#6 A Tattoo on my Hippocampus

Who else out there remembers Larry the Duck? How about Malibu Sue? These were my 2 favorite DJs on 92.7fm WLIR/WDRE in the 80s. I believe I was in a music minority during my teenage years for loving this alternative rock station. Most of my friends listened to the Top 40, pop, rock, dance and maybe some hair bands. All of these music choices are good, of course, as we all know the 80s provided some of the best music to our world. ;) Anyway, Larry the Duck is still around - he now DJs on Sirius XM’s channel 33-First Wave. Speaking of this station, the Saturday Night Safety Dance is a time travel experience of wonderfulness to your ears - I highly encourage a listen. (Is there anyone who was alive in the 80s who cannot spell s-a-f-e-t-y? Really, there is no excuse!)  

Music truly has power.  It can instantly change a mood. It can transport us to the past in memory. 
It has a controlling impact on multiple physiological processes (source). It can hold us in tearful and joyous states of worship (Cody Carnes, Hillsong United, and Cory Ashbury are my current go-to’s for praise). 

There are times when the right music at the right time can change my mood significantly. Despite the lyrics or overall motif, certain beats, whether they target my emotional past or take power over my endorphins and physiological being. Remember making mixed-tapes? Have you made a Spotify or other 21st century alternative “mixed tape” for yourself? I have a mix to get me out of a funk:  Funk the funk, as well as my mellow mix (both are fluid and change as I add and remove).  If I need to relax, I go classical and listen to my favorite Haydn String Quartets. 

Even in the midst of my fibro fog, I can usually recover the lyrics to many songs from my formative years. I think that somewhere in my brain (I suppose on my hippocampus), lyrics to songs from the 70s and 80s must be tattooed, yet I am unable to remember how my can opener works.

Music can remind you and bring you emotion. Steppenwolf’s Born to Be Wild - reminds me of my father waking me up to get ready for school. What 7 year-old doesn’t want to jump out of bed and run around the house on an imaginary motorcycle whilst brushing their teeth and eating breakfast? Well played, Dad!  Also strong is the emotional reaction I have when I hear The Alarm’s “Walk Forever By My Side”- it brings me to tears as I appreciate my soulmate, Bryan. 
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Music is powerful and healing. Harness it.