I’ve been participating in Brene’ Brown’s online courses through her website, Courage Works. The lesson for this week was to select our own personal anthem to give us courage. An anthem is usually a song or piece of music that uplifts or encourages a group of people. Sometimes the anthem is a musical call for the troops to rally together before stepping onto the battlefield. Though typically, an anthem is associated with organizations or groups, I think it is important to have our own individual anthem selected and ready to use when our courage falters, when life seems too tough, or when it seems easier to just give up on life’s battles.

I like to listen to different music for whatever mood I’m in, so narrowing my song choices down was a challenge. After looking through my music playlists, it was easy for me to choose my anthem, “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi. It’s a great reminder to trust my gut and live life “my way.” There is a bit of defiance in the song. I like that.

Sometimes I feel a rebellious defiance as I look for ways to rebuild a new life by kicking out old mindsets and traditions.

Basically, the song encapsulates my attempts to be present in the moment, to “live while I’m alive.”

I invited my family to participate in this activity and the results were both interesting and entertaining. I challenged my family to narrow their choices down to ONE song title, though Brene’ acknowledges that many people like to create an actual playlist of multiple songs. More than once, my son and I changed our anthem song choice. My husband, on the other hand, made one simple choice. Literally, it was a simple choice. He chose “Simple Man” performed by Lynyrd Skynrd. I hadn’t paid much attention to the lyrics before, but when I did, I thought this was a perfect selection for a recovering addict. The song is written as advice from a mother to a son. Here are some of the lyrics:

“Oh take your time, don’t live too fast
Troubles will come, and they will pass
You’ll find a woman, and you’ll find love
And don’t forget that, there is someone up above”

“And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son, if you can, if you can”

“Boy don’t you worry, you’ll find yourself
Follow your heart, and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want from you my son, is to be satisfied”

After leading a double life for 50 years, it is reassuring to know that my husband now just wants to be a simple man, the kind of man that he can “love and understand.”

I think the lyrics give good advice to everyone, “Follow your heart, and nothing else.” It’s so . . . simple!

Source of Song Lyrics: MetroLyrics