In our daily lives, many of our actions are overlooked and forgotten by the time the day ends, but have you ever sat there and questioned yourself on everything you do? Or asked why you may act this way, talk this way, or any action at all?. You’ve definitely overlooked the concept of music or haven’t understood the idea of music itself. Music is not just instruments or sounds that gives you a sense of pleasure but is a reflection of you. Have you ever tried to introduce your friend, family or colleague to a newly found song but shown no interest, or couldn’t understand why you liked it so much? It's due to the idea that music is just as complex as the human body and is a direct connection towards you as a person.

Whenever life feels too heavy, I’ve noticed that music has this quiet way of stitching the pieces back together. Music is more than just background noise. Sometimes a single song can lift my mood, clear my mind, and remind me that I’m not alone. Music has been a staple in not just my life, but everyone's daily lives. Music has had a large impact on mental health and it's entirely determined by you. When you're in an upset mood, do you think of listening to something that will brighten you up, or something that resonates with you. Most times, we choose the song resonating with us, as it brings us this feeling that someone or something has this sense of similarity for the issue at hand. My point is, music has a large impact on you and your mental health but you must understand what it is you want from music. Music has such a large variety that can be adjusted towards your needs but oneself must be aware of what they want to achieve, one being peace of mind or what it is that wants to be changed.

 Everyone has days where our thoughts feel loud and overwhelming, music is the one thing that helps me breathe again. It’s like each note knows exactly what I’m feeling, calming my mind and pulling me back into a place of peace I thought I’d lost. This feeling is shared by many across the world, and music has shown itself to improve quality of life and has brought upbringings in times of need. The only one one can bring this light in the time of darkness is by one's perseverance when in that time of need. Mental health has affected millions of people across the world but It’s not a never ending curse. Mental health is like a garden after a long winter. It's been quietly damaged but grows back with time and care. 

Throughout the thirteen years of school there's been moments of high intensity. Elementary school starts with simple math problems but as time goes on, it gets harder and even more complex. What do you do in this situation, do you study, ask for help or just try your hardest with the knowledge that you know. This situation is not special for just me, but for all students. Everyone has gone through moments of stress and need something to help overcome this. Music has positively impacted people’s daily lives in various meaningful ways. Music can lift someone’s mood, making stressful or tiring days feel like a feather slowly drifting gently to the ground. Calming songs can reduce stress and create an environment of peace. Music gives people the opportunity to express emotions unknown to them. In addition, upbeat songs provide motivation whether it’s getting through a workout, chores, or just a high stress moment. By becoming part of daily routines, music can bring comfort, structure, and a sense of balance to everyday life.

Music isn’t just about the feelings or sense of peace but much more. Every lyric, every word has its own meaning behind not just the artist but you, the listener. One artist whom I can vouch for personally is NBA Youngboy, he makes hiphop, trap and “gangsta” rap. But don’t let the genre sway you away from giving it a listen. Every word, every breath that is being said from his songs come from a hard past. NBA Youngboy, rather known as Kentrell DeSean Gaulden comes from a difficult background marked from poverty, very limited help as a child, and instability of his life. But despite these challenges that arose for him at a young age, he poured his heart and soul into his music, using music as a way to express and give him an outlet for the situation he’s in. Ultimately. His passion for music and drive allowed him to rise quickly to the rap industry turning his struggles into the success he holds today. Him pouring his emotions into his music greatly aligns with us as listeners due to us being able to relate towards his own struggles. Kentrell has created a song named “Untouchable” which was quickly released after his release from jail and the song “Untouchable” captures the hunger and drive that he holds to change his life, rise out of poverty, and prove to everyone that he’s stronger than the obstacles he’s come across throughout his life. The song reflects on his rough childhood and the young pressure to become great and succeed. This song captures his high intensity moments and highly resonates with me and the actions and life I’ve previously chosen and the goals I hold dearly towards me. 

As I’ve gotten older and matured, I’ve realized that music doesn’t just help me get through stressful days but also teaches me about myself. The songs that I connect to show me emotions that aren't easily conveyed. Looking back at my old playlists, I see memories and experiences of myself I forgot I had gone through as time gradually passed. The kid who listened to the songs his friends recommended, the teen who felt lost in the moment, and the person I'm shaping myself today. In a way, music has become such an important asset in my life, subtly tracking every moment, confusion, or emotions unknown to myself.

I remember my freshman year when everything felt like it was falling apart. My actions, friendships, and stress piling up all at once. This all brought me to places which shouldn’t have been known to a 14 year old growing boy. Unfortunately, leading me to restricted freedom and heavy guilt. Despite all of this, I further persevered but was not done entirely myself. One night I inherently came across a random song, one I’ve never heard before. But, somehow the lyrics hit me differently.  My head bobbing, my mind cleared all the hardships I was going through, and all I could hear was the lyrics. Nothing magically solves itself but, within this small period of time the song played it shows me much more than the song itself. It gave me an exit, it gave me a sense of reality. Never once would I have thought something as simple as a song could pull me back from a place I wasn’t even aware I was heading towards.

In the end, music shaped me in a way unimaginable. It was there on the days when I needed it the most. On nights where the pressure of life hits me but, throughout all of this, music showed me something so much greater. It connects people while indirectly healing emotions we don’t talk about and filling spaces that we couldn’t even explain. Music isn’t just sound, it represents growth, reflection, comfort, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments music is something we could always turn towards.