What's Your Playlist for Life?

I freely admit that I am addicted to my iPod nano. Music is like therapy for me, only cheaper and I don't have to make an appointment to reap the benefits. To say my music library is eclectic may be an understatement, but every playlist has its place in my life depending on my mood - or which kiddos are in the car with me.

The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables Broadway recordings take me back to the time when all my extra hours were spent on stage, auditioning to get on stage or working on a show coming to the stage. Life was good, with friends who sang loud in the car and ran lines with me until we were as perfect as high school theater students can hope to be.

When I listen to the playlist full of Phil Collins, Def Leppard, Kenny G, Madonna and various other icons of the 80's and early 90's and close my eyes I am immersed in my college memories at Ball State. Lazy afternoons at the Duck Pond, my days serving as an intern for the state senate, and (Mom, don't read this part!) weekends spent with a college boyfriend. I often THOUGHT life was hard back then with my 16 credit hours, job at the Awful Waffle (that's the Waffle House for those of you who don't know) and my heart broken a couple times over four years. If I knew then what I know now....college was a cake walk compared to "the real world"!

Since becoming a parent of five extraordinary children, some which face neurological challenges, music has taken a different meaning. I use it to convey a message I can't say any better than the artist has, to soothe a restless body and soul and to inspire me. So, tonight I chose to write about the playlist of my current life. Some you may know, some you might not, some you will like and others you will despise. I hope my list will make you think about the songs that play in your life's background. I'd love to hear your list, too :)

My Life Now Playlist
 1. You're Gonna Miss This, Trace Adkins - Hard to find a better song to remind me that one day I will sit at home wishing I could do it all over again

2. Life is a Highway, Rascal Flatts version - When my youngest, who is on the autism spectrum, had pneumonia we watched Cars for five solid days - I'm NOT joking. If his eyes were open, it was playing. I will forever love Lightening and Mater for helping us muddle through a miserable, worrying week.

3. Firework, Katy Perry - I actually printed the lyrics to this song for each one of my brood. If you've never heard it, go listen now. If I had my way it would be the Special Ed Anthem.

4. Boogie Shoes, K.C. & the Sunshine Band - Believe it or not, this was my current 12 year old's lullaby of choice. In fact, swaddling him tightly and dancing around the room to this was a sure fire way to calm him as an infant - and yes it HAD to be this one song.

5. Sweet Baby James, James Taylor - My oldest was a very fussy baby, but pop in James Taylor's Greatest Hits and poof! The screaming at least fell to mild whimpering. He won't admit it, but he still likes it sometimes, 14 years later.

6. I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack - This was a huge hit when my only daughter was born. I have a book and CD special edition of this to give to her when she graduates high school. Beautiful, perfect lyrics for any child but especially your little girl(s).

7. Superman, Five for Fighting - "It's not easy to be me" Every time I listen to this I remember that my babies with neurological impairments, like autism & ADHD, need me to understand that it's not easy to be them. It's a good reminder for me on the days when I want to scream as loud as they do during meltdown mode.

8. Hit Me With your Best Shot, Pat Benatar - A nice solid kick in the butt when I'm moping about things I can't change.

9. Hysteria/Pour Some Sugar On Me, Def Leppard - Tired goes with the territory, but these are guaranteed to get me moving, singing along and smiling.

10. Landslide, Stevie Nicks - Not only is it ok, it is necessary, to occasionally give yourself a few minutes of a pity party. There are not enough pharmaceuticals on the market to make a person strong, happy and content with their life 24/7, 365 days a year. This song is my cry in my coffee pity party time. I believe everyone should have their own song or two for this purpose, then when they're over you pull yourself up and get the job(s) done.

What is on the playlist for YOUR life? Remember, friends share :)