Life is busy. These days it seems we are all on the run to jobs, to school, to family events, to work events, to the airport, from the airport! It can be hard to take a second and slow down, particularly if we always have things to check off on our list. The thing we should be checking in with though, is stress. If things go on for too long, or suddenly build up, we can quickly and easily find ourselves in stressful situations. We need to find the time to care for ourselves and de-stress. “Compassion for ourselves means compassion for others.” – Brené Brown.
So even if you are strapped for time each day, when you feel those heat levels rising inside you, take a crack at one of the suggestions below and see if it doesn’t improve your day.
10 Quick Stress Busters
1. Negative Ions
Ions are molecules that seep into your blood stream and help create serotonin. The ions gain electrical charge from nature (negative ions, as opposed to flat charged ions, registered as positive). This is why we feel so amazing when we get a breathe of fresh air, or walk by a lake or the ocean. Get outside. Sometimes in order to get positive you need to find the negatives!
2. Quick sprint
Get your endorphins going. If all you have is five minutes, jog around the block. It will release the negative or anxious energy that has been building up inside your body.
3. Kiss
Studies have shown that a lot of good feelings are released through human contact – particularly a good kiss. If you can get a quick hug and cheek kiss from a friend, great; If you can find someone to have a pash with, even better. The “love” hormone oxytocin can dramatically reduce stress levels when released through kissing. Love is the answer.
4. Tidy
Clean up. Tidy. An organized space means an organized mind. If there is clutter or anything dirty surrounding your day it can mean added and unnecessary anxiety. Cleaning is the easiest stress buster there is. You can do a lot or a little. It’s in your hands.
5. Scream
This might seem crazy but to let your frustration out with a good old scream can be just the ticket. Being in close proximity to others we are often kept at a relatively inoffensive level of noise. So if you can’t let out a blood-curdler without alerting the police, find somewhere underwater. Go for a quick dip in the pool, or the beach, or even just dunk your head in a sink of water. No one will hear you!
6. Sing
Bust out a tune! Like screaming, singing is a total release. It is much more emotionally rewarding than people realise. Forget anyone is around and just sing your heart out, wherever you are.
7. Act the opposite
If you are stressed to the point where you are having negative emotions, hard as it might seem, try to do the opposite of what you are feeling. Feel like kicking and screaming? Breathe, shake hands, and smile. Feel like yelling at your kids? Take a breath and then talk to them warmly. The more you practice this the easier it will become. It will also bring your stress levels down, and you will feel proud of yourself.
8. Step back
Just literally take a step back. Step out. Step off. Step anywhere but toward the situation that is fuelling your stress. Take five. Remember your purpose. And try again.
9. Say “Stop” to your emotions
Our thoughts can take us on a spiral train to crazy town. They move like lightning, and we often arrive somewhere miserable before we know it. When you feel this happening, when you realize your thoughts are swirling dangerously, put your hand up and literally just say “STOP”. It will jolt the process and give you time to reassess. The train will stop in its tracks.
10. Chill out
Literally chill out. If your temperature levels are rising and you are feeling the burn of stress, step into a freezer or fridge for five minutes and take some deep breaths. If you don’t have one large enough, a cold shower will suffice. Just don’t stay in too long — you wanna be cool, but not icy!
Children are very malleable. As a parent, this is both exciting and intimidating. The good news is that you can point them in a positive and stable direction by teaching them educational lessons at an early age. And what better time to teach them than this summer?
5 Educational Experiences Your Kids Need This Summer
In the summer, kids are out of school and have plenty of free time. They can either waste this free time with mind-numbing video games or take full advantage of it by learning new things. As a parent, you’re a key facilitator in making the latter happen.
Every child should learn to explore different sports at a young age. You shouldn’t force a child to like a certain sport, or even stress over whether or not they’re good at it, but you should expose them to sports. There’s something very educational about learning the rules of competition, being part of a team, and coming to terms with your competitive spirit. Soccer is a popular sport for young kids, but don’t forget about baseball and basketball.
Is there anything better than being out on the water? Well, maybe water skiing behind the boat. The thing about water skiing (and other water sports) is that it’s best learned at an early age. If you teach kids how to waterski when they’re young, it’ll become second nature to them. However, if you wait until they’re grown up, they may find it challenging. There’s no better time than summer!
Have you ever taken your kids camping? Camping is very educational for kids, and most of the time they love it. There’s just something about spending time outside, cooking dinner over a campfire, and sleeping under the stars that ignites a child’s imagination. Not to mention that they’ll learn a ton of valuable life lessons from camping trips. Start with a brief one-night trip in a commercial campground. If they enjoy that, you can move on to longer trips in the future.
Kids like to build things with their hands. However, if we’re honest, most of the stuff they make at school comes with a one-way ticket to the trash. Not that painted handprints on construction paper aren’t great, but kids need to understand the value in building something slightly more permanent. A tree house is a great option, because it takes time to build and can be enjoyed for years.
How nice would it be if you could cross tasks like taking out the trash and unloading the dishwasher off your list? Well, if you have children who are six, seven, or eight-plus, they’re very capable of learning simple chores. Let them know that they’re a big kid now and that big kids do big chores. This will make them much more appealing. You should also try tying rewards to chores in the beginning to reinforce the idea that they matter.
Make it a Summer to Remember
As a parent, there can be a lot of pressure to fill your child’s time with fun and exciting things. And while fun and exciting should certainly be at the top of the list, don’t underestimate the importance of educational. When you look at things like waterskiing, camping, and building a tree house, there’s a pretty large intersection between fun and informative–things that your kids will love while not making you feel guilty for wasting their summer. Keep these suggestions in mind and make this summer one to remember!
At the onset of the Internet age, we were led to believe that the more information you have, the better off you are. No data is bad data and all data is useful. But then came social media.
Social media was supposed to be a great equalizing tool. It was a way to share your opinions with friends and strangers. More importantly, it was a way for people to come together to celebrate their achievements or protest their disappointments. It gave a voice to everyone.
But social media has an infamous dark side and the more people share, the more serious this side becomes. As it turns out, living your life online has serious consequences for your self-esteem, your relationships, and your career prospects.
Here are five ways that social media can destroy you.
1. Oversharing
People who posted three million updates a day used to be funny.
But oversharing does not look the same as it used to because we’re not talking about gratuitous pictures of brunch anymore. Oversharing has people fighting about highly personal matters in the public sphere. They share their personal identification details online. All that is just what they share publicly, never mind private messages.
Oversharing will get you into huge trouble. It’s like airing your dirty laundry to your friends, your family, your co-workers, and the guy you met at the Shell station. Oh and then there’s all your friends’ friends, family co-workers and the weird people they meet buying a Snickers.
2. Sharing the Wrong Things
Social media was fine and good when you accessed it from your computer.
Back in the day, posting on social media looked like this: think of something funny. Make a mental note to put it on Facebook later. Log on to Facebook. Reconsider whether you’re as funny as you think you are. Post status/log off. Repeat.
Now, even your dog can Tweet with his Apple watch while you’re sitting in traffic. You’re losing three steps out of that process. Today, it looks more like: think of something funny. Post status. Repeat.
What you’re missing is that valuable time between making a joke and posting it online. That time is important because it gives you the space to figure out whether you’re hilarious or just kind of a jerk. Having that time prevents you from making a joke about the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Ultimately it stops you from being ridiculed and threatened by people you’ve never met.
3. Facebook Addiction
Facebook addiction was another hilarious joke until it became a serious problem. Now, even people who hate Facebook have a small subconscious need to get validation with likes.
Facebook addiction is real and it is dangerous. Not only does it prevent you from living in the present, it can also leave you with crippling anxiety and insecurities. But few people talk about the real danger of social media addictions.
Facebook addictions make you boring IRL. Nobody wants to hear about what he said on Facebook, what she said on Facebook or what you said on Facebook. If they wanted to know, they would have already seen it, liked it, and moved on.
4. Becoming Internet Famous
The Instagram models will tell you that there’s nothing better than being Internet famous. It drives traffic to their websites and many have become millionaires from their bedrooms. But that’s not entirely true. Its fine for some but in most cases, it means having every shred of privacy ripped from you before you’ve even realized what’s happening.
Sometimes you’re made Internet famous because you over shared or posted the wrong thing. But sometimes, somebody just decides to make you their victim, maliciously or not. All it takes is one post, one tweet or one picture. All of a sudden, you’ll have hundreds of thousands of adoring fans and the media at your door step.
But in all seriousness, you need to watch what you post because you’re only one silly picture away from becoming the next Ermahgerd girl.
5. Nothing Is Private
The real danger of social media is not that you might say the wrong thing to the wrong person. The real danger is the fact that one determined person with nothing else to do can find your name, your phone number, your address, your parents’ address, your third-cousin’s Twitter, your boss, your co-worker, your ex-lover, the ex-lover you briefly forgot about and use all this information to systematically tear your life apart piece by piece.
But why would someone go through so much trouble to do that? Because it was probably not that hard. There’s a good chance your own web presence coupled with some inventive searches led them straight down the trail to destroying your social life, your relationships and your career all in one fell swoop.
Social media can build you up. But the way it is used today can also tear you down. Keep this in mind the next time you post anything other than a funny cat video.
Buying a new home is one of the most daunting experiences; yet it is one of the biggest milestones in life. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by this huge life decision and substantial financial investment. It is a significant commitment and requires careful planning and cautious choices. Planning is vital to the process, and while it will help you set your boundaries, it will also show you where you need to be flexible as you wade through the market.
Once you have made up your mind about the boxes that a potential property needs to tick, you can determine on which matters you are willing to be more flexible, and narrow down your options. If you do your homework, you can avoid the pitfalls and empower yourself for a successful and prosperous purchase.
1. Price
Your new property is going to have to fit into your budget. This is probably the most important thing to consider when buying a new home. How much are you willing and able to spend? What is your absolute ceiling?
Don’t waste your time looking at properties that you can’t afford because realistically you won’t be able to compete with other buyers and will leave yourself short, considering all the other expenses you need to cover including lawyers and realtors’ fees, repayments, rates, strata, living expenses, bills, and ongoing costs. You need to take into consideration if you will have funds leftover for possible renovations, furnishings and other improvements.
You also need to factor in the cost of moving including movers, packing, and cleaning, storage, redirecting mail and rubbish removal. If you are borrowing from a lending institution, you need to make sure you are covered if interest rates increase unexpectedly.
2. Location
You need to decide where you want to live. It sounds easy enough, but there are a number of things to consider. You may want to ensure that you live close to where you work, where your children will go to school, where your family and friends reside, and where you go for shopping and leisure.
You may not decide to live in the same suburb as these needs, but then you should consider your travel and commuting to places that your life revolves around. Location is extremely important, as it will determine your quality of life for possibly years to come. You should consider if the area is familiar to you or if you will embark on a whole new lifestyle. When looking at properties in the area of your choice, consider the neighborhood carefully. You may want to introduce yourself to the neighbors or just observe the comings and goings of the street.
Think about the property’s proximity to main roads and be aware of the flow of traffic. Take stock of the surrounding area and the possibility of noise and activity. Are there stadiums or public arenas nearby? Or perhaps busy pubs and clubs? Is public transport readily available and is the town under any flight paths?
You may be looking for a vibrant and fast-paced environment or a quiet and secluded lifestyle. Whatever your preference, make sure that the dwellings you look at meet your needs.
3. Size
When buying a new home, you need to think about the size of the dwelling you require. How many bedrooms are you after? Do you need a big kitchen and bathroom(s)? What about living areas? Are you the kind of person who likes to entertain, or do you prefer to eat out?
Do you need a yard or balcony and are you prepared to put in the maintenance required should you have a large outdoor space? Are you considering a swimming pool or perhaps you require storage and a garage? Is there room to renovate and do you need approval?
You may look for a dwelling that has the potential for a granny flat, extra bedrooms or living areas and can you expand the kitchen or bathrooms later on? These are all very important questions and rely on you having the capacity to think a little bit ahead.
A new property needn’t have everything you need immediately if you can see potential to invest in expanding it later on, and the property can accommodate that. The size of a dwelling also largely depends on how many people are going to reside there.
Are you single? A couple? Do you have children or pets? Will you want to accommodate extended family or friends? Do you want the potential to house boarders and earn an income? Do you need room for many belongings or are you a minimalist?
4. Upsizing or downsizing
Buying a new home often means you are needing more or less space. Whether you are moving in order to expand or to reduce your living space, you need to consider if you have to get rid of things or buy more. Both scenarios require planning and foresight in order to make the transition as seamless and stress free as possible. Are you living with more people, expanding your family, or will you need room for guests? Or are you going it alone?
5. Timing
Timing is everything when you are buying a new home. You need to figure out how much time you have to complete the process and whether or not you are on a time restriction or not. You may be selling and buying simultaneously or ending a lease, in which case you need to ensure that exchanging the keys for both your old and new home happen around the same time.
Financially when you are buying and selling at the same time, you need to consider whether or not you need a bridging loan, which will cover you if you purchase a new dwelling and need more time to sell the old property. It’s all a negotiation between yourself and the other parties involved and communication is imperative. Reading the fine print of any agreement or contract is also vital and it’s helpful to have excellent and experienced legal representation to assist and advise you.
6. Viewing
One of the most tiresome activities that you must endure when buying a new home is going along to open houses to view properties that are for sale. However it doesn’t have to be something you suffer through. It can actually be pretty exciting and enjoyable. You have to narrow down the properties that fit the majority of your requirements and remind yourself that it is impossible to see everything.
If there are clashes with scheduled viewings of properties that you are keen to see, you just need to prioritize and see the most suitable first. Properties will often be open for viewing on more than one occasion so it isn’t too difficult to see all the dwellings you are keen on.
You also have the option to arrange a private viewing at a time that is more suitable to you, and most selling agents are very accommodating. They want more people to see the property to increase the likelihood of it selling at a good price. They want you there and are more than happy to stay a little later or meet you at a different time.
If you are buying a property off the plan or you plan on building, you need to be careful about what you imagine a property will look like once it is finished and the reality. The positive side is that you can carefully tailor a dwelling to your requirements and correct or change things as you go.
The negative is that sometimes the end result isn’t exactly as you envisaged and changes will incur further costs. It really depends on you having a strong relationship with your architects and engineers, particularly if the dwelling is free-standing.
You may have less control and input if the place is a part of a larger complex, like in the case of a unit or town house. You will need to ensure you or your legal representatives are in good communication with the builders and developers.
7. Purpose
The purpose of your purchase will determine many of your decisions. Will you be an owner occupier? Are you flipping it—buying something you will renovate and improve in order to sell it on for a profit? Will you purchase the property and then lease it out? Whatever your purpose, the type and condition of the dwelling you buy and how much work you are prepared to do to improve it will only be successful if you keep your intentions in mind and buy accordingly.
8. Permanency
Is it a forever home or a transitional one? If you are looking for a home you will commit to for years to come, the process may take longer to find the perfect fit. After all, it is not a decision to be taken lightly and you may have to face a few let downs and disappointments until all your conditions are met. If it is a temporary arrangement or an investment, you may have room for more flexibility and may be looking at something that is good enough as opposed to perfect.
Ever wonder how renowned chefs like Giada De Laurentiis and Bobby Flay whip up delectable dishes with little effort? You may be capable of preparing some extra exquisite meals, but when you plate your food, well that’s a whole different art form. Your food may taste impeccable, but a sloppy appearance will take away from the perceived taste of any dish. There are countless how-tos and guides for meal preparation and presentation, but this simple infographic will cover all the basics for displaying your food in a professional manner. Wow your guests by implementing just a few of these suggestions at your next get-together.
If you’re lucky enough to have scored wristbands to Coachella this year, pat yourself on the back as you’ll soon be breathing in the same air as some of Hollywood’s finest. With only days left to make critical decisions around creative outfits and camping gear to pack, the common concern about hygiene creeps across your mind: “How on Earth am I going to take care of my skin and body in the middle of the desert?” Anticipating that there will be alcohol consumption and lack of sleep in the equation, you realize that waiting for you in Coachella Valley is the perfect formula for a skin catastrophe!
Anyone who has been to a music festival knows that it offers an experience like no other. With that said, you must be ready to battle extreme weather conditions, aggressive crowds and less than ideal bathroom situations. Though these factors are inevitable, personal hygiene does not have to be compromised if you’re simply prepared. Be sure to pack these essential items and follow this skin care regimen so you can have the time of your life, worry-free.
Start with a Deep Cleanse
With the desert comes heat and with heat comes sweat. Sweat will not only interact with the dirt and debris that is in the environment but also the makeup on your face, which will lead to clogged pores and high likelihood of breakouts. For this reason, you’ll want to give your face a good clean, preferably with a gentle cleanser and an exfoliating tool. Try Page Ashbury Jasmine & Neroli Facial Cleanser ($25) which contains all natural ingredients like soothing aloe vera and evening primrose extract, perfect for skin that’s been out in the sun.
Tip: Don’t bother bringing your Clarisonic to the middle of the desert. That already sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Try a konjac sponge ($19), which originally hails from Japan and has been deemed to be more economical and just as effective!
Nourish with a Light-Weight Moisturizer
Once your face is nice and clean, apply a light moisturizer to re-hydrate your skin. Try Page Ashbury Jasmine & Neroli Facial Moisturizer ($25) which is all natural and non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores). It has a light, tantalizing scent of orange blossom and jasmine that isn’t too overpowering and provides a wonderful matte base for either liquid or powder foundation.
Tip: You can add a few drops of the line’s facial serum to give your face a gorgeous glow all day long!
Suncreen (Face)
This is a no-brainer. Use a sheer sunscreen over your moisturizer to protect yourself against the harsh UVA and UVB rays! Wrinkles, age spots, sun spots; not worth it! Try Sunology Natural Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Tip: Keep tabs on your SPF! Make sure you apply 30 minutes before going out in direct sunlight and then reapply every 2 hours. Try a spray version to keep re-application from ruining your makeup.
Sunscreen (Body)
This is equally as important. Follow the same guideline above and remember that reapplication is especially important when you’re at a festival because you’re outdoors and constantly sweating! Pick up Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 ($38).
Deodorant
Just imagine, you’ll be hot and sweaty in a sea of tens of thousands of people. At some point, you’ll want to throw your hands up in the air and dance to Major Lazer, but just remember one thing: Wear deodorant! As bohemian as the whole music festival experience is, love thy neighbor and sport a scent that’ll be pleasant for all. You’re already doing all kinds of bad things to your body that weekend, so do one less and use an aluminum-free deodorant made with non-toxic ingredients. The essential oils in the natural varieties are actually more effective at keeping you fresh longer thanks to their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Stay away from heavy fragrances and opt for more subtle, fresh scents like Page Ashbury Natural Deodorant in Lavender Bergamot ($15). It smells like a spring meadow and will keep B.O. at bay all day.
Thermal Water Spray
The scorching sun will be your archenemy. Keep your skin cool and fresh by misting it with thermal water, containing low levels of minerals and designed to soothe and comfort irritated and sensitive skin. Look into Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Water Spray ($16).
Personal Wipes
Please don’t forget, there is NO toilet paper in the porta potties (at Coachella). To keep yourself fresh, try the Dude Wipes Toilet Paper & Wipes Combo. They’ll help to keep you clean and you can use them to wipe down your face, hands, neck and more. It’s really the closest you’re going to get to an actual shower while dancing in the middle of the desert.
You’re all set for Coachella; now go have an amazing time! Remember to live in the moment and not through the lens of your iPhone.
I love movies. I love music. But I especially love both when I am moved by them. When they force me to feel something. Those are the ones we remember. The ones we hold onto when we don’t have anything else. The ones that give us comfort, help us remember, and connect us in ways we couldn’t otherwise describe. We can all pick the latest Disney and Pixar movies to grab with the songs that make the charts or just become something so iconic that we will either love it or hate it forever. (Think “Let it Go” from Frozen or “Happy” from Despicable Me.)
However, some of the best songs have either been long forgotten or dismissed because they didn’t sell millions of downloads on iTunes. My playlist is a wide array of songs — I don’t stick to a particular genre. I pick what I am feeling or needing at that particular time. If I am getting ready to run, I need something different than when I am out for a casual stroll in my neighborhood. If I need something to just sing to (not very well, I might add), then who knows what I might find.
Being an adult doesn’t mean we should miss out on the “G” rated movies. Most often, even the animated films reflect real life through portraying struggles, guilt, and uncertainty. Often the characters in these movies are faced with decisions they only wish they could undo after the outcome is known, just like we often experience. Just as in life, there are times when we fail miserably and we achieve greatness too. Maybe that is why I never miss a new animated film — there just might be a hidden treasure buried somewhere in the soundtrack that I might fall in love with and need.
Songs capture those moments for us and attach a melody to it so that we can sing along. These songs are not in any particular order, but life just kind of works that way sometimes, too.
“Somewhere out There” – from “American Tail” (by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram)
Sometimes, our lives takes us on journeys that keep us apart from the people we love the most and the best way to get through the days until we see them again is knowing that someone misses you. We feel them and the embrace of their love even though we are separated by miles. This song just comforts me when I am feeling a little lonely and even though our lives are busy and chaotic, I know I am loved. We can’t be everywhere, but our love can.
“The Trail We Blaze” – from “The Road to El Dorado” (by Elton John)
Life is an adventure and this song reminds us to travel the road less traveled. To seek what is on the other side. To be excited and not held back by fear. To be discoverers of life. We might not always know what is at the end of the road and it may not lead us to the lost City of Gold, but that is not what really matters in the end.
Being a trailblazer means stepping way from the crowd and chasing a dream only we can see…it means starting the conversation…it means standing up when everyone else is sitting down. Every great change in the world was made possible because of someone who wasn’t confined by conformity and we should follow their lead and maybe cause a little ruckus ourselves!
“Here comes the Sun” – from “The Bee Movie” (by Sheryl Crow)
This song just makes us sing. It fills out hearts with happiness and we smile. On a cloudy day, we yearn for that great big orange glow in the sky and we rely on it to not only warm the planet, but it gives us hope. Things in life don’t always go the way we would like and disappointment might be waiting just around the corner, but this song makes me believe, hold on and stay strong. It reminds us that life is always full of change.
“Someone’s Waiting for You” – from “The Rescuers (by Lea Salonga)
Through our travels, life and our wanderings, we sometimes find ourselves lost, unable to find our way back home. It’s easy to believe that we can be so easily forgotten — but who’s to say that no matter how long it takes, no matter the reason why you left, that you wouldn’t be greeted with open arms and loved even more? At times, we feel the need to see what else is out there and without realizing what we are doing, we walk away from the one thing we took for granted. In our lifetime, we meet very few people who will do anything and everything to be there for you…never take them for granted.
“Here I Am” – from “Spirit, the Stallion of the Cimarron” (by Bryan Adams)
There is no greater song about being true to ourselves and what we want than this ballad. In it, I find comfort in knowing that being vulnerable, chasing what seems just out of reach, and knowing who I am is more valuable than anything. We can lose possessions and fall on our faces, but if we don’t know who we are or what we believe in, then nothing else matters. If we don’t know who we are, what’s the point of being alive? This song reminds me to stop hiding behind everything that scares me and to trust in the freedom that comes with the truth found in our essence and soul.
“Hakuna Matata” – from “The Lion King (by Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, & Joseph Williams)
With life full of chaotic and busy moments, sometimes the best thing we can do is to just stop worrying about everything. We exert a lot of energy and time holding onto scenarios that may never come to be. It doesn’t mean the craziness goes away, it just means we need to step away from it for a while. It’s our little mini vacation. Our escape. Sure, we know the “real” world is still out there, but sometimes our philosophy has to be “one day at a time” and that whatever we don’t know now we will figure out when we need to later. Make it your motto and get through each day.
“Around the Riverbend” – from “Pocahontas” (by Arielle Jacobs)
We have this sense of adventure that excites us and even if we don’t know what happens next, fear won’t keep us from doing what thrills us and what moves us. Staying in the same place is not an option and pushing the envelope is always where our agenda lies. Our endless curiosity to see what’s out there and how we can interact with it is how we cheat the staleness of an otherwise boring existence. We break a few rules along the way and see things from a different perspective, allowing our minds to grow in ways we might have missed otherwise. Go ahead…take a peak. It just might be everything you have ever desired.
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – from “Toy Story” (by Randy Newman)
No matter who we are, we all need friends. Not just the kind of friends who show up when they need something or when it’s convenient, but the ones who will do anything and everything for us. They are committed to your friendship and need you as much as you need them. You may not always see eye to eye and you may say things you might regret later, but when it comes down to it, you’ve got each other’s backs. No matter what. Through thick and thin. When it is all said and done, a man is no better than the friends he has and the friendship he gives.
“Why Should I Worry?” – from “Oliver & Company” (by Billy Joel)
No matter where we come from or how much we know, we cannot always plan out life. We will need to adapt to the ever changing landscape, the pitfalls and roadblocks that come our way and improvise when needed. No one has a “blueprint” of life and no book will teach us “what to expect”, but we somehow know that carrying worry and uncertainty is not how living our best life should be. Walking tall and confident through life will teach us to be strong and courageous when things don’t go our way. Even if we don’t have every answer for every question, we can still act like we do.
“You’ll be in My Heart” – from “Tarzan (by Phil Collins)
Having three sons of my own and sending the last one off to college last year, this song was one of many that made me happy and sad at the same time. A mother’s love never leaves and it is love that cannot be forgotten or misplaced — no matter how far a child travels. Sometimes, our family is not the one we were born into, but the people we connect with and love without boundaries. Our loved ones never go a day without feeling our love and when the moments you have together are short or never seem to be enough, let them know this…you are always in my heart, closer than you could ever imagine.
“Reflection” – from “Mulan (by Lea Salonga)
Who didn’t have parents direct us towards a career or college choice? Who thought they had to be someone they really weren’t, but followed the path that had been paved for them because it was easier? If our main goal in life is to be happy, then the ones who love us most should want that most for us too. Sometimes, we don’t know who we are yet and only in traveling through life do we truly find ourselves. Never be afraid to look yourself in the mirror and see what is within your heart and soul. Letting people see the “real” you may be a little scary, but it is something we never forget — in that moment, we can’t hold back any longer. We just are who we were born to be.
“When You Believe” – from “The Prince of Egypt (by Mariah Carey)
I didn’t know the power behind a single belief until it happened to me. I didn’t understand how one thought could change everything…how it convinces you that everything you cannot see or touch still matters. You may be pulled in a direction you almost cannot share, but being afraid isn’t an option. Miracles happen and show us all that no matter where we come from, what has happened to us, that sometimes, life gives us moments that change us forever. It is not about what we know or how far we went in school, but real power comes when you believe — because anything is possible.
“Little Wonders” – from “Meet the Robinsons” (by Rob Thomas)
As we look back on life, we can pick out the really bad parts that we wish we’d never lived. Every day, we are exposed to tiny, seemingly insignificant moments that keep us grounded in ways the large ones won’t. Most of us are too busy to pay attention to anything other than what is directly in front of us. Every once in a while, what seems like a wrong turn actually leads us to exactly where we were meant to be all along. Never be so busy in life that you miss the little wonders that become really big memories.
“Feel the Light” – from “Home” (by Jennifer Lopez)
Sometimes, life grabs our hand and shoves us into circumstances we don’t want and falling down into a crumpled mess serves its purpose well. Every emotion we try so desperately to hide comes rushing to the surface and we stop caring about what matters most. We stumble. We lose our way. We give up. This song gives me hope in the places I never think to look and it confirms that love is the greatest of all things. We all make choices and then feel like we have to live with them forever. But that’s not true…we can make changes, even if it isn’t what others would do. A true friendship will make its rounds through the life, but in the end, it always finds itself back “home.” Sometimes, you just have to fight for it again.
“God help the Outcasts” – from “The Hunchback from Notre Dame” (by Bette Midler)
None of us really fit in. We are all different, yet we strive to confirm to the crowd and the norms that society has created for us. Some days, we don’t know where to go, we have no answers, and we feel alone. Maybe we believe that no one else will really understand what we are feeling or we are afraid to really be that vulnerable with someone. Honestly, we don’t even know what we need, but we seem to lose that sense of selfishness when we give unconditionally to others, knowing that the fight is a good one. We strive to be more passionate and generous to those who have less. We want to ease the suffering of those who are bullied, made fun of, and dismissed as insignificant. From time to time, we all need to be reminded of our differences and celebrate them together instead.
“The Rainbow Connection” – from “The Muppet Movie” (by Kermit the Frog)
OK, you caught me. This isn’t really an animated movie, but I grew up watching “The Muppets” every Sunday night at 7pm and needed to remind us all that rainbows only come after the rain. Life can bring its storms and although we don’t know how long it will last, we know that the sun will come out tomorrow (that might be from another movie..) and we can once again, see light. Not because we believe there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but because there is a little bit of magic held in the way the light reflects off those drops of water. This song reminds me to believe in the power of a dream and why each one means something to its owner. We still wish on stars, we still search the skies for answers, and we still love to sing this song.
Conclusion:
The best soundtracks come with a great score and receive many awards, but as much as achieving those accolades matter, sometimes, the best melodies and words strung together are hidden behind something a little less “human.” The basic principle of cartoons succeeding in expressing human emotion can be difficult to achieve without music. Some of these songs will collect dust and be forgotten and just be listed as a track on a CD. Just because a high profile actor or actress isn’t providing the voice for a main character doesn’t mean the film is worthless. Most often, the hidden gems are the ones we have to find for ourselves.
Life is about living and every challenge and opportunity that comes with it. Some days are easier than others. Some come with questions while others provide answers. We also find hope, curiosity, and love in the moments we capture in life as we chase our dreams and find great friends along the way, too. Let these songs become your new favorite playlist and when you get a chance, maybe watch the movie too.