Soundtrack to Self-Discovery
My family got started on our summer road trip early this year. As we transition from my husband’s last assignment in New Delhi to his next in Mexico City, we’ve been enjoying a few weeks of Stateside “Home Leave” to get reacquainted with American life, spend quality time with family and friends, and tick off all those pesky only-in-the-US to-dos.
We’ve also been on the road quite a bit, and I’ve been reveling in the opportunity to sing (loudly) along with all my favorite Spotify playlists. Fun fact: making “mixtapes” is one of my favorite creative outlets.
I’m sure I’m not alone in loving how music helps me vibrate at just the right frequency. Need to get out a few tears? Here comes the sad, sappy songs. Ready to get a little rowdy? Pump up those party anthems.
But it’s not just the vibes that I love. Music can help me tap into aspects of myself that I haven’t yet uncovered. I’ve shared other musical journaling exercises, so it’s probably no surprise that I’m back to using music again to help me reconnect while I’m on the road–both literally and figuratively–again. You can try it out for yourself:
Soundtrack to Self-Discovery
Buckle up, try one (or both) options out, and see how far it takes you!
OPTION 1 - STEAL MY MIXTAPE
These songs (and many, many others) have made it through my mixtape rotation lately. Each one invites you to go deep with your reflection. Take a listen here (on Spotify) and see what comes up:
M83's "Outro":
Take a moment to reflect on a significant ending in your life that ultimately led to new beginnings. How did that transition shape you? What did you learn about yourself during that time?
REM's "Losing My Religion":
Think about a time when you felt deeply uncertain or out of balance in your beliefs or values. What was the situation, and how did you navigate those feelings? What insights did you gain from that experience?
Michael Kiwanuka's "Home Again":
Reflect on the concept of "home." What does home mean to you, both physically and emotionally? How can you cultivate a sense of belonging or comfort in your current life circumstances?
Yusuf/Cat Stevens' "Wild World":
Consider the people in your life who have shaped your perspective on the world. Who comes to mind, and what lessons did they help you learn? How can you honor those influences, especially during challenging times?
Kansas's "Dust in the Wind":
Take a moment to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and our experiences. What are the moments in your life that feel particularly significant? How do you want to be remembered, and what legacy do you wish to create for yourself and others?
OPTION 2 - GROVE TO YOUR OWN TUNES
My musical selections not quite your jam? Here’s your chance to craft your own playlist and reflection prompts.
Or work smarter and not harder, by asking AI to help you write up some questions. Simply ask it to: write reflection prompts based on this playlist: [list artists + songs]. Then, grab your pen and go.
As you travel your own journey of self-discovery, remember that music’s a great companion along the way. I hope these reflections provide a space for you to play and ponder whether you choose to dive into my mixtape or create your own personalized playlist!
If this exercise sparked something for you and you’re curious about other ways creative practice can support you as you navigate life’s twists and turns, check out my other blog posts. Want to dig a bit deeper? Drop me a line via the contact form or set up a free, no-obligation discovery call to learn more about working together.