Linda’s 2022 Jukebox

Congratulations! You did it! 2022 was nothing short of a high-speed roller coaster ride!

Cheers to those who grew some muscles emotionally, mentally and physically (maybe); to those who met expectations (98% of the fellow IT crowd, Hi-Five!); to those who pushed through the hard stuff; to those who overcame depressions, diseases and personal demons; to you who didn’t give up;

I’m glad you reached the finish line! I’m glad you stayed till the final round!

As this year comes to wraps, it has become a (new) personal ritual for me to shortlist songs that didn’t fail to encourage, empower and entertain me this year. Here’s my Top 5 list (in no particular order) from my 2022 Jukebox and the reasons why they made it to the top. Hope you like it! 😊

Note! You can find the link to the Apple playlist with all the songs mentioned, at the end of this post.

Note! Note! I would love to hear your playlist of the year! Please share your favorite song(s) in the comment section below.

1. Daydream | Lily Meola

This is an emotional song performed by Lily Meola in AGT 2022. Just close your eyes and listen to the lyrics. It is a time capsule that takes you back to timeless moments in your past through the seamlessly juggled crescendos and diminuendos. It starts with your childhood dream(s); then shifts focus to the climax where you lose it; then mercilessly pushes you to the point of no return:

It [Dream] ain’t big enough if it doesn’t scare the hell out of you.

If it makes you nervous, it’s probably worth it.

Why save it for sleep when you could be living your daydream?

Who knows! You may achieve your dreams (maybe even your New Year resolutions) if you played this on repeat.

2. Have it all | Jason Mraz

Have you ever wished for someone who wishes you well with their whole heart? They pull a string from the highest heavens and hit the note at the farthest horizon. There is not a blessing they leave unpronounced. They must sound something like this –

And may the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows

… I want you to have it all

As a 90’s kid, this is my favorite line – May you be as fascinating as a slap bracelet

On a side note, I would like to wish you the BEST of BESTS in 2023, that you will HAVE IT ALL! (On earth and in the life after when your journey here is over)

3. Together again | Dave Koz

I listen to the lyrics more than the music of a song (You may have realized that by now). However, when my brain is actively concocting magic potions (coding/ blogging/ planning, etc.) I need a white noise that perfectly juxtaposes extraordinary and non-self-imposing characteristics. This instrumental by Dave Koz fits the bill.

“Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Andersen.

I think I understand a tad bit of what this one is saying – Go on! Don’t Stop! Just Keep Going!

4. You’re still God | Philippa Hanna

“The Dark Road” has a close friend called “Anxiety” (nick name – stress). As they grow older together, they become “The Long Dark Road” and “Bitter”. To stop them from maturing into “The Long Dark Unending Road” and “Despondent”, one needs to carry the light of hope. It could be a smoldering wick or a flaring flame. It only gets better for those that can sing His Word,

Though I can’t see what’s before me

I know that I can trust Your heart

And this one truth will be my story

You still reign and You’re still God

Don’t lose hope because ALL THINGS work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

5. All in life | Carman

You think you made it, but you missed the train by a second. You think you reached the top, but you are on the wrong ladder. You are there but only almost there. Near misses are more painful than attempting no goals at all, aren’t they?

What if this happens to LIFE? What if you live 100 or more years and then find out you took wrong route? Or even worse, what if you almost made it but the snake at the 99^th tile got you?

This song helped me re-evaluate my actions on earth that have eternal consequences. Loved it so much that I made an amateur cover. Hope you like it!

All in life (Cover by Linda)

Flourishing Finish!

Oh, that is not a song! (I wish someone wrote about it)

It is my prayer and wish for you that you finish this year with a victory roar and start 2023 with a “Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, You’re gonna hear me roar!”

By the way, if you are measuring success only by the blessings you got, trophies you bagged and applauses you cherished, you might be a wee bit wrong.

Success is <I’m still figuring out the diplomatic definition. Sorry! Please let me know if you do!>

At this moment in time are you content?
Are you at peace with yourself, God and everyone around you?
Then in the upside-up world, you are successful!

If not, hurry! You still have a few hours until the clock strikes 2023. All the very best!

I would like to take this moment to THANK YOU for being a part of my life. Just as a small drop of water is insignificant by itself but is a might ocean when brought together, I appreciate the strength you provide through your presence. I wish you the best of Grace in 2023 and the years to come.

To sum up my prayers and wishes for you –

May your dreams don’t die as daydreams!
May you have it all, both here and in the life to come!
May you be a fighter and never quit!
May hope always be your guiding light and never wane!
May you find your purpose in life, love it and live it!

Cheers,

Linda Shiny

P.S.

If you are curious about my TOP 10 list, here’s the rest:

Overcomer | Mandisa – I cannot imagine finishing the elliptical in the gym without a push from the lines “Stay in the fight till the final round” (especially when my thighs scream for help)
Cry No more | KJ-52 – KJ-52 is one of my favorite gospel rappers and this song has been on repeat this year when in Rap mood.
You’ve been so good to me | Firebrand – Who said Petra can’t be made in India? John Schiltt has not aged a day!
Even the nights are better | Air Supply – This is the anthem for our (Finney and me) long drives between Chennai, Madurai and Bangalore
Isn’t she lovely | Stevie Wonder – The song is simply lovely celebrating the birth of a lovely baby girl!

Some noteworthy mentions:

Apple Playlist:

https://music.apple.com/in/playlist/lindas-2022-jukebox-favs/pl.u-leyl1qAfj7KglBN