Everything I need to know in life, I learned from a country song. :)

The other day after I dropped Ethan off at soccer practice, I flipped the radio in my van on. As I clicked through a couple of stations looking for music, I suddenly realized: I had not listened to the country radio station in eons! I LOVE country music. But the kids can’t stand it, and Ivan really can’t either. 😦 The sadness. This means when I am in the car with any other family member, I usually try to be nice and not play country music.

However, since I was alone and it was a “warm-ish”, bright afternoon, I cranked up the radio and enjoyed some tunes for the 5 minute drive home. Haha. I had forgotten how much I really do enjoy country music!

It then inspired me to look for a Country station on Pandora to listen to while I worked yesterday. I found one called “90s Country Radio”. PERFECT!! My favorite country tunes are from the 90s, when I was in high school and my sister and I first got into country music one summer. 🙂 Great song after great song came on, until I finally had to change the station because I kept wanting to turn it up and sing along. LOL!

I think part of what I love about country is that it is chock-full of great life lessons and messages!!

Here are a few examples. (Click link for you tube video if you’re in the mood for some music too.)

Country Life Lesson #1:

Compromise. Listen to others. Give in sometimes!

Source: Diamond Rio’s Meet in the Middle

I’d start walking your way, and you’d start walking mine,
we’d meet in the middle, ‘neath that old Georgia pine.
We’d gain a lot of ground ’cause we’d both give a little.
There ain’t no road too long….when you meet..in the middle.

Country Life Lesson #2:

Slow down. Relax. Don’t rush! Recognize what really matters in life. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Source: Alabama’s I’m in a Hurry (and Don’t Know Why)

I’m in a hurry to get things done,
oh I, rush and rush until life’s no fun.
All I really gotta do is live and die, but
I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

Country Life Lesson #3:

Embrace the unknown. Dream big! Take risks. Go for it! YOLO. 🙂 (you only live once 😉)

Source: Garth Brooks’ The River

You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin’ as it flows
And a dreamer’s just a vessel
That must follow where it goes.
Trying to learn from what’s behind you
And never knowing what’s in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.

….

Too many times we stand aside
and let the waters slip away
‘Til what we put off ’til tomorrow
has now become today.
So don’t you sit upon the shoreline
and say you’re satisfied.
Choose to chance the rapids,
and dare to dance the tide.

A few other lessons…. (sorry if you are not a country fan and these mean nothing to you!! But if you are a country fan.. name that song! 🙂 )

Have some friends in low places.
Live where the green grass grows.
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.
It’s not enough just to stand outside the fire.
Look at your husband/wife like Katie looks at Tommy.
If they tell you life is hard, say “that’s all right”.

Daily Gratitude:

I am grateful for living in a home with multiple bathrooms.

P.S. I am SO SORRY to any Feedly users, but my site seems to be acting up again!! It isn’t updating in blog readers again and I have no idea why. I am working on it- please bear with me while I hopefully figure it out.