I had a phone conversation with a friend. We hadn’t talked for a while. A lot had happened in our lives since then – not all of it particularly good. We ended up talking about the bad things that were happening in the world – things we had no control over and often things that did not immediately affect our lives.

Such conversations are, I suppose, necessary. Everyone needs to vent at least once in a while; but, under certain circumstances, talking about the “baddies” can give them more life and energy than they deserve. Those conversations I refer to as “A Whole Lot of Ain’t it Awful.”.

The next morning, I set out on one of those errands you wish you didn’t have to do, but know you have to. I turned on the car radio to a classic Rock and Roll station. It was their request hour. I hoped it would improve my sour mood.

The first song the D.J. played was ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra, (1977). He proclaimed It was the happiest song ever written. He might be right. The next song was ‘The Power of Love’ by Huey Lewis and the News (1985).

I reached my destination with a smile on my face. I had changed the playlist in my mind. I started thinking of other songs that lifted my mood. Here’s my playlist.

Werewolves of London – Warren Zevon (2007) – This features a honky-tonk style piano with quirky lyrics.

Somebody to Love – Queen (1976) – Great voices and music- Freddy Mercury’s voice is wonderful. They sound like they had fun making the recording and that over-rides any sense of saddness

I Can See Clearly Now – Jimmy Cliff (1993)- a great song that reassures us that there is a bright future

What a Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong (1967) – Enough said!

The key, in such messy times, is to find the beauty, goodness and hope that still exists in the world. Sometimes we have to dig to find it, but it is always there.

Peace