A Musical Inspiration

Sports is a passion of mine, but if I had to choose something else, it would be music.  I do not go a day without listening to music.  If you listen to the lyrics to songs, actually listen, they tell a story and can speak to your heart.  I was inspired by both of my grandmothers to play the piano, I taught myself how to play and would play from the time I got to one of their houses until the time I left.  I also played the Violin when in middle and high school. There is something about music that interests me.

Music is definitely a motivation of mine, I listen to different genres when I'm in different moods.  But probably 99 percent of the time I listen to country music.  I do not go to one specific genre to motivate me, it depends on what type of motivation I am looking for.  If I am at the gym and running I will listen to pop and hip-hop or hairbands to get me going, but if I am weight training I listen to rap.  If I am struggling during a run or workout I usually turn to the song "Till I Collapse" by Eminem.  The words are powerful and extremely motivating.  When I am doing homework I will typically be listening to country music, as I am doing right now. If I am studying for an exam/finals and need to really focus I will use Spotify and listen to classical piano music.  I find that if I listen to the piano it helps me focus, I especially love the song "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, I sometimes play it over and over.  

I think there are so many things music can say about a person that it is hard to narrow it down to just one thing.  It varies from person to person, I listen to music because I enjoy it, I can relate to it and have been involved with it my entire life.  My little sister, however, typically uses music to relate with her friends and give them a commonality and something they can all enjoy together.  I embrace life with passion, drive and just happiness. Country music has all of these elements in their songs.  I feel like I can relate to just about any country song, it may not be the entire song, but there are parts in every song that I could. 

My List:

1.  I Will Never Forget You -- Danielle Bradbery (While in college, I have lost my great uncle and my grandma, who were brother and sister, who were also my idols, inspirations and heroes.  This song truly speaks to my heart, I will always miss them, but I know they are watching over me and they are a reason I push myself each day. I strive to be as excellent and successful of a person my great uncle was.)
2. Canon in D -- Pachelbel (This will always be my favorite classical song, the rhythm, sounds, chords and just the song in general calms me down and I find peace when listening or playing it.)
3.  Jump Around -- House of Pain (Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin home of the Badgers should be enough of an explanation for why I chose this song. It gets me in a great mood and anytime it comes on I have to listen to the whole thing and sing it, of course.  It reminds me of why I'm going into Sports Media, as a long time tradition of UW it will constantly be a reminder of something I remember jumping around to since I was a little girl.  Wisconsin Football is my absolute favorite and I can remember all summer when I would go to Camp Randall for interviews, I could imagine looking into the student section and hear the song in my head.) 
4.  Carry On Wayward Son -- Kansas (This song has a lot of meaning to me and family.  The day my dad's father passed away, he was listening to this song on the way to the hospital, my dad was only 18 years old. It's a constant reminder that everything is going to be alright. If you listen to the words.  In the media world, if you listen to the words, you hear how hectic of a life you can have with constant news, the stress and time it takes out of your life, but if you stick with it, everything will be alright.  I set a course for winds of fortune" is one of my favorite lyrics from the song, you're setting yourself up for your life, and I know the way I set myself up that I will succeed.  
5. Life Goes On -- LeAnn Rimes (The title says it all, in everything that happens, life goes on.  You have a bad day, the next day will always be better, life has its challenges, but you learn to life through them.  The tough times you endure only make you stronger. LeAnn Rimes has been my favorite artist since I was a little girl, I would sing and dance to her songs constantly. She is a country singer I can relate to in multiple ways.)