I’ve completely stopped listening to music. I honestly don’t know how it happened. Music was an integral part of my life for most of my life. I played instruments, danced, and a surprise to many, even sang in a gospel choir. I’ve even got a treble clef and bass clef tattooed on my foot. Actually, I met my husband through music (he’s a drummer). And yet, I can’t remember the last full album I’ve listened to. I couldn’t tell you my favorite song. Open my Spotify – it’s depressingly void of anything related to music.
Part of this entire journey is all about rediscovering what brings me joy, peace, and fulfillment. It’s like I’ve completely forgotten how to function outside being a mom, a manager, and an employee. Even those functions were questionable some days. My days focused on achievement and execution – what will make me most productive? What can I learn today? How can I be most efficient? On the drive to daycare – time to catch up on NPR to be a well-informed member of society. On a better day, I might actually make a phone call to a loved one or friend. Rare quiet time from children in the isolation chamber also known as a shower? Podcast. Cooking dinner? News or binge watching the same show for the 56th time. West Wing, Gilmore Girls, or Madam Secretary (obviously).
Now, there’s nothing wrong with podcasts, phone calls, news broadcasts, audiobooks, or TV. But, you’ve already put together what’s missing. Music.
My boys are enamored with music. Beckett will stop and listen to every street performer (which turns out in Barcelona, there’s a lot!). Even at six months, Camden’s mood noticeably shifts when he hears music of any kind, particularly when jamming with auntie to her dance music jams. For them, music is a source of play, wonder, calming, movement. When did it stop being all those moments for me?
Well, I’m here to dust them off and put those records on again.
I’m rebuilding my playlist – comment with your favorite songs and artists!
If you’re new to the blog, welcome! Start here to learn about why my husband and I decided to quit our jobs in tech and move across the world to Portugal. You can also follow on Instagram!
