Heard you hate it here.

What's todays date again? HA! Yeah right, we all know what time it is. It’s the freaking 14th of Febrero. That's February in Spanish, for all those who are extra miserable this year. We have all loved good old V-day at some point or another. Whether it was as a kid, pre-teen, teenager, or even up until you were 20 something still hoping someone could read your mind and treat you how you deserve to be treated. My point is you would be lying if you say you've never cared. Are we proud of it, maybe not? I on the other hand can’t say I hate it or love it even up until now where I am 7 months away from my 30th birthday. Its most definitely circumstantial for me though. Some years were dark and lonely. Some were dark and lonely, and I wasn't even single. One thing I don't do is dwell on it. It is just another day. A day I do like to wish love on everyone but not the only day I do so. I think the sooner you start keeping it real with yourself the sooner you will realize it’s not that big a deal. Yeah it feels like almost the entire planet is all lovey dovey, wearing red, super into their partner bla bla bla. BIG DEAL. Just because its your birthday and not mine doesn't mean I can’t be happy for you right? My day will come. So, don't be a bitter Biatch. But if you can’t help it than just shhhhh...I made this playlist for you :)

1. Slow down

I think we can all agree that having, what I call, a knot in your throat is probably one of the most uncomfortable sensations on the planet. I’m not much of a crier so I don’t know how to “let it out”. You are probably wondering how do I release what’s building up inside? My answer for you today is simple. Shake that shit off! Which brings me to this first track. What do you think when you see or hear the words slow down? Slow down means turn up the volume and move your body that’s what. Do not think about the title too much here. All I know is this song makes me want to get up and move. Technically this song pulls you back and forth between a couple with trust issues, but the beat however, is what takes over and forces me out of my head.

2. Pareke

On your feet yet? Good, keep the momentum with this one. Now I've loved this song for a while now and even though I can't seem to figure out what the word "Pareke" means, I can promise you that at this particular moment it may not even be so important. What’s important is how you’re up, swaying your hips and shushing everyone or anything interrupting this moment. Do not worry, we’ll get to a song or two that will lyrically help you through this whatever you want to call it. For now, just shhh.

3. Pelota

Whoa do you feel that? Maybe close your eyes for a second. Let the base run through your ears, arms and legs until it reaches the bottom of your feet. I give you permission to shuffle them back and forth in a salsa-like motion. That’s it your getting it. This song is an out of body experience for me. So groovy and tropical and just damn good. The word "Pelota" translates to Ball but that is not my point here. However, if you want to dig a little deeper I challenge you to ask a friend who speaks Spanish, or google, what this translates too. The song really shifted something for me. I felt like I finally reached that point of “It is what it is”. A point where I can call it what it is because it was no longer something I was suffering through but now my recollection of the suffering. It is finally a memory. I am no longer going through it. That's progress if you ask me.

4. Animal

"There was a time when my world was filled with darkness"

WHAT AN INTRO!

Let us imagine this song was written for you.

"In your eyes I see the eyes of somebody of who could be strong

Tell me if I'm wrong

And now I'm pulling your disguise up

Are you free or are you tied up”?

The original version of this track is nice but this remix though? It makes me feel so much better. It’s the rhythm and clarity of the lyrics. So easy to listen too.

5. Toast

Please tell me you love this song too. It really does not matter what I’m listening too or what mood I’m in. I can guarantee you this song will come on. Gratitude is a must my friends. You must be grateful you made it through. You must be grateful for life, for your GOD, the universe, yourself. Thank heavens you are not there anymore. Make peace within yourself so you can make space to enjoy what is to come.

6. Pick up your feelings

"New number (who is this?)"

Exactly. Now that you’ve humbled yourself, I want you look at yourself in the mirror and Love what you see. Every single inch of you. Remind yourself like Jazmin Sullivan when she sang “Main bitch I aint average” because you are not. Far from it baby. I know it’s weird or hard or whatever excuse your brain made up to keep you from loving yourself right now but I don’t care if you have to fake it ‘til I make it. I need you to start loving yourself even when its tough. You’ll start to believe it someday. You’ll get the courage soon after to tell who ever or what ever played you that you deserve much more than what you were given, and you choose yourself. You’ve made your peace. So, come and pick up your feelings.

7. Don’t hurt yourself

Feeling cocky yet? That’s what I’m talking about! How satisfying to remind someone or even yourself like “who the f@#$ do you think I am?” The song really explains itself if you ask me. Beyonce does such a great job at feeling herself it’s contagious. I get the feeling she had enough at this point. I know this feeling too well. I am guilty of shrinking myself for others. Tolerating disrespect. I’m guilty of allowing the worst kinds of behavior into my life. Repeatedly. At some point you start to question yourself like is it me? It is not you my friend! People got you F’ed up. So, google the lyrics and repeat after me

“Uhhhhh, this is your final warning ,You know I give you life ” 😊

So, did you love it? Do you feel better? I thought you would. I hope the next time we meet you look as lovely as you do now. Your glowing. I love it.