I spent the majority of my weekend listening to soundtracks from Fox's breakout hit "Glee." I'm sure you've heard of it by now. It's the singing-dancing smash that's made being different cool and being your own person hip again.
If you know me, you'll know I did one of two things while listening to the songs on the soundtrack: I either had a song on repeat or sang along to it. And as I listened, I noticed a theme emerging. Just as "Glee" is about the underdog, so too were the songs.
Don't we all have a time in our lives when we have that epiphany and realize that nothing and no one is ever going to hold us back? People can criticize you, sure, but you're going to keep pushing forward, their hurtful and harsh words only giving you more steam to go forth. These songs may not speak to you, but these songs (all featured on "Glee" of course!) always get me pumped!
"Don't Stop Believin'"
Key lines: "Don't stop believin'... Hold on to that feelin'"
Just the title of this one speaks volumes, doesn't it? The minute you stop believing is the minute you become a cynic. And I refuse to let that happen to me. If we don't have our dreams and if we don't keep them alive, then, well, what are we left with? Nothing. And that's a pretty sad existence if you ask me.
"Don't Rain On My Parade"
Key lines: "Get ready for me love, 'cause I'm a 'comer'/I simply gotta march, my heart's a drummer/Don't bring around the cloud to rain on my parade"
In life, you'll no doubt encounter people who are one giant, unhappy cloud of pouring rain. They just like to be contrary for the sake of arguing, making their point known at all costs. Don't let them spoil any part of your glorious parade.
"Taking Chances"
Key lines: "What do you say to taking chances?/What do you say to jumping off the edge?"
Sometimes you just have to take a giant risk in life. True, you might crash and burn. But who knows? It just might be the one decision that changes your life for the better. Forever.
"Jump"
Key Lines: "I get up, and nothing gets me down ... Might as well jump. Jump! Might as well jump."
Because let's face it. Sometimes all you really want to do is jump. Jumping is highly underrated as a way to pump yourself up. Try it if you don't believe me.
"True Colors"
Key Lines: "But I see your true colors/ shining through/I see your true colors/And that's why I love you/So don't be afraid to let them show"
We all need someone in our lives that we can show our true colors to and not have them recoil, run away in terror or issue a restraining order against us. Whether this person is our mom, sibling, significant other or best friend, it's so refreshing to feel like we can be ourselves - our true selves - around them. They don't judge. They just love us for who we are.
So I encourage you to go forth with perseverance and a newfound sense of fearlessness. It's a harsh world out there, but don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't leave your mark on it. Loud singing voice and all.
