The best part of a good movie is when an exhilarating soundtrack gets your heart thumping, your leg bouncing and the unexpected arrival of evoked emotions. There is something about the way an editor places music behind video or pictures to tell a story that puts us all in our place. That probably concludes why there is so much anticipation around the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Music gets our attention and elicits a story that we wouldn’t understand if it were left up to just video and pictures. As Kid Cudi once said, “This is the soundtrack to my life.” 
Music sets the scene for us in so many ways. Before we are even drafted to the movies, we are captured by the tunes we hear in the commercials while we’re busy doing chores around the house. Music captivates us so much so that we run to the other room to see what the fuss is all about. The sound coupled with the imagery sells us! 
In cohesion with this notion, real life experiences are much the same. When the cultural climate presents adversity, music is there to provide meaning or solace to an environment in need. Many artists such as Solange, Kendrick Lamar and the Bob Marley have spoken out through thought-provoking lyrical gestures. These expressions help us answer the call to recognize the revolution and manifest destiny.

Even more, it’s no strange adoration that we love when famous people step in to speak for the masses of the unattended or oppressed. We rally behind them as if we’re cheering for Will Smith on the movie Ali when he was running through Africa prepping for his “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against George Foreman. It’s what we need to maintain moral and motivate activation. Rather we realize it or not, it’s exactly what the Soul Music Revolution has done for us for decades. 

​Soul music produces such tempting sound that we cannot help, but to get involved. The artistic expression has helped many heal through the times of various political feats: Women’s rights, Civil rights and more. It has told stories that some wouldn’t have otherwise known. It has introduced the less-informed to the struggles and trials to be conquered. It has created soundtracks for the times to share with generations to come. It has empowered people to produce positivity and prosperity. 

Often times, the way we identify with generational nonfiction movies is through the music. For example, Hidden Figures, a movie set in the 60’s utilized a time appropriate soundtrack so that viewers could feel present in the movie. This is exactly how many of us feel in today’s cultural climate. Our souls yearn for melodious sounds and vibrant lyrics. Furthermore, our soundtracks which include the likes of Solange’s “A Seat at the table” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” will one day tell our stories to future generations.

1. Give a hug! 
It's been said that hugs can cure stress and a multitude of other health challenges.  Despite hugging being too close for comfort for some, the embrace of it can prevent you from getting sick! According to U.S. News and World report, researchers from Carnegie Mellon found that people who perceived greater social support were less likely to come down with a cold! 

2. Extend some gratitude! 
Thank you goes without saying to some of us who practice it so often.  It can become so routine that we don't even notice its benefits! However, if you really say it with enthusiasm and presence of the moment, you are sure to feel the joy in gratitude! P.S. Some who doesn't hear it a lot needs to hear it from you! 

3. Give someone a smile. 
It's easy to have on your daily poker face as you tackle what seems like the world's problems.  Start today by relaxing that face and embracing a gleeful grin.  Someone needs to feel like things are going to be okay by seeing your smile! 

4. Share a joke. 
My fiance loves to show me funny videos, memes, and jokes!  I love it!  Sometimes, I just look at him and laugh because he thinks they are so funny! He looks back at me and we both double over laughing at each other!  It's the best part of my day! 

5. Comment on someone's social media. 
A simple gesture of cheer can go a long way!  Encourage somebody with a few words.  

6. Offer to help someone. 
Perhaps, it's an elderly person in need of an extra hand at the grocery store.  Perhaps it's someone who's having trouble with a project at work.  Perhaps it's someone who can't seem to understand their positioning on a particular subject.  Help them. 

7. Share something inspiring on your social media. 
I love cute baby pictures, love stories, memes, quotes, landscape photos, travel stories, movie or tv suggestions and more! Go ahead, share something amazing today! 

8. Catch up with a friend you haven't talked to in a while. 
If you're anything like me, you don't want to spend hours a day on the phone so you talk to people every once in a while.  Today is the day! Let someone know that they aren't forgotten and you love them. 

9. Write someone a sweet note! 
Get sentimental and journal to someone about the sweet memories the two of you have shared and the thanksgiving that you have for them! P.S. Gentlemen, women love sweet notes! Warning, we tend to act like 16-year-old girls when we get this kind of gesture. 

10. Do something towards a goal you've been trying to pursue. 
You can never stop working to be even better than you were yesterday!  Take the leap and do what you need to do for a better day.  Self-love is the best love. ​