Some find it funny, some interesting, and some downright confusing that I have been fortunate enough to meet and work with some pretty influential figures around the world in today's business and political environments - and yet I am a huge country music fan. Yep. Country music.
I grew up in Utah, and country music was always on in our house. Johnny Cash. Loretta Lynn. Hank Jr. Tammy Wynette. Those are just a few of the voices from my childhood that echo through my mind on long drives across the desert southwest, or sing me to sleep on flights to Europe and beyond. My husband still revels when those old songs come on the radio and I sing every word. Even though I haven’t heard them for years!
Looking back, I realize that taking a break from country music (a long break that started in my teens) was a good thing. Of course, I never totally said goodbye...Reba and Garth, Tim and Kenny, Martina and Tricia were always there in the background, drawing me in to pause the radio dial for just a few minutes every now and again, even when alternative had my heart and pop and hip hop deserved exploration.
Now, in my (ahem) very early forties, I have found myself over the last few years coming back around to Country. And loving it. Maybe it's because I relate to so many of the songs, maybe it's because I can feel good about my five year old listening (and watching videos - and singing almost every word if it's Taylor Swift, The Band Perry or Kenny Chesney, and lately, Pontoon!). The songs just make me feel good. They are about things I care about. That matters to me.
For the last few months, one song has spoken to me every time I hear it. And I'm finally getting around to sharing how it makes me feel when I hear it: confident, proud, happy, and in good company. 'Comin Around by Josh Thompson is a typical country song...and the chorus hits home every time. If you know me at all you'll know the significance of these words in my life right now, and in my journey overall. I hope they inspire you to appreciate your journey as well!
From ‘Comin Around by Josh Thompson:
I'm comin' around, I'm figurin' out
A lot of things I thought I knew
I never deamed I'd be seein' things
From this point of view
Still a little ways from slowin' it all the way down
But I'm comin' around
