Music

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

 ~ Red Auerbach

I've been reminded recently of the power music has in my life. I've always loved music (seriously, who doesn't?) and have used it many times in my life to influence my mood. It can get you excited, like when you are at a hockey match and they play "We Will Rock You" by Queen over the loudspeakers. It can make you weep like whenever I hear "Where've You Been" by Kathy Mattea. Music can change my mood in an instant and this has been a blessing lately.

I'm grateful for the power of music to sooth and calm my soul. A few weeks ago I found myself at work and (as is all too typical lately) getting worked up over something my boss was saying. I always have my iPod with me and as I scanned through the song listing looking for something to help me control my emotions I came across a Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD called "Peace Like a River" and decided that since the word "peace" was in the title, it might fit the bill for what I was in need of right at that moment. I'm amazed how within seconds of the first song starting I felt myself relaxing and all the agitated feelings evaporating. Peace flowed through my entire body. My shoulders relaxed and the tears welling up in my eyes went away. As the words and music washed over me I felt as though I were a rock in a river having my rough edges softened by the flow of voices in harmony.

What a blessing that CD was to me at that moment!

Although I've grown up hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I don't think I've ever appreciated them until this experience. I realized I only had 2 CDs so that following weekend, I made a special trip to the LDS bookstore to stock up on some more music. I've been starting most mornings at work listening to them. It has been a great way to start off the day and the influence of that soothing music lasts throughout the day.

The power of music to integrate and cure... is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest nonchemical medication. 

- Oliver Sacks

What music do you find soothing or helpful in times of distress? I'd like to know!

Count Your Many Blessings

Lately I've been feeling quite down. Life has not turned out as I'd hoped and I've been mopey about it. In February 2009 I was laid-off from a job that I loved (I knew I loved it, but had no idea just how much I loved it until I didn't have it anymore). I went through months of searching for another technical writing position to no avail. There just weren't many out there to even send my resume into for consideration. Although I had bouts of worry and depression during those months, I was still able to remain pretty upbeat and hopeful. I volunteered at the elementary school where my sister is a librarian (both in the library and in a kindergarten class) and loved it!

In October 2009 I was offered and accepted a job as an Operations Specialist (whatever that means). It was for a lot less money and for a company that consisted of 5 people (I made it 6). The early days were pretty good. It was all new and challenging. We had a huge project that kept us very busy. I had stressful days, but those were mostly related to my inexperience, or so I thought. As the months have progressed, I've come to find that I really don't like this job. It has become worse and worse and I'm now at the point where I spend many days driving home in tears. I could go on with all my reasons for not being happy there, but this isn't really the point of my post. The point is that I've been trying all kinds of things to draw me out of this funk I'm in. I've been praying more than usual and it really does help. I've also been thinking of church songs to try and lift my spirits. One song in particular has helped quite a bit...

"Count Your Blessings" is a gospel song written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. (words) and E.O. Excell (music). It is a song I've known since childhood and although it never resonated with me before, it did this week. I know that even though my life may not be what I'd hoped, I have many things to be grateful for. I need to concentrate on that fact.

I've been wanting to start a blog for over a year now. I miss writing. I miss expressing thoughts and ideas with the written word. So, I thought I'd start a gratitude blog. As often as I can, I'll talk about something I'm grateful for. I'm hoping reminding myself of all the many wonderful things I have will help me to regain some of the joy of life. While doing this, I hope you'll join me in thinking about the things you are grateful for in your life.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings,
name them one by one, Count your blessings,
see what God hath done! Count your blessings,
name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings.
Wealth can never buy your reward in heaven,
nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain