Jamming

As I get older, I find my memories fading more and more. At least that’s what I perceive when trying to recall certain fond or not so fond memories. Then a song will come on and just like that, a memory pops up along with it. What’s so amazing to me is that this memory will be so vivid.

I have always loved music. Most every great memory I have is tied to music. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised when a song plays and a memory pops up.

My first date with my ex-wife of twenty years included her singing to me in the car. It was one of many reasons I fell in love with her on that very first date. Our song then was Kenny Chesney’s “Me and You.”

Every time I hear it, I am still transported back in time to that first date long ago.

I remember when I was younger and riding with Dad or Mom and they would always be listening to the same music. I would think how can they listen to the same thing all the time? I will never be like that.

Fast forward 40 years and I am just like them, but now I know the why. Memories are tied to the music that was playing when creating the memory.

If you happen to see me listening to my 80s music with a big ole smile on my face you will know I am fondly reliving my youth through the memories that pop up while jamming out to some sweet tunes.

These days I find myself listening to music more and mostly through my earbuds, especially at sporting events I cover. I have found another use for music as I have gotten older and that is, it can drown out the stress, anxiety and apprehension, which happens for me in large crowds with lots of noise.

When shooting photography at events I am constantly worried as well that I will miss an important shot or screw the shot up. No matter how good or not good I am or get at photography I will always have that anxiety over not being good enough or screwing the shot up.

Music helps so much in these situations because it takes me out of the moment and out of my head and just lets me react to what I’m shooting. If you’re anxious or worried about something, give music a try: pop on the ear buds or turn up the radio in the car and blast the stress and worries away.

This is Will B. quoting Christian Slater and saying, pump up the volume!