Now, before I get started on this topic let me start off by saying -- I am not shaming anyone's own music taste in any way. I, myself, probably have the widest variety of music vocabulary known to man. I can go from rocking out to Pearl Jam one day to kicking back and listening to Frank Sinatra the next. I can scream all the lyrics to any Adele song like no other, and on a rare occurrence, you may even spot me (while driving) rapping like no other to OutKast. Like I said, it's all over the place. But, that's the beauty of music.

Music, in my opinion, was clearly placed on this earth to enjoy. To feel something. To have something to believe in again even if it is just for three minutes.

Music can bring back so many memories and everything you once felt the first time you heard a song. Hearing that right song at the right moment can mean the world. It can change everything. This is why what we listen to, affects who we are.

Everyone has different taste in music. We've all heard artists and songs we prefer more than someone else. And there's nothing wrong with that.

I think having your own style of music you prefer listening to says a lot about who you are as a person. If you're listening to an artist just because everyone else is but you can't stand them -- why? Follow the beat of your own drum. Literally. Listen to music that makes you feel good.

A couple years ago, I listened to nothing but rap. I listened to songs about f***ing women, smoking, and drinking. So, me being the naive person I was, that's what I wanted to do. I wasn't living my life in the most positive way. Now, that may just be me. Others may listen to those songs and get a lot out of it. Kudos to them.

As I grew older, my taste in music started to change and I realized that life, in general, just changed for me. I started listening to uplifting music, music with soul, music that had a story to it, music where you could hear the passion, and that's when it all changed for me. Without me even fully aware of what was going on in the world around me, my life suddenly began to shift. So did my mindset.

I soon discovered new artists, people who I have never heard of and neither have my friends. I went to concerts with the most random and genuine crowds of people. I've even gone to a few musical festivals, where you're surrounded by beautiful human beings all there for the sole purpose of love for music. Expand your musical horizon.

I respect all artists out there. Whether you're a rap, country, rock, reggae, pop, or indie singer -- you name it. There is truly so much more out there than the songs you hear on Top 40 radio stations.

We're all human, we enjoy hearing songs we can relate to. If you listen to uplifting music, you'll more than likely have a brighter outlook on life itself -- as corny as that may sound.

New research does show that music can increase your mood and give you a greater quality of life. Music unquestionably affects our emotions. That's why it's so ideal to think twice about what you're listening to. Just like dealing with people, if you're surrounded by someone who is constantly negative and never has anything good to say, odds are, you're probably going to feel negative the more you spend time with them. You can shut it off.

Don't force yourself to do anything just because everyone else is and that may be all they know. Life is about trying new things and learning new things.

One of the most beautiful aspects of life is how one song can change your whole day around. What song will that be for you? Sing it, scream it, and dance like a fool.