Monday, September 14, 2015

Music Soothes the Soul


      With college in full swing, FFA events kicking off, and K-state football off to a hot start, I am very grateful for the opportunities allowing me to reach this point in my life. Every day I wake up I get to hear the voices of my some of my best friends, my fraternity brothers, arguing about the best and the worst professors. At night I get to enjoy long chats with high-school friends and the adventures they have undertaken in college. Every night I can reflect on the many positive memories of the day, and I still know that somehow the next day will be better. With a fun loving attitude, I know how to make the most out of any situation. A main contributor to this personality trait I have is the music I enjoy throughout the day.
            Everyone has that certain hobby or activity that can soothe them or put them in a better mood. I know that music is a significant tool for myself; I turn to music for any situation. When I’m in a reflective or studious state I enjoy listening to classical music. When I miss home, I listen to classic rock songs such as “Fortunate Son” or “Cats in the Cradle”. These songs are the music that my dad plays all the time. Even now when I’m in college, I still reflect back on “Cats in the Cradle” to reminisce on the great memories that I had with him. My dad isn’t the only one that plays some great music, though. My mom loves Gretchen Wilson and Keith Anderson. Every time I hear a country song by these artists I always imagine my mom in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Today I listened to pump up music, I have a playlist designated with “feel good” songs so I can spread the joy to everyone I see. Music helps me get through the day, and helps me handle a variety of situations.
            I believe music is important to soothe my soul. Without music I wouldn’t be the individual I am today. Everyone needs that one tool to help them get through life. Whether that be letting off steam in sports, writing poems and short stories, or simply enjoying nature by watching a beautiful Kansas sunset. My fellow officers have a variety of options in which they vent and get through the day. Dean loves to look up on livestock on his computer to get his mind off of troublesome tasks. Bailey plays with animals to help relieve her stress. All of my officers have a certain way and it is important for ourselves to find that important tool. Without these tools stress can build up and it can erupt at unwanted times. Throughout our state officer selection process I was stressed. I was becoming sick with the flu, I had extemporaneous speaking competition, and I was interviewing for the valued position in Kansas FFA. Needless to say, I was troubled and I turned to music to help. Every morning I would listen to my pump up music such as “Hall of Fame” and “Top of the World”. This helped myself start the day off on a good note. At night I would listen to reflective music to help ponder my thoughts and the decisions I made throughout that day. It helped me become less stress, and to finish the process with no regrets.

            Whatever our tool is to relieve stress or get our mind off of challenging tasks, we need to make sure we stay in touch with it. Once I entered college, understandably, I increased the amount of music I listened to with the larger workload I gained. I’m able to balance everything though time management and stress relieving tasks. This helps myself get through the day and make a positive impact in individual’s lives across campus. I challenge you, Kansas FFA, to find your music that will help you face the challenging tasks throughout your year. Until next time everyone, have “Fun”, enjoy a “Good Time”, and “Don’t Stop Believin”.