An Awesome Playlist to Get You Through Life's Ups & Downs

Isn't music the universal language of the soul? Even if us humans have different things in common, combined with different values and life experiences; it is fair to say that music is the glue that keeps us sane, regardless as to what is going on, right here and right now. Then why would YouTube even exist? Same with Spotify? Why would we even bother with the ARIA charts if none of us appreciated music, and by listening to it. From the bottom of my heart; thank you to whoever invented music in the first place, as well as the concept of playlists.

Furthermore, in the spirit of Vocal Media's Melodic Milestone Playlist challenge; what is a milestone to me (for example, a property settlement) may not be for you. It might be a reminder of something you once had, or maybe never have had in the first place. Whatever major event or circumstance is going on for you (both the upsides and the downsides of such, from starting a new job to getting married, and perhaps even graduating from college or starting a new business - just to name a few); the playlist being created here is an intuitive one to help you whether you were handed some lemons (in other words, some problems, hiccups, challenges and setbacks associated with such), or you were fortunate enough to be given a fresh glass of lemonade (for those wins) in this journey called life.

The list is inspiration for all of us surviving a once in a 100 year pandemic, and for the rest of us who got more than what we bargained for during this time. Personally, in a short space of time, while experiencing a long-term illness; yours truly experienced a relationship break up, as well as business growth, and in selling a house that was once a great investment property. The ebbs and flow of life are unique to us. New jobs. Marriage. Divorce. Losing jobs. New businesses. Moving house. Relocating. Graduating from college. There are blessings within the adversities in a majority of cases, yet not always. Some adversities can cause some damage. Having things too good (as in being spoiled all the time) can do so in turn.

In the spirit of Vocal Media's Melodic Milestone Playlist contest...the curated playlist created by moi is here, depending on what milestone/s have happened, and based on what you are wanting to achieve out of life.

What's in it for you dear reader? Many inspiring tunes, and a curated playlist. You're welcome.

If you are grateful - or need more gratitude for whatever is going on:

1. John's Song - Inspired ft. Dr John Demartini

A feel good personal development melody for sure, with the best bits of wisdom from motivational speaker Dr John Demartini. Just a beautiful clip to watch:

2. GRATEFUL: A Love Song to the World | Empty Hands Music | Nimo feat. Daniel Nahmod

A timely reminder of all of the blessings we have, regardless of a milestone being reached. For me, being really ill for the majority of 2022 was a gift. The milestone is being fully healed, and that too is a gift. Life is being restored. Business is being restored. So are many different friendships are being restored right now.

3. Dido - Thank You

Fun fact: This artist wrote this song during a time of deep depression, over the loss of a home. The artist surrenders to what is. It is a song of hope, to be grateful for even the smallest of things, like a cup of tea. Gratitude and hope need not be for the fanciest of things, in achieving a certain milestone.

4. Eelke Kleijn - Celebrate Life

With the milestones of becoming wealthier from the sale of a home that was no longer serving me in late 2022, to recovering from an awful illness just before Christmas; this is a feel good milestone song. One of my favorite melodies to dance to, and to just feel great listening to.

Milestones, and life in general is never smooth sailing. This is why life jackets are needed while out in the ocean, and (case in point) ships that are not meant to be sinkable are usually the first to do so (thank you Titanic.) The best songs to listen to while coping with something crazy, weird, and/or tough - whether a milestone has been reached, or is in the process of being reached:

5. Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill

Thanks to Stranger Things, this original 80's release has been the comeback of many comebacks. It even surpassed Harry Styles to top the charts at one point. It is all about wanting to swap places with another person, in eliminating obstacles:

6. Elton John - I'm Still Standing

Even though this song is originally about moving on from a relationship; it is inspiring to find someone gain inspiration from this song from having survived stage four cancer four times in a row, as well as other illnesses such as depression and PTSD. These are milestones too. It personally got me through a tough break up in 2022. For other songs in my break up playlist, please click here. (And for the record, yours truly has since downloaded a dating app, soon to set up her profile on such. Yes, another milestone since.)

7. Aerosmith - Dream On

The meaning of this song can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on your journey thus far. The song is mainly about the frustrations on someone being a musician, and in losing a valuable record label, while bouncing back to reach yet another milestone. Dare to dream, and you have permission to do so here.

8. Katy Perry - Roar

If you need a song to inspire you to reflect on what milestone you recently achieved, or to help give you the proverbial kick in the pants to get back up after (metaphorically speaking) falling down...this is it:

From time to time, we all need some support and encouragement from others. While someone is supporting us, another person is challenging us. Every leader needs support along their journey. Resilience is more than a buzz word. Let these melodies help:

9. Rachel Platten - Fight Song

Fun fact: The artist initially wrote this song for her own inspiration only. Rachel believed in herself, and hence was not willing to give up on an all important goal of hers, no matter what the economy is doing. No matter how slow (or otherwise) people are in getting back to you on something. You know what to do. (And what not to do.)

10. Sia - Unstoppable

For more courage, and if you are putting on a brave facade to the world underneath oodles of pain; this is your melody to get you through the tough times. It is a reminder that tough times do not last, and that tough people do.

11. Imagine Dragons - On Top Of The World

Never ever take people and your milestones for granted. Things (either way) can and do change in a heartbeat. One minute a friend of yours is smitten with you, and the next they are stone cold towards you, through no fault of your own. No matter what is going on, this melody is designed to get you in the groove, and in the flow so to speak. If you are down? Get up now.

12. Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

If you think you are alone on your journey; this song is a timely reminder that the opposite is actually the case. The classic phrase "what does not kill you makes you stronger" is so true. Powerful lyrics.

Many milestones puts one in a crossroads kind of position; in other words a bridging or transition period. Not always the case, yet there is usually a period of stagnation, or the need to wait. Patience is a virtue, despite how frustrating the time lag between intention and manifestation can happen. This could be anything from a career change (you know, how there can often be a long and expensive training involved, to then searching for a new job) to recovering from an illness, where a team of professionals who believe in your recovery need to be around you, and to work together. Humans do things in order to avoid pain, and to gain pleasure; yet pain is part of the pie. Sometimes.

13. Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)

A timely reminder to not forget about you, and the need to look after yourself during a testing time. It is also about holding onto the memories that make you who you are. If you are not hearing from a recruiter, or a property manager about the outcome of your application for a new job, or for a new home respectively...you can relate to that essential waiting game.

14. Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown - No Air

It sucks to lose someone that you love, and it feels like you are suffocating as a result. You tend to forget that this is creating a vacuum for someone better to come into your life. It can be a metaphor for a once successful milestone that is now sucking the air out of you. A timely reminder to breathe during a milestone, and the crossroads on the journey to such.

15. Imagine Dragons - Thunder

For those of you who cannot stand being told what to do along the journey, and you want to seek your own advice; this song has been added in for good measure.

16. Post Malone - Congratulations ft. Quavo

Milestone reached? Enough said. Congratulations, you have made it.

NB: the author of this article is not publishing the link to the above song, due to a few profane words in the song lyrics played. Please listen to the above with caution.

Some worthy milestones, and on the other hand any upsets and setbacks can sometimes stall our progress towards our goals, and towards other accomplishments. For example, you successfully lost a few pounds, and that is something to celebrate; yet on the other hand you need some recovery from a trade off for losing those few pounds. Another example, you could have lost a few friends while on that journey. Part of the recovery process in that example could mean attracting new friends that are now meeting you at your new level, as a result of being a few pounds lighter.These melodies are standout hits to either celebrate your recovery in such instances (from even giving up smoking, to a new milestone), and/or to help you during the recovery process.

17. Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now

Definitely a song of courage, joy and hope. Remember the movie Cool Runnings? It would be far fetched for Jamaica (a warm climate) to have a bobsled team; yet lo and behold it happened. This song is also a melodic milestone for them.

18. Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In the Dark

An awesome mood lifter, in and of itself. With the frustrations from the arguments with his manager when Born in The USA was written; the boss then created this masterpiece. This is a timely reminder that fires (milestones) cannot be started without a spark (enthusiasm/strong desire). This song is also a tribute to a Vietnam veteran, and also one of being in love with someone. And it is always the darkest before the dawn when achieving any goal or milestone. Bring it on.

19. Rick Astley - Cry for Help

It is ok to ask for help along the journey. No one is in isolation. Therefore none of us are here to achieve our milestones alone. Some tears may happen (both with the wins, as as well as the losses) along the way. It is ok to be happy, overwhelmed, and living in pain and frustration during life's ups and downs.

20. Lana Del Rey - Change

Change is constant, and it can be quite powerful. A milestone would not exist without change at any level. This song is designed to remind us that change is not something to run from, Enough said.

Naturally, when you achieve a milestone, the tempo and beat of such melodies will need to be the opposite of melancholy. These tunes are chosen by yours truly, as they are upbeat, with a ce la vie type of vibe in some cases.

21. OneRepublic - Good Life

Authenticity reigns supreme here. In life, while achieving your milestones, it is a timely reminder to ensure that such milestones are achieved in line with your utmost priorities and values in life. Too often people are working to make others rich and happy. What about yourself? The path to greatness is never linear. There will be twists, turns, and bumps along the road. Do not allow regrets to hold you back.

22. Patrick Hernandez - Born to Be Alive

Never ever settle. Keep going after your dreams, so to celebrate and tick off more and more goals and milestones. Just do not burn yourself out in the process.

23. The The - This Is the Day

When you are leaving a tough situation, this song is all about hope, reflection, and knowing that you are doing great mate. No matter what difficulties and setbacks you have encountered prior to this moment; know that change is just around the corner. Yes, your life is going to change, and have faith that it will matter for the better. This song was on repeat when yours truly (one of many milestones) took that leap of faith in leaving the corporate world due to burnout, to venture out on my own. What a whirlwind. That little business of mine is getting better and better. Just saying.

24. Simple Minds - Let There Be Love

A timely reminder that life is about finding that self love, before looking for that love externally. Love is the highest positive emotion that a human being can encounter, right below gratitude. This is why a song about letting more love in (not just romantically) has to be included. It is like saving the best positive emotion for last. A feel good 80's track, regardless as to whether you are a baby boomer, or a Millennial.

"Without music, life would be a mistake.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Well said. What songs would you add to this melodic milestone playlist? And why?

Authors declaration:

I Justine Crowley declare that this article is 100% my original work, solely written and created by myself. The first image was created using Canva. No AI programs were used in generating this idea, and in writing each and every word. Thank you for supporting my work and creativity.