This Beyonce repost is in memory of one of her biggest fans. This is my tribute to him, his life and all of the lives he touched.
It makes perfect sense that the focus of my first blog about musical influences on depression be Beyoncé. Music is extremely powerful, and its power gives me strength. I’ve been singing since I can remember. In fact, I had a university choir scholarship at my alma mater. As a member of the IPO blog community, you will discover that the topic of music might find its way into my blogs quite often. This is because I am most happy when I am singing, writing or listening to music, especially Beyoncé and here is why.
When Beyoncé performed the song Freedom from her Lemonade release during the 2016 BET Awards Show, she inspired me to think about freedom a different way, in particularly as it relates to dealing with depression. I don’t know about you, but when I saw her kicking that water in her costume reminiscent of beautiful black bird, I felt empowered. I wanted to put on my daughter’s angel wings and kick water in my bath tub. The song encourages us to run on “cause a winner don’t quit on themselves”. By the time the performance was over, I felt like I could do like the old church folk and “run on to see what the end gone be.”
For those of you new to the I Press On Movement, I Press On is about helping people maintain good mental health and helping them to “press on”. Those of us who have been professionally diagnosed and/or acknowledge that they suffer from depression know our stressors. These stressors may come from a variety of different feelings/emotions. Beyoncé has literally helped me through so many experiences (good/bad, happy/sad), that I like to say that “Beyoncé has my Beyhavior in check”. Since Beyoncé’s music has helped me make it through every part of my life, I thought it appropriate to share with you a list of Beyoncé songs that might also help to direct your mental health in a positive direction. I’ve listed 7 Beyhaviors that I often experience and my choice of the top three Beyoncé songs I listen to most when dealing with each area.
Beyhavior 1: Love
Beyhavior 2: Passion
Drunk In Love (Explicit) ft. JAY Z
Beyhavior 3: Empowered
Flawless ft. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Beyhavior 4: Happiness
Hold Up
Beyhavior 5: Hurt
Pray You Catch Me
Beyhavior 6: Loneliness
Beyhavior 7: Peace
Now that you’ve heard from me, let’s hear from you. What songs touch you most when dealing with certain feelings? I listed Beyoncé songs. You may choose to stick with the theme of this post and list your Beyoncé song choices, or you may list any song from any artist. Also, what are some Beyhaviors that I missed? I can’t wait to hear how a particular music artist and/or song touches your life the way that Beyoncé and her music has touched mine. Let’s get in Formation and press on to conquer depression together!
Rest In Peace Keyon J. Brooks! You are loved and remembered!