Heidi Presents: Everybody Hurts . . . Sometimes

I've been pretty down this week. And, it's all because I'm sick. Usually, when I start to feel sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead. But I feel like I've been robbed of my mojo, and have absolutely no energy to do anything but write B side posts. I don't know about you, but when I don't cross everything off of the to-do lists that I make for myself each week, I start to feel like I'm failing and then I feel sad. As such, I've wasted most of this week feeling sorry for myself.

That sounds a bit melodramatic. And, I don't want anyone to feel bad for me. I actually kind of relish feeling sad (I also delight in melodrama). I love a good cry, and I promise you, I'm a gold medal weeper. I cry at everything - Sarah McLachlan songs, Google commercials, Pixar, live events featuring child performers (I don't want to talk about my niece's dance recital), Christmas, Janet Jackson in concert, Grey's Anatomy, emergency trips to the vet (a good story for another time) and images of abused animals set to Sarah McLachlan songs.

When I'm feeling sad, I actually start to seek out movies and music that make me sadder. Atonement and, paradoxically, (500) Days of Summer combined with a little Fiona Apple or Coldplay can create an emotionally toxic mix for me. It's worth noting that I would name these two movies and these artists among my favorites - which means my favorite art actually takes the wind OUT of my sails! How crazy is that?

But, no more B Siders! No more! I am quite determined to turn this funk around, and I think there is no better time to start than a Monday. The only way I can think to do this (and that is relevant to you) is to create a mix of perfectly happy songs. Songs that inspire me to let go and accept the facts - the laundry didn't get done this week, I don't get paid as much as I want, my nose looks red and icky, no one called me for two days - and it's all okay.

Five songs do not a playlist make - send me some more happy songs so I can add to my list! Note, Walking on Sunshine will not be accepted.

1. Baba O'Riley - The Who
While watching an I Love the Top One Hundred Greatest Music Ever show on VH1, one of the D-list celebrities said that the The Who sounds like possibility. I love that description, and it fits this song perfectly. This song feels like a breath of fresh air, it opens the soul, and makes me feel more alive. And that ending is killer.

2. Time to Pretend - MGMT
First, this song is all about being a rock star, and it's pretty damn rad. The energy behind the opening hook that is used throughout the song is contagious. I think it was written to be pumped out of your car stereo with the windows rolled down - it's just so much fun.

3. Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
So, it's kind of a cliche, but I swear, this song is more than the thinking man's Don't Worry, Be Happy! This song is so encouraging, and is about forgiving yourself and letting go. It's only life afterall.

4. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard - Paul Simon
I don't know what egregious crime these boys committed to get them on the cover of Newsweek, and I don't care. This song is light and fun, and shows the early signs of Paul Simon's fascination of world beats. Plus, the lyrics contain my life's motto - I'm on my way, don't know where I'm going.

5. The Dog Days are Over - Florence and the Machine
Okay, it's overused, but it's overused, because it's awesome! Mixing world music, chipper '60s girl group beats, and supernatural vocals, this song is like a spiritual experience. It's transcendent and freeing, and like that YouTube baby, I have to listen to it on repeat.