Music is the friend you can count on. Think of the role music plays in your life. Whether it be self expression, or general enjoyment, music has always been there for our happiest and saddest times. Music is inevitable in our lives and I believe it's role stems from that fact alone. Having music with us from a very young age has imprinted on our memories and formed a solid friendship.

I have found immense comfort in repeating songs over and over again throughout the night. When I was younger, I listened to Josh Groban's "O Come All Ye Faithful" on repeat throughout the entire night for a solid year. The music was so sweet to my ears, I didn't want it to end. Or, the music became comforting and I became accustomed to the presence. Going to sleep was not the same without Groban's angelic voice quietly in the background. And, waking up was not the same when my nights were mute. That song was became like a close pal. Each night we were together and I didn't ever wish for time apart. I could always count on my iPod working, and the song to play. "O Come All Ye Faithful' was a heck of a friend.

Music contains soul and emotion. We connect with the singer, belting out our favorite lines, and tapping our feet with the music. Some lyrics coincide exactly with our lives at that very moment and guide us through good times and bad. For that reason, we keep coming back to music. We are constantly replaying our favorite songs and looking for new music to enjoy. What's even better is that music strengthens memories. Recalling the past can be as easy as an old song playing on the radio. This really draws us closer to the music we have and prohibits us from letting go very easily. Why turn away from an instant flashback into the past? If bad memories arise we can simply skip music we don't want to listen to, but we still know it's there. Sometimes it takes years to listen to old music again, but whether good or bad memories, it is still a vivid route into our past.

Music is a powerful tool that humanity has held tightly. I have personally found music to be essential for my relaxation and leisure. I was on a 4 hour flight recently and only had three songs to choose from ... from a christmas album ... in July. I listened to those three songs on repeat, happily, as I read my book and took a small nap. The upbeat jingles and warm memories made my flight just a little bit nicer than if I had to listen to the airplane turbulence and crying babies for four hours. So remember, music will always be there for you. Listen to it, enjoy it, and never forget it.