That’s The Power of Love, I Mean Music!

In my world, music isn’t just sound – it’s a powerful form of love and empowerment!

Music is an essential, transformative force in our lives, and it’s particularly empowering for women – both personally and collectively.

Music isn’t just a soundtrack for life. It’s a tool for healing, for empowerment, and for claiming your power back. It moves us in ways words can’t.

In a way, our lives resemble a musical soundtrack.

Here are some ways music has been a significant part of my soundtrack:

Music to Work Through Grief

When my Dad died over 20 years ago at the young age of 58, my brain shut off joy. I couldn’t find pleasure in the things I usually turned to – music being one of the biggest. I felt guilty that he couldn’t be here experiencing life to the fullest like he always did, so I somehow refused to allow myself to do one of the things I appreciated and adored most about him. I realized later this was part of my grieving process, but at the time, I just felt numb. It was a good six months before I finally took a lesson from what I had experienced from his early death; I had better fully absorb these things that brought me so much meaning while I had the chance. That’s when I was able to wholly embrace music again, and with it this time was an even more profound respect and vigor for it.

Music as an Empowerment Tool

When I was growing up, I had a strong sense that women were treated as less than. I could see it in society and in the way we spoke to ourselves. I always felt so frustrated by this and could never understand why we constantly accepted it.

At that time, I was inspired by a powerful force of women in music who sparked my sense of empowerment. Artists like Joan Jett, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Heart, Pat Benatar, Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, Chaka Khan, and Aretha Franklin were influential figures for me. As I embark on my mission to ignite that same spark of strength in other women, I use music to inspire both myself and others to embrace their voices and step confidently into their power.

For example, before my Zoom women’s empowerment book club, I like to play songs like “I’m Every Woman” or “I Will Survive” to energize everyone and get us ready to share our stories and explore empowerment topics. Playing these songs is not just about the music; it serves as a reminder of the sisterhood and collective strength we are building together. Every beat brings us closer to breaking through barriers.

When I am developing my local women’s empowerment group, I turn to songs like “Self Love” by Call Me Loop, “Confident” by Demi Lovato, “Woman Up” by Meghan Trainor, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga, “Til I’m Done” by Paloma Faith, and “About Damn Time” by Lizzo. These songs remind me of my mission to help women work together to find their voices and claim their space. They serve as reminders that many women have defied the odds to break barriers and have learned to accept themselves fully just as they are. These tracks are anthems and personal reminders that we already possess everything we need within ourselves to achieve the same.

Which songs inspire your sense of empowerment? Which tracks lift your spirits and encourage you to stand tall, confidently expressing your voice?

Music As a Path to Creativity

Music serves as a powerful pathway to enhance creativity. It inspires individuals by unlocking their imagination and fostering innovative thinking. Through listening, playing, and composing music, people can explore new ideas and express themselves in unique ways. Engaging with music not only stimulates the mind but also encourages emotional connections, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us.

The soundtrack that kept me engaged while writing my book featured one of my favorite funk and jazz bands, Down to the Bone, on repeat. Their music allowed me to tune out the world without drawing too much of my attention, helping me reach a flow state for hours as I focused entirely on the page in front of me. Down to the Bone provided more than just a mellow vibe during my creative process; the band helped me navigate moments of doubt and imposter syndrome, inviting me to fully immerse myself in the experiences of creativity and flow. It was a monumental undertaking!

I have a deep love for jazz due to its freeform style. It puts me in a relaxed, present moment, which helps to enhance my creativity and flow. I can't listen to any music while I’m reading, as it tends to be just distracting enough to interrupt my focus. However, there’s something special about jazz – artists like Mingus, Monk, Duke Ellington, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, and Down to the Bone – that makes it easier for me to concentrate.

The Power of Music for Self-Care

Music can serve as the perfect soundtrack for our health and wellness journeys.

It sustains me whenever I’m moving around. I often put my iPhone on shuffle while I clean the house, which leads me to reminisce or laugh about memories triggered by the songs. This music always makes the task of cleaning feel less daunting. I also bring headphones and listen to random songs while shopping at the farmers' market every week. Although I don't particularly enjoy shopping, having music makes my weekly trip more enjoyable.

When I’m cycling on my NordicTrack, I have a workout playlist that many of my other genres would find cringeworthy (a lot of pop), but when zoning out and focusing solely on my breathing, these songs pump me up and give me the stamina I need to keep going. On many occasions, I’ve wanted to slow down, and then the right song comes on, and my legs instantly pick up the pace without my brain stepping in to question how much longer I can keep going. Unbeknownst to my brain, my legs have all of a sudden picked up the groove and have a mind of their own. My breathing adjusts automatically, and we’re off to the races. I’m being carried by something outside of myself and not by my tired legs and lungs. Songs like Jason Mraz’s “I Feel Like Dancing,” “A-Yo,” Applause,” “The Fame,” “Abracadabra,” or “Shadow of a Man” (which has become a new favorite) by Lady Gaga, or Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” have this effect on me. When one of these tracks plays, I forget I’m even on a bike. The rhythm takes over, and suddenly, I’m not just working out – I’m dancing on the bike, pushing harder, feeling unstoppable. The right music can make even the most challenging work feel like play.

I’ve even created music in my head when I needed an energy boost during a workout. I’ve mentioned this before, but there’s a long, challenging hill at the end of one of our regular bike rides. One day, I ran out of gears, and suddenly, I turned to my husband and started singing “No More Gears,” inspired by Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears.” We both had such a good laugh that now, every time I start climbing that hill, I sing “No More Gears” to motivate myself. It makes me smile and laugh, and before I know it, the mountain is in my rearview mirror.

Music doesn’t just pump you up for cycling; it can also regulate your stress levels and help you recover faster. Through its beats, it helps regulate breathing during exercise or even lowers blood pressure in moments of relaxation.

In the gym, I need my first love, hard-core classic rock, when I’m powerlifting. AC/DC is my favorite band, of course. Other artists such as Def Leppard, The Who, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, and The Scorpions all inspire my strength and power mindset. When “Join Together” or “The Seeker” by The Who plays, I feel revved up, and my energy flows into the barbell.

If I'm feeling contemplative and looking for simple self-care, I might let Peter Gabriel, George Benson, or Sade serenade me while I replace a meal with a walk.

How can music be integrated into your self-care journey? In what ways can it enhance body movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management, recovery, and mindset shifts?

Music for Memories

Rock concerts are some of my fondest memories, not only for the experience and music but also for the connection to the person I’m with.

My husband and I have shared many joyful moments at live shows (with AC/DC being a recent favorite), which helps strengthen our connection. Going to rock concerts is a favorite activity of my best friend and me, and we try to attend as often as possible. We've experienced some exciting performances together, and each one has contributed to the growth of our beautiful friendship over the years. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Metallica with both my husband and my best friend. Talk about a memorable experience!

I rarely focus too intentionally on my past, but sometimes, it's fun to be transported to a simpler time. Perhaps when Duran Duran and Depeche Mode were playing at a high school dance, and I was crushing on the boys. Or when my dad took me and four of my girlfriends to my first major concert – The Victory Tour with Michael Jackson and his brothers at Fulton County stadium when I was 13 years old. Or when I would play Thriller over and over while sitting on my bedroom floor, surrounded by Michael Jackson posters on my walls. Or sitting in the second row for Eric Clapton at the Carrier Dome when I was at Syracuse University. I was so close at that show that to this day, I can still remember the smell of the cigarette wafting up from his guitar as he sang, strummed, and smoked at the same time.

Whenever I hear songs by Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, or Blood Sweat and Tears, I’m instantly transported back to my pre-teen years when my dad would play their songs on his reel-to-reel player, and we’d dance and sing in the living room. Dad was also a massive fan of classic rock. Looking through his collection of 45s takes me back to a wonderful time when The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin, and my hippie dad and his long red beard ruled my world.

One of my favorite college courses was "The Nine Symphonies of Beethoven." The professor was super engaging - a dryly hilarious older man who was only a few years older then than I am now. Ouch! I grew up playing piano (and listening to both my parents play, too), which fueled my love for classical music. Both my mom and dad adored this genre, so I developed a deep appreciation for it as well. Classical music often filled our home. Every Saturday morning, when cartoons came on, my dad would turn the volume to zero and play classical music in the background. While many classical pieces were featured in those cartoons, we preferred having our music playing constantly. Listening to classical music now brings back memories of simpler, joyful times when looking forward to Saturday morning cartoons was the highlight of my week rather than the responsibilities of adult life, like paying bills and cleaning the house.

Music as Therapy

Music has the power to heal. Shortly after my grandfather passed away, my dad and I were sitting in his car at the Corky’s BBQ drive-thru when Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” began playing on the radio. In an instant, my dad went from having a tear rolling down his face to singing at the top of his lungs and gesticulating wildly. We both experienced a release from the heaviness of our emotions. Whenever I hear that piece, it brings back that memory, and I can’t help but smile and sing until I’m hoarse. Now, whenever I want to feel connected to my Dad, I can play that song to evoke that healing memory.

Music can feel like a great friend. Depending on the support I need, I can always call her up by finding the perfect song. When I need a hug, "Ordinary Love" by U2 or “The Windmills of Your Mind” by Sting does the trick by wrapping me up in a warm, lyrical embrace. When I need to feel heard, the poignant lyrics of Carole King or James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend” (another of my Dad’s favorite artists) remind me that all I have to do is call on my musical friend. For a straightforward mood boost, nothing lifts my spirits better than Pharrell’s “Happy” or Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”

Music connects us to our emotions in ways other art forms cannot. It is visceral, requires presence, and helps us recognize feelings we might otherwise overlook.

Music for Entertaining (Or Setting a Tone)

Whenever my husband and I host gatherings, which typically include a large group for our annual Fourth of July party and a medium-sized group for Thanksgiving, I always play jazz music. I find it comforting, playful, joyful, and relaxing, providing the perfect low-key background noise to create the atmosphere I want for my guests.

If I invite a friend for dinner, I might create a playlist or choose a genre we both enjoy to spark memories for discussion.

You might see through these examples how music can be a thread you use to weave your life experiences together constantly.

Reflecting on your personal experiences, how has music influenced your development? In what ways can you continue to utilize music as a consistent source of empowerment?

Musical Action Items

There are endless ways you can use music as a force to transform your life.

* To sit with and work through grief *

Managing emotions such as grief can be tricky. At times, I need complete silence to hear and process my thoughts. Other times I find comfort in melancholy melodies. When I'm feeling rage, I turn to songs that allow me to express that anger in a safe environment. Acceptance brings yet another phase where I seek calmer, more soothing music.

What songs do you turn to when you're feeling down?

* To create a mood *

If you want to evoke a specific emotion, choose a song or playlist that can help create that feeling.

I often curate my music intentionally to produce certain moods. For instance, when I want to lift my spirits and pull myself out of a funk (which is entirely acceptable to experience), I select a playlist that can elevate my mood. This often leads to me singing along - though usually by myself - because it's hard to sing and think at the same time. Conversely, if I choose to embrace my funk, I might opt for songs that evoke sadness or that make me cry.

Are you preparing to go out with friends or getting ready for a workout and looking to encourage an energetic atmosphere? Consider what music can get your blood pumping.

Many of my women’s empowerment songs are also the ones I listen to while cycling. This may be because when my heart rate rises, I feel the most energized.

* To boost creativity *

When working on a creative project, think about what music could help you enter a flow state. This might require some experimentation to find what works best for you.

* To get your body moving *

What songs inspire you to move or help you stay active?

When I'm not on the bike or in the gym, I LOVE doing dance cardio videos. Sometimes, I follow along with the music in the video, while other times, I turn down the volume and dance to my own energetic beats. For those 30 to 60 minutes, I am focused entirely on the dance moves and the music, freeing my mind from distractions.

* To reflect or get lost in thought *

I know many people who swear by meditation, but I’m not much of a meditator. However, I often rely on music to help me escape my own thoughts. Depending on my needs, songs can either help me focus or allow me to zone out completely.

What songs or genres of music do you use to help you unwind? Which ones inspire deep thinking?

* To feel empowered *

Empowerment can look different for everyone, but my favorite definition comes from Google, which describes it as "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights."

I've previously mentioned several songs that inspire a sense of empowerment and help instill confidence in me, although I acknowledge that I will always be a work in progress.

What songs make you feel like you already possess everything you need within you to take control of your life and assert your rights?

In a Nod to the Doors, this is "The End." But for us, it's just the beginning.

How does music impact your life? In what playful, creative, fun, or inspiring ways could you incorporate more music? What are some playlists you could create for different areas of your life based on your activities or emotions? We would love for you to share your ideas with us, as there’s always room for more music in our lives! If you're feeling adventurous, consider creating a playlist of songs that empower you and share it with our community.

All of this is to say that the power of music can’t be denied, and it absolutely shouldn’t!