Songs that Carried Me Through
- Cheryl
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Day 19
Today is a continuation of yesterday’s theme of music as therapy.
Music has always been part of my life—choir in college, piano lessons from age 10 to 16, and countless playlists for joy and reflection. After my stroke, music became both more difficult and more important. Singing was challenging with aphasia and apraxia, but music still helped me access words and memories, and it gave me motivation on tough days.
Here I match songs to themes in my journey—songs that remind me to keep going, that echo the struggles of living with aphasia and apraxia, and that lift me up when I need it most.
Theme 1: The Stroke Journey
A stroke changes everything. The road to recovery is uncertain, but full of possibility.
Song: “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack🎧 Listen here
This song reminds me to never stop hoping, never stop trying, and to take every chance to live fully—even when recovery feels overwhelming.
Theme 2: Living Well with Aphasia
When you have aphasia, words don’t always come easily. You can’t always get what you want—but with patience, strategy, and support, you can get what you need.
Song 1: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones🎧 Listen here
Song 2: “The Long and Winding Road” by The Beatles🎧 Listen here
Both songs capture the patience and persistence it takes to keep communicating. Some days are long, winding, and slow—but we still move forward.
Theme 3: Dealing with Apraxia
Apraxia of speech is different from aphasia. The words may be in my head, but the motor planning—telling my mouth what to do—doesn’t always cooperate. Practice, patience, and breathing help, but it’s still frustrating.
Song 1: “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam🎧 Listen here
Song 2: “All Mixed Up” by Hannah Montana🎧 Listen here
These songs remind me to pause, breathe, and not be too hard on myself when my speech feels all tangled up.
Theme 4: Motivation and Success
Even after stroke, I am still a teacher, cheerleader, and mentor at heart. Part of my recovery journey has been about encouraging others to keep going. Sharing my story is one way I do this.
Song: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus🎧 Listen here
The lyrics say it all—recovery is not about how fast we get there, but about taking one step at a time and appreciating every milestone.
Theme 5: Rebuilding Self-Esteem
A stroke can shake your identity. I had to rebuild my sense of worth—not by what I did for work, but by knowing I still had strengths, purpose, and joy to give.
Song 1: “Still Have Me” by Demi Lovato🎧 Listen here
Song 2: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson🎧 Listen here
These songs remind me that even though life looks different now, I am still me. I am still strong.
Final Reflection
Music has been with me my whole life—from piano lessons and choir to playlists that carry me through recovery. Today, I use music as medicine, motivation, and a way to reflect on this journey.
💡 Reflection for you:What songs give you hope, strength, or comfort? Could you make your own playlist of recovery and resilience?
There are songs that immediately take us back or forward in time. I sure hope you've created a Spotify playlist of these songs so you have them with you when you need them!!
Great post! Music is so very healing! I have a playlist that I titled Songs That Move Me. It it too long a list to type out here. These songs are like an emotional hug for me and I listen to them throughout the week when I feel like I need that.