June 8, 2026
Personal Reflections
Throughout the weekend, the phrase “you are what you eat” kept coming to my mind, compelling me to think about the exact things I feed myself and how they impact the way I feel. You can take this conversation in so many directions, but today I’m going to talk about music.
Some of my favorite moments in every day life consist of listening to music in my headphones while going on a walk or singing along to my playlist while getting ready for the day, am alone in my office, cooking, or am driving. Whenever I allow myself these seemingly small, yet luxurious moments, my soul and my spirit receive what they need. I find myself daydreaming more often, enjoying movement, and smiling as I sing.
There was a strange season for a while when I did not prioritize listening to music in my everyday life, and I found myself daydreaming less —which led to me feeling less hopeful about the desires of my heart ever coming to fruition. On a practical level, I was less energetic, more likely to be in bland mood, and leaned towards a more logical and realistic mindset.
Music is a necessity to our souls because it gives us hope, joy, energy, and encourages our imagination. In other words, I think we need music now more than ever to maintain who we are and to continue to challenge us to think outside of the box.
Coming back to the idea of “you are what you eat,” I think the exact types of songs we feed ourselves makes a big impact on the way we think and feel. It’s literally as simple as the idea that if you listen to sad songs, you are likely going to feel sad. There is something deeper that can happen as we listen to the playlists we create.
I shared recently that my playlist contains a lot of black artists and various genres, and I think it is one of the main things that keeps the conversation going about diversity in my psyche. Listening to various genres has also opened my mind to all kinds of art, which is so important because I never want to keep my interests in one box alone.
Sometimes, I see people grow pretentious about what they define as “good music” or “talent.” I would be a liar if I didn’t admit that I have been there at some point in my life, but I must warn you — its the worst trap you could ever fall into because it limits you and makes you look like a dick at the same time. You lose either way!
I encourage you, take time this week to create a mindfully crafted playlist with music from various genres and artists that make you think about the ideas of diversity, joy, hope, and vibrancy. When you have your playlist created, take yourself on a musical date by listening to it while going on a walk or singing along to it when time allows.
You are what you eat, and if you want to be someone who is loving, happy, hopeful, well rounded, and social justice minded, then you’ve got to feed yourself according.
Need some inspiration? I shuffle between a few playlists depending on my mood. You are welcome to look at my playlists!
"Broadway" (note this is still in development)
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I will be publishing three pieces in my JOLT Column including:
Arts & Pride Month Conversation Series: Taylor DeCastro
Review: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church presents “Rock Vespers”
Olympia Artist Lynette Charters reflects on her time as FX animator on Disney's ‘A Goofy Movie’
In addition, I will publish two pieces in Rachel’s Choice including:
Juneteenth in Thurston County
Review: South Sound Story Guild presents “Fairy Tales for Grown Ups”
To read my articles as they come out, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and/or follow me on Instagram and Facebook, then invite a friend to do the same! :)
If you read a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with others and help spread the word about the incredible things happening in the Thurston County Arts Community.
Then, make a donation to The JOLT News so that we can continue to celebrate everything happening in our arts community.