Originally, this was titled "Motivational Songs for Women Who like R&B". But, then I saw the Oscar Award-Winning film, Precious, directed by Lee Daniels. It changed me and ever since I've felt compelled to write about it.
Although my life wasn't anywhere near as heartbreaking as hers, I can relate to Precious. Her character seems to have struck a chord with many people and resonates as the "super" underdog. Sad can't begin to describe how viewers feel when watching these Nike Tn captivating performances, graceful direction, and all round fantastic storytelling. In fact, it is not hard to forget that you are watching a movie at all.
However, the rich sounds of the movie made it almost bearable. A mixture of Rap, Disco, Gospel, and Soul music helped to tell the tale of this tragic character that rises through the rubble and finds a better world for herself and her two young children.
With a heart-wrenching lead song like Mary J. Blige's "I Can See in Color", the director brings you into the private life of an abused 16 year-old, Claireece Precious Jones. The film begins in the late 80's and resurrects the old Queen Latifah hit "Give Me Body" and Sunny Gale's version of the 1933 hit "Did you Ever See a Dream Walking". Together with a few other little-known finds with powerful messages, this soundtrack underscores the colorful dreamscapes that our heroin fantasizes about while being victimized in countless hard-to-watch scenes of severe abuse and neglect.
But, the track that brings it full circle is "It's Been a Long Time" by Labelle, and is the payoff and the redemption song for our Precious character as we see her ultimately overcome her dismal circumstances. It's a great choice, and gives you that permission to exhale after almost two hours of holding your breath.
Depressing, I know. It can get to you if you let it. Unfortunately, life is full of those moments. So, over the years I have found it necessary to keep some special music handy when faced with any kind of adversity. My daily ritual now to Nike TN listen to the music that keeps me focused and on the right track.
As a matter of fact a steady "diet" of motivational songs keeps me CHARGED, power-filled and ready to finish ANY race. I even feel like I can move mountains, jump over obstacles, and all that good stuff. Maybe Precious could have escaped sooner if she'd been listening to lyrics like "Keep on fightin for the cause, we gotta keep on standing tall, keep on doin' what you believe, you know you're gonna make it." (See song #11)
Critics of the soundtrack complain that it is too short. However, each song on the 12-song compilation was tastefully picked, and most even had motivational messages. Like I mentioned earlier, I've been inspired and have come up with a few suggestions to serve as, I guess you could say, a much needed antidote to the film!
1. "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige
2. "Be OK" by Chrisette Michelle
3. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
4. "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys
5. "Brother Sister" by Brand New Heavies
6. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
7. "I'm Every Nike TN Woman" by Chaka Kahn
8. "Golden" by Jill Scott
9. "Soldier of Love" by Sade
10. "I Am" by Lina
11. "I Can See in Color" by Mary J. Blige
With this mix, the best in R&B are represented from Aretha Franklin to Mary J. Blige. The songs are a good combination of oldies and some new. The best thing is that after listening to this mix a few times, something will resonate with you. A hook or some lyrics will repeat over and over in your head until oblivion. And, isn't it true that what you think about all the time actually comes to fruition?
Just think, you can become happier, healthier, and more successful simply by letting the lyrics in those songs become mantras for your own life. Listen closely and let the strength of the message become the pep in your step, the glide in your stride, and the length of your posture. And, after listening to ONLY these motivational songs for a few weeks, I've been inspired to:
do approx 1109 push-ups
do approx 1436 sit-ups
focus on the good
welcome new and exciting opportunities
take the time to write my own song!
Like Precious, you too can ascend from obscurity and be victorious. And with songs like these, it will make the struggle that much easier. Because more than likely, listening to music is probably what you already do. And, making some new choices can make all the difference with your energy and motivation levels. It's also CHEAP and EASY to do.
After all, it’s not all about entertainment anymore. Listening to certain types of music is definitely therapeutic much like doing yoga, eating a good meal, or even taking medicine. It can actually help you to feel better but without any harmful side effects.
Try listening to motivational songs for yourself. What would you do with some extra motivation? Finish that novel you've been writing, tackle the treadmill, pursue that promotion, plan that trip, start that business, or go back to school? The possibilities are endless...
For more information on motivational songs, please click here.
This article is dedicated to those precious girls everywhere...
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire