Sometimes when the world is telling you to give up, and even all your hope stops whispering, "Try it one more time," music can save us from the bitter days here on Earth. Music exists as one of the most powerful influences on humans. There's angry, depressed, joyful, relaxing, empowering and so much more. I am a firm believer that all music is good music, whether sung by a professional or myself at 3 A.M. karaoke. Although there are many great types of music, the 20 empowering songs on this list are special. No matter how bad you are feeling one day or how bad people are pulling you down, these songs will remind you of your self worth, your independence and your morals. They will help you fall in love with yourself, treat yourself and work on yourself. These songs are here for you and your emotions. Play them whenever you need a pick-me-up.
1. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
You are going to survive being perfect as you are. A perfect reminder of some of your mama's advice and how to be the bigger person. It touches on independence, but also on forgiveness and wishing others who wronged you well. It will calm you down, set your head straight and remind you that you will survive.
2. "Titanium (feat. Sia)" by David Guetta
Sometimes we all need a reminder that no matter how bad the words or world hurts, we are all stronger than titanium. Do not let anyone's actions or comments tear you down.
3. "Wings" by Little Mix
You are a beautiful butterfly. Everyone else can keep pulling you down but your mama taught you better. You have a unique set of wings and even if you just hit the ground, the wings were made to get back up and fly -- so fly to better things!
4. "That Don't Impress Me Much" by Shania Twain
Whatever it is, you're allowed to appreciate and enjoy it, but, let's be honest, nothing impresses you as much as yourself. No one has been through your struggle and no one could have done better. Whether it's grades, life, boys/girls, remember that at the end of the day, the only person you have to impress is yourself. This song is the perfect reminder.
Take back your life. Make it how you want it. The worst obstacles are given to the toughest soldiers. So fight, you got this.
This one is good to listen to when a relationship or friendship hits a wall. Just remember that if you are trying and forgiving, there is nothing more you can do. It's their turn to do what their morals tell them. You just have to believe in life after love. More is bound to come around the corner.
7. "Girl On Fire -- Inferno Remix" by Alicia Keys (feat. Nicki Minaj)
I have a special connection with the remix version because of Nicki's part. Alicia sings about how the girl is on fire and how amazing that unique flame is; however, Nicki talks about how sometimes that flame causes others to stare. Think about that for a second, the more successful, amazing, and bright you are, the more people are going to start staring, talking and pulling at you. No one believed the Wright brothers would fly but they didn't let the flame burn out. They believed in themselves and didn't care for the stares. So let your flame burn bright, let them stare and don't be sorry for how resilient you are.
It's a classic but it's definitely worth listening to. We already know worrying about something, rather than actually doing something about it, just does more harm than good. Life is not as easy as just telling yourself not to worry, but a full three minutes of whistling and someone telling you with a soothing voice to not worry and be happy can be very beneficial. Trust me, I speak from experience.
This title more than explains itself. It's a good addition to the empowering playlist. Love yourself. Take an extra minute getting ready in the morning to remind yourself that if you were a vegetable, you'd be a cute-cumber.
Could I have chosen anything less pop or cheesy? No. Do I regret this? No. Katy slays the idea. You can feel as belittled as a plastic bag, you can feel like a waste of space but you just gotta ignite that light! You are a unique firework display of epic proportions. Show 'em how it's done.
So, you feel torn down? Good. You are now a new person, completely different than you were 10 minutes ago, so come back. The time is now to come out of your shell. Not on New Years, not tomorrow, not when school starts. Now is the time to show your abilities. Your actions will speak loudly for you, so come on out and bring that new productive energy everywhere you go!
It's apparent you are feeling bad for a reason and obviously something is eating at you. Something you did, something someone did to you, both? No matter what it is, if you are trying to fix it, that is all you can do. One verse says it all, "It's always darkest before the dawn." Again, it is up to their morals. You at this point; however, have every right to shake it out and let it go.
OK, in all seriousness, if anyone has ever called you a bad person, just hold up a mirror to them. Maybe if they see how horrible they are being by saying it to themselves in a mirror, they might reword what they are going to say. Who says you can't be the best? You can be the best, you do not have to be perfect immediately. It may take time, but you can be the best you have ever been and keep improving.
OK, so I have two Katy Perry songs. She knows the feels, OK?! In this song you are a tiger, lion, T-Rex, whatever, giving the world your loudest roar. Take on life with 100 percent effort even when you don't feel like it. Show them your roar every day, every minute because no one can hold you down.
You should be feelin' yourself. Take selfies all day because, yes, no matter what, you are beautiful. Eating a burger? Beautiful. Do you have a favorite outfit that you just look so good in? Yeah, it should be called your skin. That is all you need to be feelin' good.
16. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This is just a friendly three minute reminder. If you give up then that's it. You are the one messing up. It is as simple as not giving up, all you have to do is take a small step and you are already a fighter -- getting stronger every second. Make sure to thank everyone for the new and improved you!
17. "BO$$" by Fifth Harmony
They sing, "C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T that's me I'm confident," and do you need to sing anything else in your life? Say that 10 times a day, the more you say it the more you'll believe it and you should believe it. These girls know what to sing to empower you to be who you are without worrying what others think.
18. "Brave" by Sara Bareilles
Sara and I just want to see you be brave. We know what it is like to fall down because people lie, twist words, and gossip, but be brave! Make your apologies, accept apologies and learn to be patient with those who are not as forgiving or apologetic as you. With time, all good things come around. Stand strong, you are not in this alone!
19. "Confident" by Demi Lavato
"What's wrong with being confident?" Demi asks. Good question Demi. The answer is nothing is wrong with being confident. Many people feel like they need to critique everything they are to please everyone else, this is not necessary. There is a difference between being conceited and feelin' yourself. Being conceited is going out of your way to make others feel less than you. All you have to do to be "feelin' yourself" is stop criticizing yourself.
20. "Flawless Remix" by Beyonce (feat. Nicki Minaj)
Last, but definitely not least, "Flawless" by B. Embrace those curves. Embrace your race. Embrace your culture. Embrace the small, big, scarred, smooth- it is all so unique and beautiful. You are flawless. Seriously, flawless. Believe it.
Let this music overwhelm you. Let it change your mood for the better. Earth and humans can be really awful sometimes -- empower yourself! Let the music remind you that you can do anything. I hope this helps, you go girl, you got this!
