I’ve never really been to therapy, at least not on my own. When I was a teenager, I went to family therapy (it was required when my parents took in a foster child), and to say that I wasn’t a fan would be an understatement. I still don’t know why I had such a strong reaction (Maybe it’s because I was there against my will? Maybe it was just that particular therapist?) Maybe therapy just isn’t my thing. In any case, there have definitely been times I’ve wondered about it, especially when I encounter people who speak so highly of it. But I’ve never been back.

I do think, regardless of your stance on therapy, that everyone should have tools at their disposal to pull themselves back up when they’ve gotten off-track… whether it’s time alone, talking things out with a friend, meditating, praying, connecting with nature. Something to re-center, re-focus, and re-group. I have several, each for a different set of circumstances. One for when I’m feeling lost, one for when I’m sad, one for when I’m having an internal struggle of some sort…

Today I brought out the big guns. Alanis Morissette. Alanis Morissette is for the days when I’m feeling an overwhelming sense of

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarggggh”

And she’s not just for listening. No, no. She’s for singing along – loudly – preferably with grand hand gestures (the more dramatic and angst-filled, the better) And it needs to be in the car… it just doesn’t have the same effect otherwise.

Today, I needed it, and the kids happily indulged me on our short drive to our friends’ house. And it worked.

I like lots of other music for lots of other moods, but when I have that feeling, that just….. What was it I said up above?  Oh yes,  “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarggggh”.  When I have that feeling, it has to be Alanis. Blasting Jagged Little Pill brings me out of the doldrums like no other. A couple of hits of Ironic, One Hand in My Pocket, and of course my unschooling anthem, You Learn, and I’m back and ready to take on the world again.

What’s your go-to album?