Music. A universal language that we all listen to, enjoy and understand. There are so many different genres, artists, lyrics, concerts, words, melodies, instruments, ways to do it and so much more. Music is a wonderful outlet for people. It's an outlet for artists to express their feelings, sing and write about something they care about and pursue their passion. It's an outlet for the consumers--they are able to connect with the words, rhythms and stories the artists are trying to tell with their music. An outlet for their stress, heartbreak, happiness and every other emotion. They can relate to the issues the artists live through and feel on the same level. Music is a passion for so many people. It has helped them through their worst days, sound tracked their best days and sang them through their mediocre days. There is a genre, song or lyric for every mood a person has; and it's different for everyone. I think that's my favorite. It's so diverse and different but it connects everyone in a similar way. Listening to a certain artist or song can have such an effect on someone--and it's a pretty spectacular feeling.

I honestly don't think I go through my day without listening to music. Anytime there is a speck of silence, I have music playing. When I'm driving, showering, cooking, cleaning or laying on my bed in despair over a terrible day--I have music playing. I even go as far as to pick out certain songs that I would put in a movie about me (if one was ever made). I pretend like I can sing and I belt out the words like I'm performing my own (terribly tuned) concert. One of my favorite things in the world is when someone shows me new music or makes me a CD or recommends artists. Yes, please let me into your world. Show me the songs that make you get up and dance around the room. The songs that get you through a tough workout. The songs that make you sing at the top of your lungs. I'll do the same. My absolute favorite thing in the world is going to a concert. I've probably been to over 30 concerts so far in my life and I am nowhere near done. There is something amazing about seeing your favorite artist live and even seeing and discovering new artists. Being able to feel the beat and scream the words at the top of your lungs while dancing your heart out. It makes me feel completely at ease. Like I have no worries in the world but the music playing right in front of me and how high I want to jump to the song. You all know this feeling I'm talking about. The feeling of true bliss. Nothing can stop you from jamming hard core to the music you soundtrack your life to while being surrounded by other people who share the same feelings. They totally get you. You are all there for some reason or another--to see and hear the people who have gotten you through all the moments of life, who told their stories through music and who share their passions with you.

Music is there for when you want to shut out the world and melt into your bed. It's there for when you want to dance and party with your friends. It's there for you when you want to write or think. It helps you express emotions you don't know how to express otherwise. It's always changing, evolving and growing. There will always be a new artist recording an album, a new genre being created or a concert going on somewhere in the world. Lucky for us, music will always be around and I am forever thankful.

Music brings people together in a way other things can't. It allows you to be free and be who you are. It allows you to have a little less worry in that exact moment. It shows you that you aren't alone in this world. There are people feeling, experiencing and living through similar things as you and it's amazingly reassuring. Emotions, feelings and experiences are put into words that you weren't able to find before. For me, music is a necessity and it makes me so happy. I know I'm not alone in this. So, thank you, music for being the outlet, break or feeling we all need.

Photo courtesy of Genius Quotes