By Tiffany Early
In this month of thankfulness, I want to take time to mention how very thankful I am for music. Now, don’t misunderstand. I have very limited musical abilities. I took four years of piano lessons, and I can barely play half a hymn. My singing would be considered more “enthusiastic” than “talented.” I’m realistic about my limitations. However, I love music– especially that which I’m not responsible for creating.
It’s only fair that I also explain that I’m hopelessly uncool. I don’t pretend that my music choices are cutting edge or even trendy. They’re simply the songs that I play when I need a boost. I realized recently that my favorite Amazon Prime station is called “Pop to Make You Feel Better.” That seems appropriate for music’s role in my life. So, these are my favorite songs when I need a reminder not to give up. I’ve included links to the Youtube videos, but I identify with the songs more so than the videos.
I know, everyone has used this song as their great inspirational song, but it’s so dang good. When you’re fighting illness every day, you need a war anthem. This is mine. I make no apologies.
I’m not sure if this is typical “Don’t Give Up” song, but it’s one of my most played when I need some encouragement. I like the line “These bruises make for better conversation- loses the vibe that separates.” This life is hard. We have some serious bruises from the way life has treated us. However, our imperfections make us better able to empathize. While I can’t honestly say I’m grateful for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, knowing that it makes me able to relate and empathize with others keeps me from giving up on hard days.
“Uphill battle- I look good when I climb.” How can you keep from loving this song? Life’s hard. I’m doing my best. You won’t see me give up. Thanks, Jessie J.
I’ll be honest, I don’t care if I’m ever in a Hall of Fame. I don’t especially need anyone to know my name other than the people I love. However, this song makes me feel like I can take over the world. The most relatable line for me is “You can walk straight through hell with a smile.” We’ve all been there.
If you believed you were going to make it through this list without hearing at least one song from our lord and sovereign Taylor Swift, you were expecting way too much from me. Unfortunately, the times I want to give up the chronic illness fight are normally because people are being difficult. It’s not the symptoms or the procedures or the limitations. But, you know what I’ve learned? A T. Swizzle dance party (okay, it’s more of a mental dance party, really) makes me feel better. I realize that sometimes people are just jerks, and I can shake it off and keep moving forward.
- “It Is Well”- Chris Rice (He didn’t write it; he’s just singing this version.)
As a person of a faith, my playlist reflects my spirituality. This song is possibly my favorite hymn ever. Here’s the thing. My body is broken. When I feel like giving up, I appreciate the reminder that my soul isn’t sick- just my body. Something about knowing there’s one part of me that is whole brings me comfort.
Okay, my playlist technically has more than six songs, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with my nerdiness. Thanks for jamming with me. We need all the weapons we can get to keep fighting the illnesses we have.
Having said that, I would love to know what songs encourage you to keep fighting.
Comment with your favorite “Don’t Give Up” song, and I’ll check it out!
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About Tiffany
Tiffany Early is a 31-year-old former middle school teacher who enjoys blogging from her back porch. She is an advocate for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Dysautonomia, and the chronic illness/ disabled community everywhere. Tiffany lives in Campbellsville, Kentucky (roughly the middle of nowhere) with her super fabulous husband Joe and tiny but aggressive dog, Zoey. She enjoys adventures with her husband, Netflix marathons with Zoey, and hanging out with her family- especially her super cute nephew and niece, Hagan and Mia.
Tiffany manages her blog ( www.crazychroniclife.wordpress.com ) where she examines life and relationships with chronic illness while laughing at the absurdity of the whole debacle. She also writes about her adventures in “Snooki”- the attention-seeking wheelchair. She also runs an online support group for those living with chronic illness. Tiffany strives to find the bright side . . . or at least the humorous side to living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome every day and wishes peace, love, and health to the entire rare disease community.
Facebook– Facebook Support Group Instagram-| @crazychronictiff
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