7 songs to make you smile
If you need a some encouragement and inspiration, we've pulled together 7 songs (& paired them with a little advice) to inspire. Full of soul, with some perfect words of wisdom, these tracks lovingly challenge us to be the very best that we can be.
1. Think again
Bigger by Beyoncé
“If you feel insignificant, you better think again. Better wake up because you're part of something way bigger. Not just a speck in the universe... Understand the truth 'bout that question in your soul. Look up, don't look down, then watch the answers unfold. Life is your birthright, they hid that in the fine print. Uh, take the pen and rewrite it. Step out your estimate. Step in your essence and know that you're excellent.”
2. Know you’re beautiful
Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN & WizKiD
“Brown skin girl. Your skin just like pearls. The best thing in the world. Never trade you for anybody else. There's complexities in complexion. But your skin, it glow like diamonds. When you're in the room, they notice you (Notice you). 'Cause you're beautiful. Your skin is not only dark, it shines and it tells your story.”
3. Find your voice
Read All About It Pt. III by Emeli Sandé
"You've got the words to change a nation. But you're biting your tongue. You've spent a life time stuck in silence. Afraid you'll say something wrong. If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song? You've got a heart as loud as lightning. So why let your voice be tamed? Maybe we're a little different. There's no need to be ashamed. You've got the light to fight the shadows... Yeah, we're all wonderful. So when did we all get so fearful? Now we're finally finding our voices. So take a chance, come help me sing this.”
4. Love what you see
Video by India.Arie
“My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes. No matter what I'm wearing I will always be [me]. When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me. Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be. And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me. My feet, my thighs, my lips, my eyes, I'm loving what I see. I'm not the average girl from your video. And I ain't built like a supermodel. But I learned to love myself unconditionally.”
5. Play your song
Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
“I hope you get your dreams… Gotta love that Afro hairdo. Maybe sometimes we feel afraid, but it's all right. The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change. Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song. Just go ahead, let your hair down. You're gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow. When you gonna realize that you don't even have to try any longer? Do what you want to. Girl, put your records on.”
6. Believe the best
You Say by Lauren Daigle
“I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I'm not enough. Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up. Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low. Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know. You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing. You say I am strong when I think I am weak. And you say I am held when I am falling short. And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours. And I believe. I find my worth... I find my identity.”
7. Stand strong
Stand Up performed by Cynthia Erivo
"Can you hear freedom calling? Calling me to answer… I can feel it in my bones. Early in the mornin'. Before the sun begins to shine. We're gonna start movin'. Towards that separating line… You know I got a made up mind… And I'll fight with the strength that I got until I die. So I'm gonna stand up. Gonna keep on keepin' on. And I know what's around the bend. Might be hard to face 'cause I'm alone. And I just might fail. But Lord knows I tried. Sure as stars fill up the sky. Stand up. Take my people with me. Together we are going. To a brand new home..."
