Shore Up Your Resources -- Don't Take It Personally
Ok, so assuming for a moment that you agree that we need to connect with others, exercise empathy and avoid hurt feelings, how do we DO that?
It's one thing to intellectually know that this is important, but we also have to learn to stay grounded at the moment that a strong emotion strikes. One of the best ways I know of to keep myself connected with my own emotions and focused on the things that are important to me is by listening to uplifting, supportive and inspiring music!
Today, I'm going to share with you some of my favorite artists, some songs for you to check out, and even a few lyrics. Now, music is just
*one* of many resources you can use to center yourself. I'm sure you can think of others -- working out, calling a friend, hugging a child, etc.
However, for me, it is often the easiest, most immediate (it only takes a few minutes to listen to a song!) and perhaps one of the few entirely within my control.
So, when someone really "gets" to me, I may turn on Luis Fonsi's Abrazar la Vida. What a lovely song, where he talks about not needing to be anyone else, but just enjoying who YOU are, and walking forward even into the challenges of life.
Another favorite artist is India.Arie. I *love* her music and she seems to capture the emotions of many a circumstance. One song that is beautiful is Wings of Forgiveness, where she reminds us that yes, we're only human, and at the same time the key to peace is to let go, and forgive.
If I just need to shake myself up a little bit, Paulina Rubio has a great song Baila Que Baila in which she says, hey, sometimes you just gotta shake your booty to get out of a funk! I know that's for sure true for me, at times. :)
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I just recently was introduced to the amazing artist Faith Rivera who has a whole collection of motivational music, which is also very hip and cool. She's got some amazing sounds, and even more wonderful lyrics. I love the song Child of the Universe, where she reminds us that the entire world is conspiring to help, support and take care of us. Wow!
Thalia's Mujer Latina is a great song to remind you of your roots, instill pride and have fun with!
In addition to the above, I am always looking for new songs that are supremely positive that I can add to my collection. I use as my guide songs that have lyrics that are totally positive (don't denigrate or insult others), and remind me of all the things I have to be grateful for. I'd love to hear from you what songs you enjoy!
Music is also a medium that has such an interesting way of staying in our memory. Many times, I don't even have to hear an entire song to be reminded of the feelings it evokes in me. Think, for example, of the songs you heard when you were in high school. I'll bet you can remember almost every lyric -- once the music starts playing.
This is a fun exercise to play with. I encourage you to search for your own song list, and burn for yourself a "Positive Song CD" that you can pop in and listen to (or save it on your iPod) whenever you need a little boost.
And then, of course, there's the greats, like Gloria Estefan and Celia Cruz. From Celia's Rie y Llore, she reminds us that we may laugh, we may cry, everything has its time. We have to live life and enjoy it all... Rie, llora, que a cada cual le llega su hora, rie, llora, vive tu vida y gozala toda...
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Milka Duno was the first Latina to ever be considered "expert" in the racing world.
