Music has a way of moving our hearts, lifting our spirits,
or helping us cry over a broken heart. Being someone who lived in a very dark place for
many months now, I thought it's time to gather those songs that remind me to
not give up. Those songs that make me take a stand for myself and for life. It
is hard to believe that just a month ago I started fighting for life. I
digress, because that is for a different blog.
I like to believe we all have that song or songs that
empower us. Make us strong when we don't think we have anymore strength. The
list I share today is a list of empowering songs that are helping me now and in
the past. These songs are what ring true to the core of me; who I am and what
my battles are. I rate these from 1 to 10, but this list is ever warping and
changing. Also, remember this is a list of empowering songs. Not encouraging
songs or inspirational. In picking this list, I really had to narrow it to one
word. Being a music lover this list would have broke my heart if I tried to pin
down all the greatest. Also, there are a couple singers who just bring
empowering songs more than once. I did limit their entry to only one on
the top ten, but trust me their other songs are no less empowering.
Soooo, here is the list.....
1. Fight Song by Rachel Platten https://goo.gl/wLyCh9
To be honest, this song has been the song for so many who
have had to be stronger then we even thought we had. It rings truth to so many
in so many different walks of life. I am no different, and it reminds me I do
have the strength through the battle. I, also, find it encouraging when I think
of those others who had this song as their anthem during their time of
struggle. I am not alone!
2. Rise by Katy Perry https://goo.gl/cegDsz
What the Olympics theme song? Heck yea! Know any other place
that the test of strength isn't just physical, but also spirit? Don't forget
Whitney Houston also wrote an anthem for the Olympics that tells the story
of strength and spirit. One Moment in Time (https://goo.gl/ni38WT) has a place
on the list, but Whitney is someone who has many songs that belong on this
list. Which reminds me, Rise isn't the only song Katy Perry wrote that should be on this list.
Firework (https://goo.gl/U0IQJv) and Roar (https://goo.gl/Nw4nOQ) are other songs
that have a place on a playlist of empowering songs.
3. I Believe I Can Fly by R Kelly https://goo.gl/yF2QWW
"If I just believe.." R Kelly rings out how we just
need to have a little faith in ourselves. It is hard to see the strength when
in the dark, so here is a song to remind us. We are stronger than we think, and here is a reminder. R Kelly
is another great repeater with his song The World's Greatest (https://goo.gl/es5Fma.)
4. When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey https://goo.gl/A4ak0X
Two powerhouse singers were needed to remind us to believe.
That we can do amazing things when we just believe. As you already know,
Whitney has a couple songs that belong on this list. As mentioned above, One Moment
in Time is on the list. I feel Greatest Love of All (https://goo.gl/7NXgjN) also
has a place in a list like this. Mariah Carey's Hero (https://goo.gl/UbhhJs) makes
her also a repeat offender.
5. The Climb by Miley Cyrus https://goo.gl/Fr2pOu
I was a little shocked in myself when I finally said this
song belonged on this list. Miley what?! But these words rang true to me when
they first came out, and still do. I might slip or fall backwards, but I keep
going. Get up and keep going! So yes, Miley, you're in my top 10!
6. Let it Go by Demi Lovato https://goo.gl/9sbFQh
Oh, I think I just felt some of you cringe. Yes, this song has
been overplayed. My daughter made a good point though when I was sharing the
list to her. The version that seems to be played a little too much is the
movie. That Demi's really is the better song. But honest truth... who cares? "Let
it go.." Oh sorry. But when you have been raised to be the very best, to
be perfect, and that people are watching. You need a song like this to remind
you.... to let it go! I do need to mention that Demi's Skyscraper (https://goo.gl/CbuVYH)
needs an honorable mention.
7. It's My Life by Bon Jovi https://goo.gl/GMebk8
Is this song making my age shining through? Maybe. This song
is a fight song for life no matter how old it is. Which makes this a classic empowering song. Some
songs just don't lose their awesomeness. Big hair bands might be gone, but they
always keep rocking.
8. Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park https://goo.gl/9zdCDF
You go ahead, mosh away! "I want to heal. I want to
feel." This phrase rings in my heart as I grow in strength. Linkin Park brings to life what is exactly how I feel when battling the demons. This would be the song to blast and just feel!
9. Beautiful by Christina Aguilera https://goo.gl/OAlNns
Words can be a hurtful thing, especially when they are your
own to yourself. This song is for all the "I am not good enough"
statements that repeat in my head. Even typing that brings those feeling to the
surface, and is why this song is here. Christina actually has a
few songs that are empowering and encouraging. Fighter (https://goo.gl/9XuF6O)
is one of those songs.
10. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield https://goo.gl/SLLx2q
If you were writing your story, what would it say? I want
mine to be about strength and love. That I gave when I had nothing, and that I
encouraged when I wasn't so confident myself. Natasha's song just reminds me
that my story isn't done. I still have a story to finish. That each day I need
to live how I want my story to read.
As you know, there are many more that should be on this
list. Limiting down to even just the top 10 was really hard. Now, I want to
hear what are your empowering songs! What gives you the strength when you don't
think you have any. I also made a playlist on Youtube of these songs called
Empower (https://goo.gl/bAfM1J). Please enjoy! I am sure to add more as time
goes on.
