music therapy

🎵 The Radical Power of Writing Songs (Even If You’re Not a Songwriter)

You don’t need to be a musician to write songs.

In fact, some of the most powerful breakthroughs I’ve seen - emotional, creative, and even strategic - come when someone who’s never picked up a guitar starts writing lyrics.

Because songwriting isn’t about music.
It’s about honesty, clarity, and pattern-breaking thinking.

And in a world obsessed with productivity and performance, choosing to write a song is an act of rebellion.

Why Songwriting Isn’t Just for Artists

You know those moments where your brain is stuck in a loop? Where logic doesn’t help and words don’t quite land?

That’s where music comes in.

Writing a song about something you “can’t figure out” often reveals a truth that spreadsheets, decks, or even journaling can’t touch.

It creates emotional precision, pattern recognition, and story fluency - skills that make you not just more creative, but more capable.

Songwriting as a Tool for Clarity

We live in a world of noise. Content. Meetings. Posts. Feedback. Proposals. Spin. Branding.

But a song only has a few lines to make you feel something.

That’s why songwriting can be a profound tool for:

  • Clarifying your values

  • Locating inner truth

  • Making emotionally intelligent decisions

  • Reconnecting to joy, grief, wonder, rage—whatever your real creative fuel is

You don’t write a song to impress. You write it to express. And that’s where all innovation starts.

What Happens When You Practice This Regularly

A strange thing happens when you let songwriting into your life (even secretly):

  • You start listening differently—in meetings, in conversations, in conflict.

  • You become more comfortable with ambiguity and emotion.

  • Your communication gets sharper, simpler, more human.

  • People start asking you how you think so clearly.

And it’s not magic. It’s just a muscle you’ve been told isn’t “relevant” to your success.

But it is. Maybe more than anything.

Who This Is Secretly For

This practice isn’t just for people who want to make albums. It’s for:

  • Leaders who want to stop parroting jargon and start speaking from the gut

  • Changemakers who want to build teams that run on trust, not control

  • Anyone who’s tired of sounding smart but feeling lost

In my world, we use songwriting as a tool for personal and collective liberation.
It’s about healing, yes - but also visioning. Reorienting. Reimagining.

It’s not therapy. It’s not branding. It’s something older, messier, and more powerful.

Want to Try?

If you’re curious, I run spaces (sometimes private, sometimes group) where people write songs - not for the radio, but for their real lives.

You don’t need to know anything. You just need to be open to what you don’t know yet.

We don’t chase hits.
We write to remember who we are.

Top 10 ways to Incorporate Music Into Your Self-Care Routine

 
 

Self-care has become such a buzzword, and we're all looking for new and exciting ways to nourish ourselves. There are so many great options from hot yoga to journaling to bubble baths…

But have you considered incorporating music into your self-care routine? Not only can it help you de-stress and relax, but scientific studies have shown that it can also have a positive impact on your mental and physical health.

In this post, I'm going to share with you the top 10 ways to incorporate music into your self-care routine, all backed by science.

  1. Start your day with an uplifting playlist - Studies have shown that listening to music in the morning can boost your mood and increase your energy levels. So why not start your day with a playlist of your favorite feel-good songs?

  2. Use music to de-stress - Research has shown that listening to calming music can reduce stress and anxiety levels. So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, put on some soothing tunes and take a few deep breaths. A song like this.

  3. Incorporate music into your meditation practice - Music can help you relax and focus during meditation, and some studies have shown that it can even increase the benefits of meditation. So why not try adding some gentle music to your meditation routine?

  4. Create a workout playlist - Music can increase your endurance and motivation during exercise. So if you're looking to take your workouts to the next level, create a playlist of high-energy songs that get you pumped up. Endorphins are the best anti-depressant!

  5. Sing your heart out - Research has shown that singing can increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress. So why not turn up the volume and sing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs? The car and the shower are the best locations.

  6. Learn to play an instrument - Playing an instrument has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced stress levels. So if you're looking for a new hobby, why not try learning to play guitar or piano? Embrace the beginner’s mind! There are so many great free lessons on Youtube.

  7. Attend a concert or music festival - Research has shown that attending live music events can increase feelings of happiness and social connection. So why not gather some friends and go see your favorite band in concert? Or go alone and you won’t feel alone! You know what I’m talking about!

  8. Use music to improve your sleep - Studies have shown that listening to calming music before bed can improve the quality of your sleep. So if you're having trouble sleeping, try listening to some relaxing music before you hit the hay. Or even while you’re sleeping. Instrumental or anything wordless is what I recommend.

  9. Incorporate music into your journaling practice - Music can inspire creativity and self-expression, making it a great addition to your journaling routine. So the next time you sit down to write, try listening to some instrumental music and see what comes up. OR journal ABOUT a song! The songs we like can give us valuable insight into ourselves. Introspection and tender self-focus is so valuable.

  10. Create a music gratitude list - Research has shown that practicing gratitude can improve your mental health and overall wellbeing. So why not make a list of all the songs and musicians you're grateful for? It's a fun and easy way to incorporate music into your self-care routine. Or make a playlist for someone you’re grateful for!

Incorporating music into your self-care routine is a simple and enjoyable way to nourish yourself and improve your overall wellbeing. So turn up the volume, let loose, and take care of yourself - you deserve it!

I invite you to join my community of songbirds and music lovers at our monthly FREE LIVE Zoom concert! 20ish minutes of songs and sing-a-longs from the heart.

Click here to join us now!