Thought it would be neat if people shared songs that have helped you in your recovery.

I was so excited to see this post!!  Music has been a HUGE part of my recovery journey.  I have tons of songs that have touched me in big ways, but this is the list of extra special songs and artists that I have made into my “Recovery” playlist on my I-pod.  This is the exact same list of songs that I burn to CDs and gift to many people in my life.  This list is primarily music that is positive for me and that I am able to draw strength and courage from to continue on in my recovery journey.  When I give this list or these CD’s my hope it that the recipient can find at least ONE song that fits for them and that helps them in some way.  Songs that were exceptionally motivating for me when I was struggling were “18 Wheeler”, “Suddenly” and “More”.  They still are very important songs in my life, but today I find the most motivation in “A Small Star”, “Let Go” and “The Storm is Over Now”.  My one request when people listen is to try to see how each song may relate to a person (me, if they know me) who is at any given point in their journey with their eating disorder.  Sorry the format was lost with the cut and paste, but all the important stuff is here.  Cheers and Enjoy!!

Superwoman’s Rock Recovery Mix

Volume 1

1.  18 Wheeler                                                         P!nk
2.  Free To Be Me                                                       Francesca Battistelli
3.  More                                                               Tyrone Wells
4.  Suddenly                                                           Superchick
5.  Ooh Child                                                           Beth Orton
6.  Heavenly Day                                                       Patty Griffin
7.  Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This                                 Van Morrison
8.  True Colors                                                         Eva Cassidy
9.  Breathe (2 AM)                                                      Anna Nalick
10.  Mirror Mirror                                                       Barlow Girl
11.  Soar                                                               Christina Aguilera
12.  Over You                                                           Daughtry
13.  Be Strong                                                           Delta Goodrem
14.  Watershed                                                         Indigo Girls
15.  Message To Myself                                                 Melissa Etheridge
16.  Moving On                                                         Rascal Flatts
17.  Superwoman                                                       Alicia Keys

Volume 2

1.  You Gotta Be                                                       Des’ree
2.  Survivor                                                             Destiny’s Child
3.  Beautiful                                                           Christina Aguilera
4.  The World’s Greatest                                                 R. Kelly
5.  My Saving Grace                                                     Mariah Carey
6.  All The Grace                                                       Patty Kark
7.  Sailing                                                             The Blenders
8.  Fighter                                                             Christina Aguilera
9.  Through The Rain                                                   Mariah Carey
10.  She’s A Butterfly                                                   Martina McBride

Volume 3

1.  Dear Lie                                                             TLC
2.  How Could Anyone                                                   Elaine Silver
3.  Doesn’t Mean That I’m Not Strong                                   Jana Stanfield
4.  A Beautiful Day                                                     India.Arie
5.  Broken                                                             Lindsey Haun
6.  Something Changed                                                 Sara Groves
7.  Fly                                                                 Hillary Duff
8.  Somewhere Over The Rainbow                                       Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
9.  Blessed                                                             Brett Dennen
10.  It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday                           Boys II Men
11.  Not Ready To Make Nice                                             Dixie Chicks
12.  A Small Star                                                       Jana Stanfield
13.  The Storm Is Over Now                                             R. Kelly
14.  Let Go                                                             Keri Noble
15.  According To You                                                   Orianthi

Here is another one that I think is really good. To me, listening to it means that instead of the “ex” being the song, it’s “ED” that I’m, getting away from:

“I look so good” by Jessie James

One I like - specific to body image/self confidence

“Private Party” by India.Arie

Wonderful post Superwoman….music has helped me in my recovery…I will be adding to my play list.  thanks :-)

“Swim” and “Resolution” by Jack’s Mannequin are a few of my favorite motivation songs. Actually the entire Glass Passenger album is AMAZING.
Motion City Soundtrack is my other go to band for my bad days. They just make me flat out happy. “Stand Too Close” on their new album, My Dinosaur Life, really hits home for me (I just think of the girl as ED)

All in all, music is by far the most helpful thing to me (well, that and art) There is nothing better than blasting music and screaming your lungs out when you’re having a bad day- my neighbors don’t like it too much, but hey…I can’t please everybody!

Shattered (Turn the Car Around) O.A.R.

lovely topic… so nice to see other people’s responses!!

On a general note, I think the most healing and beneficial music are songs that are uplifting, not just from a melodious point of view but also from the lyrics. Latter is probably the most important. It need to fill your heart. Of course one can also go for instrumental music like myself - and especially classic music is very healing in its own way (soothing, joyous). I also play a bit myself (synthesizer) and thats even more powerful as you express your feeling in your own unique way. (And nobody needs to know the results if it embarasses you…)

^^^^ I agree! Recorded music with lyrics is not the only music that helps. I happen to have the biggest connection with lyrics, but I know there can be much connection found in other realms of recorded and live music as well! I do LOVE all kinds of music. Also, I am a musician, I have been for many years and yes, there is something to be said for creating your own music!! There is nothing better than being able to pound out my aggressions on a piano, sing out my sorrows with my voice, or toot out a happy tune on my flute. Those are my usual weapons of choice but I also found great healing in drumming as well. At one point in my recovery I found music very frustrating because I couldn’t play the way I expected myself to, or couldn’t find the right song/lyrics to express what I needed (I let perfectionism run the show), but then I morphed into finding it to be the most healing tactic out there (for me anyway). The great thing about music is that the possibilities are endless and each person must find what is the best fit for them. Another cool thing—music can be experienced solo and in private or can be shared with others—whatever fits for you. I say find what works for you and go for it AND be open to other options (musical and non-musical) as well.  Best wishes to you on your journey!!

this was one of my favorite posts I think! Music, art, theatre and that type of stuff have been the best! I now have sooo many new song to add to my ipod!

something beautiful-need to breathe
airplanes-b.O.b. w/ hayley williams
beautifully-jay brennan
hey there delilah-plain white t’s

Details in the Fabric
by Jason Mraz ft James Morrison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4PRNgXol0o

^^^ song has saved me from myself.  It makes me stronger and reminds me that I can reach out, keep working on it and I will be ok.  It also helps me when I’m in a depression.

Lyrics:

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling all your threads saying
Breaking yourself up

If it’s a broken part, replace it
But, if it’s a broken arm then brace it
If it’s a broken heart then face it

And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your own name
And go your own way

And everything will be fine
Everything will be fine
Mmmhmm

Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I’m doing everything

Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way

And everything, everything will be fine
Everything

Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?

Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you’re shocked it’s just the fault
Of faulty manufacturing.

Yeah everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything

Hold your own
And know your name
And go your own way

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling? (Go your own way)

Are the details in the fabric (Hold your own, know your name)
Are the things that make you panic (Go your own way)
Is it Mother Nature’s sewing machine?

Are the things that make you blow (Hold your own, know your name)
Hell no reason go on and scream
If you’re shocked it’s just the fault (Go your own way)
Of faulty manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Hearts will hold

I also love Mika’s Big Girl (you are beautiful)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSK91mUNLU

Not afraid by Eminem. Its his story of recovery to drugs and alcohol but can be related to eds.

“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars - I sing it for myself
“F**kin’ Perfect” - P!nk - TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!