My "Obsession" Explained.

There are things in life that can move a person to their core. For some, it could be a food, a book, a movie, a beautiful piece of art, a poem or even a sport. Sometimes, when someone truly loves doing something that moves their soul, such as competing in a sport, it could easily be misinterpreted as "obsessive". For me, music is something that has always moved my soul.

For those of you that may not know, I actually have a very musical background. I started playing the flute when I was 9 years old and didn't stop until I was a sophomore in college (the ripe old age of 20). I loved every moment of it. I learned how to sight-read, how to transpose a piece of music from one key to another, and I even attempted to learn the tenor saxophone for a few years in high school out of a necessity. Granted, I wasn't the best at the sax, but it was fun to try and fun while it lasted. Reading is a passion and an escape, but music is so much more than that for me. I love so many different genres and types of music. I always say that you would probably laugh (or maybe cry) if you were to take a glimpse at my iPod.

When I lived in Okinawa, I caught the end of an Oprah show. I don't usually watch Oprah, but there was an artist on there that caught my ear. His name was John Legend. I had vaguely heard of him, but had not actually heard his music. I stopped for a second and closed my eyes. I was swept away. Something in his musicality and in his voice just moved me to my core. I went to the store and bought his CD and never regretted it. I know that we often change tastes and outgrow different artists. I used to be a die-hard Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band fan (Mark was a much bigger DMB fan than I), but have outgrown them in the years since college. I still like them, but they are different to me now and represent a different part of my life.

When I lived with my Mom and Dad when Mark deployed, listening to John Legend helped make the hard days better. I could listen, shut my eyes and things would feel better. I would think of my husband a world away and knew it would be okay. His music helped heal my soul during a period of time when it needed it. I had the choice to either go see him in concert or take Gavin to see The Wiggles when we lived there. When you have kids, life changes. I made the choice to take Gavin to see his boys. I don't regret it...it made everything that much more special.

Over the past few years, I've listened his music and am amazed at the maturity in his lyrics and musicality. Not only is he a musician, but he is also a philanthropist and activist. While he could have been selfish with his fame and wealth, he instead chose to give back to his community and his world. I admire that.

I'm not a stalker; nor am I crazed fan. I'm just someone that has been moved to my soul by music.