Back in audio cassette days, I used to make mix tapes to play in the car while driving to help get myself in a better frame of mind.
Then in CD days, I did the same.
Now in MP3 and streaming days, I continue to do so.
It’s sad how our human minds are often drawn to melancholy thoughts much like smaller objects are tugged inexorably by gravity toward more massive bodies — unless enough positive energy is applied to push against this natural tendency.
Recently, I made various playlists for a niece fighting cancer. As I wrote to her, “GIGO = Garbage In, Garbage Out AND Good (stuff) In, Good (stuff) Out.”
I have always found that filling my ears, eyes, and mind with Good Stuff helps make life a bit more bearable. Even in the sad times.
And so, when the time came when my wonderful niece, Stephanie, passed away, I needed Good Stuff more than ever.
I find these songs help me face this life with a smile even when my heart’s golden mending (Japanese: kintsugi) begins to show wear in the seams of the old cracks or portents of new breaks.
Here’s the link to my Spotify Smile Even Though… Playlist. Or just hit the play button on the embedded playlist below.
If these songs don’t “do it” for you, make your own playlist that does. And listen to it. Often. Do your best not to suffer any more than you must. Your life here on Earth may not be Heaven but it also need not be Purgatory or Hell.
Try to smile — even though…