January is often an intense month for several reasons. It can mark the start of a new semester (check), a new job or internship (check) or a new daily routine (check). Many of us also wholeheartedly buy into the “new year, new me” trope and dig deep into ourselves to find something we need to improve. How often do we commit to changes that are actually practical and beneficial?

I’m a firm believer in a few things. One, we’re all meant to be perfectly imperfect. Two, we really don’t need a new calendar year to suddenly “be better”; every day is a new day and each could be our last, so that should be enough motivation to be as great as we can be always.

With that said, HELLO, or welcome back to my blog! If I know anything about myself, it’s that music is a big part of my life and I love sharing my finds (& faves 😉) with others. I loved sharing my monthly playlists last year and want to continue that this year, but I also want to change things up. So, instead of a monthly finds & faves playlist, I will be sharing a monthly themed playlist (featuring old & new tracks) plus some thoughts and ramblings on the theme and music selections. LET’S GET STARTED!

This first playlist is all about songs that will uplift and inspire you in 2019—it’s a new year, new you in all the right ways.

Instead of trying to follow a bunch of unrealistic resolutions again, try…

Being proud of your progress.

As Panic! At The Disco’s Brendon Urie sings on the opening track of this playlist, try saying, “Hey look ma, I made it!” The tongue-in-cheek nature of the song is so smart and the message is legitimate. Whether you’re a “starving artist” like Urie or have just simply been on your work grind for longer than you can remember, you should be able to look back at your journey with pride. Shout your accomplishments from the rooftops! It takes a lot to “make it” and you shouldn’t discount a second of what led to you achieving your goals.

This also applies to knowing your worth. Lauren Jauregui’s “More Than That” is a fun, flirty song about toying with guys at the club. But she won’t just accept any guy—nope, they’re going to have to work for her attention—and that’s the way it should be. Like I said in my 5 Lessons 2018 Taught Me post, NO DISCOUNTS is the only way to go!