Ultimate New Year Playlist

New Year, New Music!

For me, music is intensely personal. If you hear the music I’m listening to, my mood seems pretty transparent. And depending, on the lyrics, it’s easy to tell what I’m thinking about. It’s a lot of information.

My roommate once walked into my room when I was doing an upheaval (power drill in hand, either assembling or taking everything apart)… and she said, “You know you’ve had ‘Roar’ on repeat for the last hour right?”

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter
Dancing through the fire
‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar
Louder, louder than a lion
‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!

I knew it was on loop, but I didn’t realize I kept at the message for THAT long.

Isn’t that what people listen to when they’re playing Ms.Fix-it around the house with a power drill and hammer in hand?

No? Just Me? ‘Kay. Moving on.

Something about music playlists feels vulnerable, too personal for comfort. It’s rare I’ll set any of my playlists to Public on Spotify, mostly because, well, it’s like leaving a diary out on the kitchen table. And too much access to my my head and my heart. Although, I do think writing on this travel blog is one way to include you on some of the more delicate or full moments of my life.

Whenever I travel, I create a special, custom music playlist for the airplane and for the road. I usually have an “upbeat” one to wake myself up or to keep myself active, and I usually have a “quiet” playlist for when I need to meditate or keep to my own thoughts.

A lot of times the quiet, reflective music also helps me write or fall asleep to some calm sounds.

I find that background noise helps wherever I’m going during my travels.

As you’re journaling or reflecting on 2018, or maybe you’re welcoming 2019 and planning your next adventure, I’m actually (!!) sharing the Spotify playlist I created for your 2019 new year music playlist. Mostly because, I have a feeling some of my thoughts might be like your thoughts right now too.

A lot of goodbye, more hello.

2018 was a a big year. But so tough at times. And full of upsets, plot twists, disappointments, surprises, and joy. All necessary, and all for the best.

You can download this public playlist and add to your Spotify account — Spotify is free to use unless you want to buy the monthly subscription for the premium package. The $9.99/ month subscription allows skips and doesn’t have commercials, which I pay for so the music is continuous.

Cheers to another year of travel and adventures. I’m excited. I’m grateful. And I wish you a year full of joy, love, and abundance. And all answered prayers.