Sometimes Joy Sounds Like an Old Song

 


The other night I was sitting outside enjoying one of those perfect nights… not too hot, not too cold, just peaceful. Like most of us do, I started scrolling Facebook while I sat there, and I came across a post from Paula Abdul celebrating 35 years of Spellbound.
 
Now for those of you who didn't grow up in the 90s, Paula Abdul was one of my favorite singers growing up. She danced, she performed, and fun fact… she was actually the very first concert I ever went to.
 
The second I saw that post I thought, “You know what? Let's listen to that album.”
 
Back in 1991, I had it on cassette tape. Now all I had to do was open Spotify and hit play.
 
And instantly… memories.
 
Rush Rush was by far my favorite song on that album. I still remember the music video. Another fun fact, Keanu Reeves was in that video! And as the songs kept playing, it made me think about all the music I used to listen to growing up. Every song carried a memory. A feeling. A season of life. A version of myself.
And honestly? It brought me so much joy.
 
Something so simple. Something completely free.
 
It made me realize how much we overcomplicate joy sometimes. We think it has to be some huge vacation, life-changing moment, expensive purchase, or perfectly planned experience.
 
But sometimes joy is just sitting outside on a random night listening to old music.
 
Sometimes it's remembering who you used to be.
 
Sometimes it's singing every word to a song you haven't heard in 30 years and somehow still know by heart.
 
Music has this incredible ability to transport us back to moments we forgot we even remembered. It shifts your energy without you even realizing it. For a few minutes, you stop worrying, planning, overthinking, and stressing… and you just feel something.
 
So, this week, I challenge you to do something simple.
 
Put on an old album you used to love.
 
Listen while you fold laundry, sit at your kid's practice, drive to work, clean the kitchen, or get ready in the morning.
 
And just notice what happens to your mood.
I have a feeling you'll still remember every word. 

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