Life Theme Song
Many of us were first introduced to personal “theme songs” in the show Ally McBeal back in 1998. Ally’s therapist, played by Tracey Ullman, suggests that she pick a theme song, something that she can hear in her head to cheer her up and lift her mood. Ally chooses the song “Tell Him” by the Exciters, and practices hearing it when she is feeling down. While this may seem like a silly concept, it makes sense and is something we should all practice. Studies have shown that music has positive effects on mood, such as calming nerves and boosting moods. Music is also a great way to distract the mind from thoughts that would otherwise be unpleasant for us.
Having a song that is special to each of us can be even more beneficial, because it is a song that will play only for us and hold special meaning in our own hearts. When you are feeling blue or somewhat beat down, you close your eyes, hear the beat of your song, sway your hips and feel the music. Personally, I often wish I lived in a musical, like Grease or Carousel, where it is perfectly acceptable to burst out into song whenever I felt it necessary. Every once and a while I will even do this, even in a grocery store or the mall; sometimes I do it just to embarrass my teenage daughter, but most of the time I do it because it just feels good! Who needs a dance floor on a Saturday night, or the confines of my own home to feel secure enough to let loose and sing a tune out loud. Often times, I get strange glances and snickers aimed my direction, but sometimes I see people bopping along with me, and that makes me smile.
If music makes us feel good, why not embrace it? Pick a theme song, learn it and then live it. Find a song that lifts your mood; something that you enjoy and gets you to bop your head or swing your hips a little. Once you have picked out your song listen to it often so you learn it inside and out. Then practice hearing it without playing the actual song; close your eyes, imagine the beat, hear the lyrics and feel that song move you. Having a song just for you is sure to give you that extra bounce in your step! It may seem a little quirky; but, hey, since when is being plain fun?
