A photo posted by Andrew W.K. (@andrewwk) on Jan 31, 2017 at 12:05pm PST

The best thing I saw today was this Instagram post from Andrew. W.K.

For those who may be unfamiliar, Andrew W.K. is a musician and songwriter, who falls into the genres of alternative rock, party-metal, hard rock, alternative metal and experimental. He is the kind of guy who basically wants everyone to be happy and have a good time.

Whether you’re a fan of his music or not, it’s hard to disagree with the sentiment he states above.

In the times we are in, it can be extremely difficult not to become overwhelmed by worry and anxiety—by frustration and disillusionment.

However, we must keep our heads up. We must hang on to hope.

We must not give in to fear or lose touch with what brings us joy.

Music brings me a lot of joy. So this simple reminder to stay in touch with the joy that music brings me resonated deeply.

And music actually has healing power!  According to a Harvard Medical School Health Publication, music therapy can help restore speech for those who have suffered stroke or brain injuries, help reduce the side affects of cancer therapy, help relive pain and can improve one’s general quality of life.

But more simply, music uplifts us. It brings us joy when we are down. Music is like an old friend who is always there for us when we need comfort. Music brings us hope—and hope is exactly what we need right now.

So in that spirit, I’d like to offer up some inspiring, “relephant” playlists:

>> 6 Songs to Break Your Funk.

>> 8 Songs about Rebellion to Fuel our Inner Fire.

>> Turn Off the Radio: A Playlist to Raise our Consciousness.

>> Joy Playlist: Music for Reclaiming our Smiles.

>> Songs that Lift Me Up in My Darkest Hours: My Bouncing Forward Playlist.

>> 5 Songs to Lift Our Moods & Get Us Through the Gloomy Days.

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Author: Yoli Ramazzina

Image: Instagram @andrewwk