"Inspiration, Move Me Brightly..."

Jul 22, 2011

We all have our own reasons for having arrived at the point of considering (and going through with) having WLS: watching a parent or other loved one struggle and ultimately succumb to health problems from obesity, wanting to be a better partner to our spouse, a better parent to our children or just simply being fed up with a stunted life that we know can be better.

While some may turn to therapy or perhaps their faith when they run across difficult or challenging periods in their lives, I turn to music.  You may walk out of a psychologist's office or a Sunday morning mass feeling refreshed and encouraged, that's how I feel when I walk out of a live show.  I've been inspired, reassured and moved to tears by music far more than I ever was in the eight years of formal religious training and sacrament preparation that was shoved down my throat as a kid (yes, I'm a bitter, disillusioned ex-Catholic).

When I set out to put a playlist together, my first priority is getting the cadence progression right, but there is a secondary consideration when I'm choosing songs.  It's not something I shoot for with every song, but I do try to incorporate a few songs that "speak to me"... if you know what I mean.

Here's a quick run-down of some of the songs in my current playlist rotation that elicit an emotional response from me... sometimes motivating, sometimes reflective, but always something that helps strengthen my resolve with every listen:

Magic by Olivia Newton-John (speed: 1.8). Yes, it's cheesy 80s and Xanadu is by no means tops on my list of favorite movies, but if you think about the song being sung to you by the slimmer, healthier you that's been waiting for their turn to shine, it works.

Safe and Sound by Sheryl Crow (speed: 2.2).  This one makes me think of my mom... she passed away 2 years ago at age 72 following cancer, a stroke, a heart attack and cancer again.  She was morbidly obese for as long as I can remember.

Ordinary World by Duran Duran (speed: 2.3).  Although this one is pretty obviously about learning how to pick the pieces after a break up, I'm able to repurpose it for my own needs..."But I won't cry for yesterday, there's an ordinary world somehow I have to find... and as I try to make my way to the ordinary world, I will learn to survive".

The Cave by Mumford & Sons (speed: 2.3).  I don't know what the original inspiration for this song was, but I have to think it was some sort of self-defeating, life-limiting affliction because the metaphors certainly lend themselves well to thinking of it in terms of battling obesity... for me, "the cave" = surgery.

Run by Snow Patrol (speed: 2.5).  Another one that reminds me of my mom, especially now that she's gone: "Light up, light up... as if you have a choice... even if you can not hear my voice, I'll be right beside you, dear".

In the Waiting Line by Zero 7 (speed: 2.6).  Not so much the lyrics with this one, but the groove... I'm totally going to seduce my husband with this song playing in the background as soon as I feel confident enough to rock some lingerie ;}.

The Resolution by Jack's Mannequin (speed: 3.2).  Another post-break up song, but it works for battling your demons too.

I'm sure there are more songs like this in my collection, these are just the ones that fit into the cadence I'm working with right now, so I thought I'd share.

So... what songs get you going?

(Oh, and if you didn't recognize it... the post title is a nod to lyrics in Terrapin Station by the Grateful Dead)

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