This month’s title brought to you by Katy Perry’s “Firework”

That’s kind of a weird thing to ask isn’t it? “Do you ever feel like a plastic bag?” BUT as I’m sure you saw above it comes from the lyrics of Katy Perry’s song “Firework” and I have some things about the song I want to share with you (Don’t like the song? Stick with me, will ya?…I promise it’s good!). More on that in a minute.

It’s the end of Women’s History Month and I originally wanted to dive in to the history of women in music, like I did last month for Black History Month, but as I was putting together this month’s playlist of my favorite female artists/girl power songs (see below) I got so encouraged by all the songs I wanted to simply share my heart this month. I figure it’s also another way for you to get to know me a little better. After all, the goal of my blog is to not only share some facts and education but also a place for us to get to know each other better. Plus, after the last 12 months we’ve had I thought we could all use some love and encouragement! To the guys reading this, I want to share this with you as well!

Ok back to Katy’s song….you may think the song is cheesy and was overplayed when it first came out, and I don’t necessarily disagree with you, but recently I was paying closer attention to the lyrics and they just hit my heart. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lyrics that stand out to me that I hope will give you encouragement!

Katy Perry, Firework (view the full lyrics HERE)

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper-thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

I don’t know about you, but YES to all of those questions above! Right? Who’s with me? Especially the last 12 months! So what should we do about it? Keep reading for some ideas using the rest of her lyrics…

‘Cause there’s a spark in you

I love that she reminds us that there is HOPE if we CHOOSE to re(light) that spark we all have in us! We can do so many awesome things if we just believe in ourselves! It can be hard, but it’s all our choice. When I’m having a bad day or things aren’t going well I sure don’t feel very sparkly or full of fire/spark! So, I will send myself to my room to cool down usually to watch a movie or listen to some tunes. Just a quick reset. Removing myself for a bit helps me. Also, stepping outside in my backyard for just a few minutes helps too! Soak in a little sun!

After a hurricane comes a rainbow!

I’m a firm believer that everything happens when and how it should. If we don’t have the bad times and storms we can never evolve and learn. I seem to have a talent for this, almost to a fault, where some people truly don’t understand how I can stay so positive and see the “bright side.” I think it’s because I’ve seen lots of trials, BUT have always paid attention and noticed the good things that come out of or after those trials. I encourage you to maybe sit and write down a list of all the good things you see/have around you when you are in the midst of a bad time. I will give you an example. You may have heard that I was sued a few years ago because of my Back to <OLD> School Annual Dance Party. I was sued for discrimination against men because my dance party is female-focused. That was HARD! I felt like a failure, scared that I was going to lose my business and most importantly that I had offended or hurt someone. For those of you that know me, I NEVER want anyone to feel excluded or unimportant. BUT I’m thankful that happened to me, yep, I am! It doesn’t mean I didn’t cry a lot of tears while going through it, I did! But each day I would pause and think of how much worse it could be or how in the grand scheme of things it was trivial, even if I DID lose my business I have other ideas and dreams I could pursue. I also learned so much through that experience about the legal side of running a business, I met some great people because of it and overall it helped me to be a better business owner!

“You’re original, cannot be replaced!”

Yes!!!! I want to encourage you to be your unique self and don’t fall in to the trap of comparison. With social media it’s easy to start comparing ourselves to others. Just remember you are made special and unique and you should own that! TRULY, I mean that! You don’t need to look, sound or be any different than you are right this very second reading this! You are perfect the way you are! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

So I know no none of the above was earth shattering news or advice but I hope you can find at least a little bit of encouragement through it. Now go put on your favorite encouraging music and face the day! And/or if you want to listen to some #GirlPower songs check out my playlist below.

If you want to (re)read the full lyrics to Katy Perry’s “Firework” you can view them here.

MAY ALL YOUR DAYS BE FILLED WITH (ENCOURAGING) MUSIC! – Mandy

Feel the #GirlPower with this playlist.

 

Songs in Movies by Women

Here is a playlist of my favorite songs sung by women (and girls) in movies (most with video clips from the movies!)

Fun fact about me: If you asked me who I would choose to have coffee (or tea) with I would pick Julie Andrews! My love of music began when I was a young girl (around 7) watching many musicals! Among my favorites were the movies that Julie Andrews. Below is one of my favorite quotes from her:

Leave every place you go, everything you touch, a little better for your having been there. – Julie Andrews

 

Dance Move of the Month is Moving!

I am going to start sharing dance moves over in my new Facebook group “Move(s) with Mandy! Let’s Dance!” So make sure you head over there to join the fun! Not on Facebook? Email me at Mandy@MandyMixes.com and let me know. If there are enough people that aren’t on Facebook I’ll find another way to share with you.

🗓 Saturday, April 10, 2021
Artifact Found & Made Outdoor Market

 🗓 Sunday, May 16, 2021
Virtual Survivor Strut Fashion Show for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 🗓 Saturday, September 18, 2021
5th Annual Dance Party with DJ MandyMixes

 

Submit your answer (s) for a chance to win a prize! To qualify you MUST answer at the link below.

QUESTION: 

If you could choose ANYONE to have coffee or tea with, who would it be? (dead or alive, and does not have to be a musician).

Submit your answer(s) HERE.

NOTE: I will NEVER share your answers, this is a private conversation between you and I. I only use the form as it is easier to keep track of who answers. 😉