arty choke

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left alone

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face forward

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easy tonight.

a song that got you through a hard time

Life always has a way of working itself out.

When things are rough, it doesn't often feel like it, though. Change is frequently drastic, evolution can be exceedingly painful, and much like that twisted comedy we are all cast in, everything always seems to fall apart all at once.

There is an undeniable healing quality to music. These are a few of the songs that have had that power to me:

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & the Wailers (1977)

• Don't worry, 'bout a thing. Every little thing - gonna be alright. It's as simple as that. When all else fails, Bob is there, giving it to you straight. This is a perennial favorite of mine, and one that works in a multitude of contexts. The spirit of the track ensures its portability from lullaby to funeral anthem, and back through all of the times it was just the sentiment I needed to hear.

 "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash (1972)

• I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. This little breakthrough reggae-infused gem is so full of positivity and hope. Simple as it seems hope doesn't always come in big doses. Sometimes it feels downright unlikely. I have been that man. I once found myself under that constant cloud of uncertainty with a dangerously murky view of the road ahead. This is the song I prefer when it comes to being reminded that the sun will come out tomorrow.

"Drive" by Incubus (1999)

• Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there with open arms and open eyes. This is arguably their best song. Even though they often had the tendancy to mince styles, the MTV unplugged vibe merged with occasional subtle record scatch expresses to me the moments when life truly jumps the groove. Fear often keeps us from the path we should be following. I have known well the freefall feeling of not knowing what's next, but allowing it all and taking enormous chances. Sometimes you just have to let go.

"The River" by Garth Brooks (1991)

• Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance that tide. Pursuing a dream in the daylight is very different than that overnight afterthought we so often stumble upon. Whether or not we jot them down, we all have a bucket list. We all have in common longings for certain experiences or tidbits on our dossier. What we're rarely told is, though we may pick the big picture idea, the universe gathers up the details. How our dreams play out is never how we conceived of them. Often they nonetheless become just what was needed though.

house sitter

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earthen creature.

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coy conspirator

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
~ Lao Tzu

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