Whether you’re studying for finals, trying to earn that promotion, working on improving your health, building a business, or changing the world for generations to come, anyone who sets goals and expectations for themselves know the struggle of, first, taking that initial leap of faith to get the job done, and second, making it across the last leg of the finish line — that is if a finish line exists.
At times, the journey, especially the ones you have to take by yourself, is a daunting task that requires a difficult expedition. One that requires growing pains…a few tears, sweat equity and tragically, a constant trimming of the social circle. Besides the support of an embedded spiritual guidance and a few individuals that hold it down no matter what, music has always been my saving grace.
The universal language of music spells out the very emotions that, at times, are challenging to communicate. It’s my healing balm, medicinal marijuana, and reliable vice that gets me high when I feel down.
While I am a sucker for love songs, I sure do take pleasure in passionate music that derives from stories of hardship and end with triumph. This particular playlist helps me encourage myself.
It reminds me that you have to take the losses as lessons, forgive before you forget, and even if you are dragging your tired ass across the pavement (breaking nails and burning skin) to reach the finish line of life’s marathon, do it with simmering passion, an optimistic vigor, and a pure desire to leave this world better than it was when you got here.
Get your appetite back. Chin up, focus your mind — now let’s get it!
Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold”
Focus’ “Hocus Pocus”
BDP’s “The Bridge Is Over”
Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
Bill Conti’s “Gonna Fly Now/Theme From Rocky”
Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up”
Jay Rock’s “Win”
Jadakiss’ We Gonna Make It
Nipsey Hussle’s “Hussle and Motivate”
Queen’s “We Are The Champions”
Hans Zimmer’s “Interstellar Theme”
The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Sky’s The Limit”
…And two special honorable mentions forever attached to the legacy of the parents who raised me….
Brand Nubian’s “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head”
Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love”
There’s so many more I could add to this list, but for the sake of time I had to cut the list short. Hopefully, this will motivate you in your pursuits or at least inspire you to create your own saving grace list that will be there when you need that extra push.
XOXO,
Betty Bema
