5 - Charlene H: Music, Like a Best Friend

 

Word of the Week: Music

Music. The universal form of expression that brings people together. Connecting people of different languages, cultures, religions. Filled with a variety of styles, genres, interpretations. Anyone can listen to music; there is always a tune that matches our personal feelings and experiences. Music has something in it for everyone to listen to in their day-to-day lives, no matter who they are.

I typically use music as background entertainment, but it is more than just that for me. Music is a huge part of my life. There for me in every moment. There for me through the good, the bad, and the neutral. There are countless examples I can think of, but I’ll use a situation that every person is familiar with: the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of this pandemic, I was in social isolation for 17 months (from March of my sophomore year to the start of my senior year). Even as a socially awkward introvert, I felt painfully lonely. It hurt even more when I scrolled through social media, seeing people hang out with their friends. I liked my junior year for its online learning aspect, but social connection with friends was all I ever craved.

Music, however, came to my rescue during this pandemic, embracing me in nearly every moment of it. Although I still feel lonely, I see music as a valued companion. The friend that everyone needs. The friend that never leaves. Music understands my emotions. Music is there to lift me up when I’m down, and it’s there to comfort me when life feels too tough to handle.

Music is also like an escape, distracting my mind from not just reality but also from the violent emotions and racing thoughts I can be stuck in. Music has the power of relaxation to my mind and body. If I want that inner feeling of relaxation, I can put on a song and lay in bed. Even in 2020, I played my ukulele as an escape. Its sweet and bright tunes were like a lullaby to my ears.

Music is also effective in evoking feelings of nostalgia and emotional memories. Throughout the pandemic, I also liked to listen to music that was associated with different time periods of my life. Music is magical, taking me to different worlds. These put me at ease and lighten up my mood.

I love that my mood and emotions can reflect whatever song I choose to listen to. Music can either be suitable for my mood, or it can alter or change my mood. I can trust melodies to make me happier or even to make me sadder. Upbeat songs may make me feel alert or satisfied. Somber songs can make me feel pleasantly miserable. Either way, music moves and touches me.

Overall, music is one of the most enjoyable human experiences. It fulfills many purposes for me. It’s lovely, it’s impactful, it’s powerful, it’s a coping mechanism. It is and always has been there for me whenever I call for it.

Word Count: 500