Music makes a huge difference to my ability to deal with pain… and life’s ups and downs in general. I have a channel over on Spotify where I collect relaxing music to listen to when I have a migraine so that I feel less lonely lying around in the dark. I also have a number of go-to songs that lift my spirits and get stuck on loop in my mind.
In one of those weird moments when the universe sends you quirky signals you feel compelled to listen to, I realized yesterday that two songs I hum to have different vibes but the same name: Rise.
In the past, Katy Perry’s “Rise” used to reinvigorate me when I was feeling like everything was a bit too hard. There is something in her determination that always made me get up and get going. Lyrics that make my heart race include the opening sequence:
I won’t just survive
Oh, you will see me thrive
Can’t write my story
I’m beyond the archetype
I won’t just conform
No matter how you shake my core
‘Cause my roots, they run deep, oh
Oh, ye of so little faith
Don’t doubt it, don’t doubt it
Victory is in my veins
I know it, I know it
And I will not negotiate
I’ll fight it, I’ll fight it
I will transform…
*
More recently, I have become obsessed with a song with the same name but a completely different mood. Whilst the song by folk musicians Yaima, also emphasizes transformation, it feels less about personal elevation, more of a global and esoteric attitude. It starts:
If you’re searching for the answer
To the riddle here on Earth
The riddle’s gone unanswered
From the moment of its birth
Searching for the answers
So many would pursue
In favor of their honor
She provided just one clue
Rise up from the ashes
You decide which way to go
Either up, down or sideways
Then you’ll need to know
You will rise like a flame
Rise, live again…
*
If you’re the sort of person who feels comfortable writing and repeating affirmations (“I am strong – I am capable – I’ve got this”) then pop over to my RESOURCES page and download a file that includes several. If, on the other hand, you feel awkward chanting yay-yay statements, then listen to the lyrics of affirmative songs instead (my playlist is here). They can remind you that you are strong and capable, with the accompaniment of foot tapping, hip swaying music rather than a rah-rah-rah fist-pump.
In recognition of the healing power of music, I’ve opened up my Spotify playlist “Musical Affirmations” for collaboration (I think it only stays open for a week) – so please, feel free to pop across and add a song that acts like a call to action and motivates you to keep going.
CLICK HERE: musical affirmation playlist – collaboration link
(And if you have a song in mind, but not a Spotify account, or the link doesn’t work – or just as a shout out to help everyone else – be sure to leave the details in the comment section below – I’ll upload the song for you!!)
Until then, keep singing, (or humming) and keep rising to new heights!
Take care, Linda x
PS – I can’t believe it, but my 11 month anniversary of The Mindful Migraine Blog is today – this year is FLYING by soooo fast! Because I only realized this just now, I don’t have my usual long blogroll lined up… but here’s four fab blogs that I’ve enjoyed visiting recently and whose readers have been super-dooper supportive of my blog:
+ Diabesties Chat – Diabetes can be better!
+ Willie Torres Jr. – Christian Writings, Testimonies, Prayers and Inspiration
PS – sorry if I confused you all yesterday – I’ll keep blogging until the end of the week to maintain my habit for 2024, then head off on holiday!
PPPS – I have no idea whether these embedded videos work on all devices, for all people, in all countries – but – fingers crossed, here’s the two songs with the same name that inspire me.
The Mindful Migraine 
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