I need when I’m feeling defeated. The line “It doesn’t matter who you are” is sometimes exactly what I need to hear. I need to feel that no matter where I came from and whatever lack of resources are available to me, that I can attain my goals and succeed.
Here are the lyrics:
You’re in control, is there anywhere you wanna go?
You’re in control, is there anything you wanna know?
The future’s for discovering
The space in which we’re traveling
From the top of the first page
To the end of the last day
From the start in your own way
You just want somebody listening to what you say
It doesn’t matter who you are
Under the surface trying to break through
Deciphering the codes in you
I need a compass, draw me a map
I’m on the top, I can’t get back
The first line on the first page
To the end, at the last place
You were looking
From the start in your own way
You just want somebody listening to what you say
It doesn’t matter who you are
WHAT IS YOUR THEME SONG?!!! PLEASE SHARE
Enjoyed your post and I can relate.