By Isabella Louise Anderson

In the song “State of Mind” by Clint Black, there are lyrics that say, “Ain’t it funny how a melody can bring back a memory/Take you to another place and time/Completely change your state of mind.” Well, isn’t that true! Whenever certain songs from my past come up, I remember and feel all my emotions – just like I’m reliving the past.

Recently, my husband and I went to see Peter Cetera at the symphony, and it was awesome! At night when I was a teenager, I listened to my local radio station and listened to Delilah, who would take callers' requests and play a lot of Peter’s songs. Having grown up listening to his classic love songs (“Glory of Love,” “The Next Time I Fall In Love” with Amy Grant and “You’re the Inspiration”), the former member of the band Chicago brought back a lot of memories. Songs like these made me dream of being in love, wishing and hoping that "the one" would find me someday. While I was watching Peter sing, my husband next to me, I thought it was funny how things have come full circle. I now have the love life I’ve always wanted. This made me think about other songs from the past.

Through breakups, fun times with friends, or just wanting to listen to your favorite genre, music will always be there for us, right? The answer is simple. Yes! But it’s more than that – music can help define our lives. It can inspire us at whatever stage of life we’re at and make us feel better about (most of) anything.

Here are five of my favorite songs that have helped shape me into the person I am today:

“Smile,” by Rod Stewart – I love this song! Through the ups and downs of life, it’s a great song to help you get through the tough times, knowing that there’s always tomorrow or a Plan B, if/when Plan A fails.

“Bless The Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts – This sweet country song is about the journey one experiences during the search for the person you love. It’s highly popular at weddings.

“(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight,” by Peter Cetera and Crystal Bernard – Above, I gave some of my favorite Peter Cetera songs, but this one is my absolute favorite! He and Crystal Bernard (yes, from the TV show, Wings), created something magical! It was the last dance song at my wedding and while it’s a little erotic, the “forever tonight” part symbolizes to me that it’s important to take it one day at a time in marriage.

“Unforgettable,” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole – Besides this being Ridge and Brooke’s song on The Bold & the Beautiful, it’s a song that reminds me of my dad because he’s the most unforgettable person I’ll ever know. It was also our father/daughter song at my wedding.

“Somebody Like You,” by Keith Urban – For years, I’ve said this is my “happy song.” Often when I’m having a bad day, I’ll put this song on repeat and within fifteen minutes, I’m happy again. Give this song a try the next time you’re down, and you’ll be glad you did.

Do you have songs that define you? Do you listen to music when you’re happy, sad or just in a funk? How has music changed your life?

Isabella Louise Anderson is a member of the RWA, and she is the owner of the website Chick Lit Goddess. She resides in Dallas, Texas, where she’s a housewife and mother to 12-year-old cat, Thorndike. A regular contributor at Good Humor Girl, you can read all Isabella's articles and learn more about Isabella.