Once upon a time, I used to listen to music as I drifted off to dreamland. The melodies were like lullabies creating beautiful imagery that helped me envision what life might be like when I was an adult. I'd wonder about the struggles, relationships, and passions that awaited me. It was all played out there by the light of my turntable. It was peaceful and comfortable and time was on my side.
There were two record albums I played the most. They were Heart Like a Wheel by Linda Ronstadt and Olivia Newton-John's Greatest Hits.
The penultimate song on Side Two of Olivia's Greatest Hits was the song Don't Stop Believin'. I could relate to this guy she sang about who is optimistic and charming and upbeat, but who experiences some bad days. I embraced the message to keep the faith when faced with adversity and felt the support of those I loved to get me through (just as in the song). I saw myself going through life believing that "bad days will hurry by."
The years pass. My beloved mom lives only in my heart and memory. The things she taught me bubble to the surface when needed. I find that I am now experiencing the "bad days" referred to in the lyrics of this song (at least professionally). I can hear my mom pointedly telling me that I shouldn't let things wear me down because "that's not like you." But, it's hard sometimes. Teachers are continually disrespected. It's exhausting to fight against the current of negativity day after day. And yet, somehow, my mom is a life raft keeping me afloat. That's some amazing parenting! And I won't stop believin'.
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