It’s my 33rd birthday, B(ri)’Day if you will. Music is a part of my daily routine, the majority of my waking hours have a soundtrack. I started making playlists for my birthday 6 years ago. They started out as a bunch of party-ish sounds. You should be hype on your birthday and I tried to create that, even as a card-carrying member of “Who All Gon’ Be There”. My 30th birthday was the first time I put intention behind a playlist. That milestone was focused on healing. I wanted to refocus my life and start chipping away at the people pleasing perfectionist.
Last year was about becoming truly “cozy” with me. Do what I want, be honest about my feelings, and embrace discipline. I decided to be good to me for once. For 33, I want to continue living in discipline. It’s the best way to maintain progress, achieve goals, and get to the person I want to be. For me discipline does not equal rigidity. How and when I do things can vary, keeping the commitment is more important than a stringent calendar. Dedicating my time and energy to my interests and desires will lead to my freest self. ‘XXXIII’ is my soundtrack for this chapter, let’s see what I’m channeling…
The Anthems
Essential jams for 33, the foundational mood. “Float” is the official anthem. It encapsulates how I want to feel and move by my next birthday. I have a reminder to use my personal power properly, I have a lot don’t squander it. Also, I’m trying new things, and no one gets to project their fears and doubts onto me.
“Float” x Janelle Monáe feat. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 – The Age of Pleasure
“angelsxdemons” x sahn – the mornings
“Don’t Rain On My Parade” x Barbra Streisand – Funny Girl (Original Soundtrack)
I’m That Girl
Own your right to take up space. You’re capable and have something to give. I enjoy the background; I don’t desire continuous spotlight but I have to step into it when it’s my time. Some days will require talking my shit and believing it, press play girl.
“ALIEN SUPERSTAR” x Beyoncé – Renaissance
“Haute” x Janelle Monáe – The Age of Pleasure
“HEATED” x Beyoncé – Renaissance
“Her” x Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine
“I Like That” x Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer
“Mamacita” x Collie Buddz – Collie Buddz
“Queen of the Night” x Whitney Houston – The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack
“WTF I Want” x Megan Thee Stallion – Tina Snow
Affirmation
Much pondering and scowling occurred as I created personal affirmations. I recite them on a semi regular basis (should be daily, this is where discipline kicks in). I require music that’s grounding and helps bring me back to myself. Songs that remind me of who I am, how far I’ve come, and the good things that are headed my way.
“Coming Back For You” x Fireboy Dml – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By
“high speed meditation” x sahn – the mornings
“The King’s Affirmation” x Iniko – The King’s Affirmation
“Lucky Girl” x Carlina – Lucky Girl
“Melody” x Durand Bernarr – Dur&
Bri’s Blues
People are guaranteed to go through it, I need songs that speak to dark days and help me pull myself out of the abyss. When I’m overwhelmed and everything feels impossible, remind me that I’m not the first or only person to feel this way. Music really has a way of soothing the spirit and speaking its language.
“Anxiety” x Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine
“Paper Thin” x Lianne La Havas – Lianne La Havas
“This Bitter Earth” x Dinah Washington – This Bitter Earth
Divinity
My spirit responds to these tracks. Whether they speak of enduring love, freedom, returning to self, celebration of personal divinity, or communing with the divine. Tunes that bring peace and a groove.
“Born Again” x Rihanna – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By
“Cinnamon” x Hayley Williams – Petals for Armor
“Find Your Way Back” x Beyoncé – The Lion King: The Gift
“I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun” x Rotary Connection – Hey, Love
“Spirit” x Beyoncé – The Lion King: The Gift
Dare to Dream
I’ve always had an active imagination; my inner child is alive and well. I’ve started forging a new path and hope to dip my toe in more this year. I’m meeting up with the unknown and tackling the things that have overwhelmed me in the past.
“Circles Around This Town” x Maren Morris – Humble Quest
“Do Your Thing” x *NSYNC – Celebrity
“Hollywood” x Victoria Monét feat. Earth, Wind & Fire & Hazel Monét – Jaguar II
“Wake Up” x Bloody Civilian & Rema – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By
Open to Love
I’m a hopeless romantic. I am cautiously open to the day the right one finally shows up. Especially now that I’ve remembered what I deserve and what my foundation is built upon.
“Pure Love” x Hayley Williams – Petals for Armor
“Tight” x Samara Joy – Tight
Continued Growth
Learning, unlearning, reevaluating, and evolving are lifelong pursuits. Every year I find something to focus on, revisit, or refine. Growth requires kindness and patience, there’s a lot to sort through. The revelations along the way are rewarding and keep the spark and desire to improve alive. “Are you happy with yourself? Yes” I want this to be my answer by the end of the year at the latest.
“C’est Comme Ça” x Paramore – This Is Why
“gracenotes” x sahn – the mornings
“Pretty Hurts” x Beyoncé – Beyoncé
“What Else Can I Do?” x Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz – Encanto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
I’ll be jamming to this for the next 365 days. Share your anthem for your year in the comments below.
