The great Taylor Swift once asked “Am I allowed to cry?” in her song “Guilty as Sin.” My professional answer is 1000% yes.
As Spotify Wrapped releases and shiny infographics break down your top songs of the year, I’d like to extend the opportunity for a new take on self reflection exercises. 2024 has been a year of huge changes(this feels like an understatement) for everyone on an individual, national, and worldwide lens. If you’re reading this, you’ve made it to December- congratulations. I’m curious—what coping tools have you used? For lots of folks it could be journaling, exercise, or spending time with loved ones. If listening to music isn’t on the list,this is your invitation to add it.
Music can be a reliable coping tool as we sort out emotions and experiences throughout the day. Did Brat summer ring true, or were there moments where “ I cry a lot but I am so productive it’s an art” felt especially relatable? As we connect with songs and resonate with specific lyrics, we are able to feel less alone, might feel support, and find permission to feel the rage, sadness, grief, or “negative” feelings we might avoid on a day to day basis.
Charli XCX gave us an album full of upbeat songs that explored jealousy, doubts within friendships, and family planning, just to name a few. Kendrick Lamar provided countless examples of how to engage in a feud. Chappell Roan posed the age old question “Is it casual now?” Hozier layered mythology and tense political messages and left room for a love song on an album.
I encourage clients to create playlists based on moods to utilize throughout the week. If creating your own playlist feels overwhelming, start small with finding songs that you find enjoyable and search for similar topics or themes. If finding meaning within song lyrics isn’t your jam, notice how your body feels when listening to different genres and tempos of music. Do you notice your heart rate lower if listening to something calming? If you’re singing to Cowboy Carter do you notice your breath become more even afterwards? Does the volume of your choice of song create a calming space or amplify excitement? As you reflect on this year and your listening habits, the final question I pose: in a year full of eras, what song will start out your 2025 era?
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