What feeds your soul?

For as long as I can remember, it is music. From singing songs on a swing set in my backyard, to playing duets with my Dad, to majoring in music in undergraduate school, to teaching middle school band students, to singing in church, to listening to music on long commutes, to singing to my son before bed, music has always been an integral part of my life. While the type of music and settings have varied over the years, what remains constant is the beauty in how music connects and bonds people in ways beyond spoken language.

Some of my most meaningful memories have involved using music as a means to lift people’s spirits, including nursing home residents, family members at loved ones’ funerals, communities following 9/11, and deployed service members. I am sure many of us have witnessed and experienced music’s ability to bring back fond memories and produce joy, hope, healing, and peace. I am so thankful for always finding a way to integrate music into my day, regardless of my profession, work schedule, or life circumstance at the time.

What do you incorporate into your day to feed your soul?