Sing A New Tune

By Trisha Richardson

Have you ever heard a song play on the radio and been instantly taken back to the exact moment, the exact smells, even what you were wearing at the time when you first heard it?  Whether it was the song that was playing when you had your first kiss or the last song you and he danced to, music is able to evoke powerful memories. 
   And everyone has had that one song that you simply just can't get out of your mind!  Well, the same thing happens to us with thoughts.  We keep playing the same 'music' over and over in our heads whether your tune is "I'm not good enough" or how about "I am too scared/old/ young/poor/overqualified/under qualified, etc. etc. etc. to try ______" or that oldie but goodie "I'm just too afraid to try".  Just as easily as you can change the dial on the radio, you can change the thoughts in your mind because guess what - YOU are in charge of your thoughts, they are not in charge of you.
   Music has power, so why not use the power of music to increase the strength of your own thoughts?  My favorite technique for changing my negative thoughts is to use music itself.  I use lyrics from songs that have meaning and inspiration for me.  One of the most powerful songs I have ever heard is Faith Hill singing "I Surrender All" on Oprah.  To listen http://www.oprah.com/video/200511/oats/oats_20051118.jhtml.  A word of caution:  it might make you cry so get the tissues ready!
   Another song that really got me through some recent hard times was from "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin from the movie Top Gun.  The line that was most powerful for me is "If only for today, I am not afraid…"  (To hear a clip:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B00000K2UX001005/002-1506974-2968066)  Some days I only have to sing it once and others it seems like fifty times, but it doesn't matter because I just keep doing it until I replace the unwanted thoughts with fresh and hopeful ones.
   Sometimes other people's words just won't do and I create my own.  I have written several different poems and songs or whatever I may need at the time to play in my mind when I am having negative thoughts.  The only way to have positive thoughts is to replace the negative ones, same as the only way to get rid of 'that' song is start singing a new one. 
   Here is one of the songs that I wrote during a challenging time in my life:

Serenity Rap

Listen to me,
I've got something to say.
I now choose to support myself
In a loving, healthy and joyous way.

Because shame, self-doubt and fear,
There's no room for them.
They have no place here.

Me, my mind, my spirit, my bod,
They all are perfect,
They're all created by God.

So when I'm afraid or have some doubt, I just turn to the Lord and say,
"God, can you help me work it out?"
Because He'll help me work it out.
Yes, He'll help me work it out!

   I would often sing this to myself in times of need.  Any time would do - driving in the car, reading a book, going through a crisis - it really does help.  It started out as a rap (not kidding) but sometimes now I sing it as a country love song (still, not kidding!)  I sing it out loud, to my sister, or in my head - they all work!  Remember they don't have to be great works of art; they just have to have meaning and inspiration for you.
   It doesn't matter if your song is rap, country, jazz or opera - just watch yourself if you keep singing the blues.  (They can sneak up on you at any time, so be careful!)  Have you ever had something happen to you in the morning and then you just say, "oh, forget it, it is just going to be one of those days" or "I guess this is just going to be a bad day, I'll start fresh tomorrow"?  Truly there are only a few things in life that you could classify as having a "bad" day - (hint:  they don't involve someone taking your parking space or missing your morning latté).  And why make the rest of the day suffer?  Try singing a different tune and change your way of thinking.  One that works for me is "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me and I'm feeling good" (from "Feeling Good" which has been sung by many but currently being sung amazingly well by Michael Bublé - to listen: http://www.michaelbuble.com/sites/www.michaelbuble.com/themes/buble/flash/audioplayer.html) and cursor through songs to get to "Feeling Good" - or enjoy them all!
   So whether you choose to march to the beat of your own drum, or trumpet, or tambourine - just remember to let the music play!!

Trisha Richardson is a writer and lyricist who has written several songs for the world, as well as for herself, to sing.  She is also blessed to be Kelly’s sister.

Kelly Carroll is a creative inspiration specialist as well as a lyricist and writer.  Her clients are writers, musicians, film artists, and magnificent others who are ready to live the highest expression of their creative dream and Have It Happen!  E mail Kelly your questions - kelly@canyon-news.com  Call (360)739-8628 to schedule an appointment and fully express the Gift you are here to give.

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