I’m excited to share this with you, and I hope you’re excited too! Grab your favorite snack and beverage, get comfy, and join me for this week’s adventure.

The Songs of Resilience

These songs are the anthems of courage and overcoming. This section focuses on the lessons I learned to move on and bounce back with gusto. I have found strength in these songs as they encourage me to become who I am despite others.

1."Try" by Caas Millen

To be honest, I’m convinced that this song’s lyrics are 100% by Doja Cat, and when I first came across it, the message captured my entire attention. It got me thinking about how authentic Doja is and how she does what she wants, and people still love it. I thought to myself, "How nice would that be? To have people who connect with me and I don’t even have to 'try?'" And that really got the old hamster wheel turning.

I genuinely thought I needed to put in a maximum effort until I got hit with one of the most draining periods I’ve had in years. I could barely stay awake, was falling asleep at my desk, and could only do the bare minimum in the editing and polishing phase. The universe then proved to me that I didn’t, in fact, need to try, because those videos nearly got 1,000 views within two days of me posting them on TikTok. So when I feel like I'm putting in MAXIMUM effort, I just put on this song to calm down and come at it from the perspective of not trying the most.

2."Cut the Cord" by Shinedown

This song came to me in the summer of 2018 as I was driving to work around 4:30 a.m. at my job at Academy Sports and Outdoors. I was plagued with feeling stuck and devoid of true enjoyment in my life. I felt like life was going nowhere, as I had often felt in the past. I wanted to finally live and have fun, but instead, I needed to work to be able to get through the summer so I could go back to school.

I was taken by surprise when I heard the song on the radio because I hadn't heard Shinedown in years. The song then spoke to my soul, and I felt God was speaking directly to me, telling me to fight for what I want and stop laying down, hoping something would change on its own. It was a wake-up call that caused me to start crying my eyes out. It was what I needed in that moment, but now it’s evolved. I now feel like cutting the emotional cord is necessary to keep my relationships fresh and allow new energy to flow between us each time we connect.

3."They Tried to Bury Us" by Katrina Rain

When I first heard this song, I did not fully grasp what was being said because I was lost in the sauce writing a blog post. When I stopped to go to the bathroom, I was hit with the lyrics, “They tried to bury us, they forgot that we were seeds, they forgot that we were trees.” I realized how impactful this song was just off of that line alone. It stuck with me for over a month, and a few days ago I listened to it seven times in a row.

The whole song is a bop, and it brought me to tears as I realized again just how powerful it is. The people who attempted to bury me only propelled me further toward my future. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I honestly have to thank all the people who caused me so much pain, because I wouldn’t have pursued myself without them.

4."Unstoppable" by Sia 

I don’t know a person who doesn't know this song. But this song always seems to find me when I feel like giving up these days. It’s almost like a slap in the face to wake the fuck up! Because I am a powerful, amazing force of nature that will not bend to the whim of my past. My past doesn’t define me but rather forged me; I am not the hammer but the sword. I am more than capable to keep moving and build my trust with myself instead of turning and running as soon as things get hard.

5."This Too Shall Pass" by Zen That Beat 

When I heard this song for the first time, I was very shocked because I was crying while writing a blog post. I was worried about everything and unable to really pull myself together. This song calmed my nerves and made me realize that the thing I was crying over, which I don’t even remember, was going to pass and not stay forever. Evidently, I don’t even know why I was crying, just that I was. It felt like the Creator said, “It’s not that serious, my dear. Dry your eyes and continue!” And I did. After I processed the song, I finished my post ahead of time and got everything done so I could actually get some sleep.

6."Sticks and Stones" by Cass 

This is one of the songs that takes me back to when I was an active member of my youth group, like quite a few songs on this list. At first, the song was just a bop, but over time, I realized that I need the breath of life every now and then. It was a reminder for me that even the wind gives me love. The breath of God into my body animating my limbs is a very calming visual, as I feel it represents the very existence of life here. It’s an incredible miracle that you and I were born and exist on this planet.

7."Under and Over It" by Five Finger Death Punch

Probably one of the most aggressive songs on this list and always a banger when it enters my ear canals. I’m not famous, but I’ve had a few people admit to me that they wish they were me. It never sat right with me because if they went through my life as me, I don’t know if they would have made it. I nearly didn’t make it.

This song reminds me that you can be satisfied and over a certain experience at the same time, regardless of who you are. People will always want what they don’t have and chase a false sense of acknowledgment without knowing the true cost. It reminds me that we all have our own path and it’s better not to lust after others’ lives because we truly don’t know what they’ve been through, how they felt, or how they experienced it. What you think is just a wee splinter might be an amputation for another.

The Soundtrack of Authenticity

This group of songs focuses on self-worth, confidence, and embracing who you are, unapologetically. Similar to the last section but with a more direct message.

8."I Ain’t Done" by Andy Mineo

This song was good when I first heard it, but it became so much more when it played on the stereo as soon as I got ready to leave the car dealership. It played so clearly and really spoke to me as I sped home after spending the entire day at the dealership with no intention of purchasing. I needed this vehicle to get around, because I had things off campus to get to and be. I couldn’t rely on others for rides that semester; it just wasn't possible with everyone's schedule. I did it for me, and it encouraged me to get on my grind to be able to pay for the car note. The act of purchasing the car with my own credit score—no co-sign needed—was a direct sign that this was the right path, and the only path to the next chapter of my life.

9."No Stains" by Aha Gazelle

This is a song I’ve gotten several people to get behind and add to their playlists. It's a song that challenges many people's beliefs about money and how it plays a part in each of our lives. For the world at large, we are no longer a bartering civilization; we rely on currency. In order to reach our potential beyond our hometown, we need money. How will we reach our potential without it? Also, running water tends to cost money, and who wants to live in filth? Life isn't about material gains; it's about our ability to live our best lives. You can be joyful, satisfied, and at peace with nothing, and you can feel the same with everything. It's up to you to choose what path you will take. To want is human nature and nothing to be ashamed of.

10."Strength, Courage, and Wisdom" by India.Arie

I grew up with this song, and it was one of my mom's favorites. This song, like one I'll be talking about later, shows you and encourages you to look within for all the answers. To look inside for the strength you desire and to embrace your inner wisdom. You are everything you need and so much more, and you have no reason to look outside for answers that are within. I just need to be faithful, step out, and embrace my truest self regardless of how much fear I have. I will be led by divinity and guided to the best possible outcome for my soul.

11."THAT BITCH" by Bea Miller

This song is new to me, and I'm so glad I found it. It gives me the encouragement to speak my truth, embody my fullest potential, and be that bitch. Even if it feels like I have no power as a woman in society, even if it feels like I need to be a certain color, even if it feels like I’ve got all the odds stacked against me—I need to be me and speak my truth regardless of what anyone thinks of me. This song gets me fired up to write these blog posts and speak my mind on my social media videos. It has really gotten me through some imposter syndrome. I identify as a truth-teller now that I’ve meditated on this song. I have nothing to fear when I'm speaking my truth.

12."Slowbirth" by Elisane

This is the only song on this list that I found in the middle of the night over ten years ago while reading a webcomic. I loved the way it sounded. I loved the group's music. I didn’t quite understand the lyrics until I decided to get out of the worst romantic relationship I’ve ever experienced. I started planning how to leave because it was that serious, and I truly believed in that moment that maybe one day we would get back together. And this song helped me process those emotions. One of the lines is, “When you find me here, ‘Cause I will be waiting, oh this is my road.” This helped me realize that if it was meant to be, the Creator would bring us back together. Now, I don’t feel that will ever happen. This song speaks about similar situations I went through in that relationship, so it really hit home when I finally understood the lyrics.

13."Treat Me" by Chloë

I deserve to be treated how I treat myself, and since that last relationship, I’ve found my self-worth. It doesn't depend on others but on my own standards. This song reminds me that you can give people chances, but if they just keep showing up with no regard for my worth, they are no longer worth my time, romantically or platonically. This song empowers me to treat myself with only the highest quality so that I may show others how I treat myself so they can do the same. It brings out the diva in me and feeds that sexy woman living in this skin.

14."None of My Business" by Andy Mineo

This is a song I find myself singing almost every week. I apply it to so many things that just don’t concern me, and can I just say I’ve never felt more light in my entire life. The weight of other people’s bullshit just rolls off my shoulders with quickness when I say, “That’s none of my business.” Because if it’s not paying my bills or directly affecting me, it truly isn’t my business. Why should I give two shits about some gossip from someone who I’ve never met and never will? You can miss me with that negativity. Take it elsewhere.

15."Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

A classic from the early 2000s that most people have heard at some point. This song has always been impactful for me, but it wasn’t until about six months ago that I was DoorDashing in the rain, and this song came on and I began to cry. I realized in that moment that I am picking up the pen and writing my own story despite anyone’s plans for my life. I am so grateful to be able to do that and not depend on others for my freedom or my choices. I am in charge of my life, and no one else gets that privilege. I get to feel the rain on my skin and learn to speak even if I’m afraid. I get to do these things for me.

The Anthems of Joy & Freedom

These are the songs about celebrating life, finding purpose, and feeling good. Truly, these songs are a boost of confidence and fulfillment in my life.

16."IV. Sweatpants" by Childish Gambino 

This song is about a life I don't have yet, but regardless, the sole message is, "Don't get mad I'm doin' me better than you doin' you." It may seem like the scales are in my favor and life isn’t fair, but you have to put the work in to get the life you want. I believe my mindset, my life, and my essence are of a higher vibration than those facing the same circumstances, and that's not to boast, but just to say our lives don’t have to be terrible because our circumstances are that way. We are simply not the same, and if you want things to change, you have to start changing things. This song is mostly a feel-good song for me, but it's also a reminder that we have our lives in our own hands and life isn't fair.

17."Deja Vu (I’ve Been Here Before)" by Teena Marie 

Fun fact about this song: Teena wrote it word for word herself in a journal before she got signed, and her manager took the credit for it. I don't know if she did anything about it after finding out, but what I do know is that woman was very much in tune with the Universe. I also feel like I’ve been here several times before. I feel like I’ve lived on this planet for many lifetimes. I feel what she speaks about in the song: "I’m young and I’m old, I’m rich and I’m poor, I feel like I've been on this earth many times before." When I look outside, I feel like I’ve been here. When I feel the rain, wind, waves, earth, rocks, trees, grass, snow, ice, the sun, the moon, the night, and the day, it’s all surreal, like I'm seeing a layered photo stacked on top of itself with different times, places, and experiences laid on top of each other, happening simultaneously.

18."When the Beat Drops" by Adriel Cruz 

This song reminds me of my youth days. I actually got to meet this artist in person several times; we talked about random stuff. It was fun to get to meet the person behind this song and the next, and get to see him perform. I was on the computer running the graphics one time and on lights the other time. We had a really cool setup. This song reminds me that I have the push to do all I am here to do and that I will never die; my soul is eternal. I also love this song because there’s a line that goes, "Christians may not like me, the world may think I'm strange, Muslims will despise me, but I'll still stay the same." Even if my own people (because I used to identify as a Christian) don’t like me, I’m still going to pursue my most authentic self because that is the key to success in this life.

19."Muevelo" by Adriel Cruz 

A song about moving out of my way or the Creator will do it for me. There’s nothing that’s going to stop me from reaching my goals. Get out of my way, or I will run you over. I put my all into my work, and if you don’t like it, that’s too damn bad. I only answer to the Creator; They alone can judge me. You don’t pay my bills, you’re not even on my radar to cause a ripple in my life. This song was also a tongue twister in my youth group because of the way he says "Muevelo" in a succession. It reminds me of the good vibes and the power to push through.

20."Hall of Fame" by Swoop

No song gets me more excited to grind all day and all night than this one. I want so badly to do my best, achieve the awards, get the status, and tell everyone I never could have done this without the Creator having an active hand in my success. I want nothing more than to prove to the whole world that there is a greater force behind all of this, and we are all here to play our part. They are all equally important. No one is beyond saving. I almost salivate at the thought of achieving all of my goals and telling everyone I am not the one to praise. I am just a conduit for divine guidance and love to shine through. On my own, I would surely be in the ground by now; I owe everything to Source.

21."Sometimes" by Juice WRLD

A song that almost didn’t make this list, but I had to give it credit because I related to it to the point that I felt seen. The lines "There ain't no place like home, I wanna go back home, I hate the world we know" dug into my heart when I heard it for the first time. As a child, I wanted to go home. Where, I don't know, but I would say it enough for my mom to tell me. Now that I’m older, I identify with the starseed archetype, and I believe that I may be from another planet at my core. I know I am here to help and change the world in a profound way. I always feel like I somehow end up where I’m needed most; it’s been a recurring theme in my life. This song is depressing, but it spoke to my depressed heart at the time it was released.

22."Everything I Need" by Geminelle

This song is more of a mantra, and I’m all here for it. It pumps me up and reminds me that I have everything within me at all times. I have the guidance I need, I have the receiver to hear divinity, I have faith, discipline, and love within me. I was never without, but rather, I didn’t believe in that. I have everything within; no one else has my answers or power, that alone lands on me. I may need inspiration from others, but they will never truly be able to do what I can do for myself.

23."Yes, and?" by Ariana Grande

I truly believe this is a song that is basically the other side of "None of My Business." Now that we have stepped away from things that don’t concern us, it’s time to "say that shit with your chest" and live your life according to your own terms. No one is going to come say otherwise, and if they do, who gives a damn? "Be your own fuckin' best friend," because you alone have the ultimate power to decide what is best for you and what isn't. Dress how you want to dress and look how you want because no one… no one is going to tell you no.

The Music of Faith

This final section is about the songs that have guided me on a deeper, spiritual level.

24."Oceans" by Hillsong United, TAYA

This song was the banger of all banger worship songs for me. It was written in ten hours on tour and approved within 30 minutes of its first performance. As a youth who also loved the ocean and large bodies of water, this song was so profound. I truly believe it sparked my spiritual awakening. It's about having faith even when I am stripped of all my senses and sense of control. To be guided into the depths, into the void where all things are formed, so I will never be led astray. Now, when I meditate, I go to an ocean as my safe space. This song means even more than it originally did; it is truly pivotal for my spiritual growth, and it will always have a place in my heart regardless of how far I try to run from the faith.

25."444" by Gayathri Krishnan

The first time I heard this song, I was listening to a playlist put together by Kim Peretz. It enchanted me instantly, and I really need to listen to more of Gayathri's music. This song reminds me of my ambitions in creativity and enlightenment, and it encourages me to follow my dreams. To embody my truest self and put my utmost trust into the Creator. I am destined for greatness, and I truly feel I am "manifesting the life of my dreams, I do believe.”

26."You Say" by Lauren Daigle

When this song came out, it was such a hit in the Christian world. Every time I sing it, my jaw tingles, and the magic flows in these words. The only opinion that matters or even makes any sense is from the Creator. Nothing else should matter, especially when I feel like garbage and am down. I am precious, loved, held, and even coveted by the Universe. I am who I am, and this song is truly Love speaking to us. Lauren is a beautiful conduit for the love of God, and I truly aspire to do the same. This song not only reminds me who I am, but it also speaks to my soul and inspires me to become a powerful conduit to create heaven on earth for all to witness. We are so powerful, yet we are even more so divinely guided. “Oh, I believe, what you say to me.”

27."The Water Blessing Song (Original)" by Nalini Blossom

This song reminds me of my love for water and the love I feel when I am in, on, and around it. It is truly a refreshing and enlightening song for me to sing and recite, especially when I am drinking water and can say this blessing over it. I feel that this song encourages me to feel safe in unknown, murky, and deep water. I know that water has the ability to change its structure depending on what is introduced to it. So, in a way, the water is me when I am in and near it. Water reminds me of a loving mother who wants what's best for me, so this song is like a way for me to give back.

Conclusion

Your journey through these 27 songs shows how a simple melody can become a powerful guide. This post isn't just about music; it's about honoring the different versions of yourself that came before—the scared, the brave, and the joyful. By reflecting on the soundtrack of your past, you can gain a deeper understanding of who you are today. Now, I invite you to take a moment and think about the songs that have shaped your own life. What does your soundtrack sound like?

With that, our adventure for today comes to an end.

My goal is simply to be a vessel, sharing the lessons and insights from my own path in the hopes that they may serve as a guide on your own. If this message found you at just the right time and resonated with you, I consider our connection a profound success. Whether our paths cross just this once or intertwine beautifully, know that I am here as a comrade and a friend on this journey.

I truly hope you feel seen, supported, and hopeful as you continue on your way. You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out directly to me. If you feel called to support this work and its mission, you can find the donation page linked in the site's footer. I look forward to connecting with you on this magnificent adventure.

With Love and Light,

Jamelah Luckett

Link to Companion YouTube Video