In My Feels

“Birds flying high

You know how I feel

Sun in the sky

You know how I feel

Breeze driftin’ on by

You know how I feel

It’s a new dawn

It’s a new day

It’s a new life

For me

And I’m feeling good.”

Nina Simone ~ Feeling Good

So, how’s it going people!? I know we’re only a month in but how has 2025 decided to greet you so far? For me it’s been a mixed bag of feelings and emotions, I can’t lie!

I’m going to save the finer details for another blog because quite frankly it’s long and A LOT. People have said I should write a book and to be fair, the shit that keeps flowing my way could potentially create a good few bestsellers, but I’ll bide my time for now, and will give this particular topic some time to digest; so instead I’ll focus on what’s got me through it. 

I’ve mentioned previously that I’m in semi-hibernation mode. I know we’re supposed to be appreciative of every season and all of the elements, and that I am, but I don’t revel in all of them, and I don’t necessarily want to experience some of them for more than brief periods of time.

I’m not sure if I’d quite define myself as an empath, but I do have the ability to feel deeply on various levels. For example, you know when it’s said you have secondhand emotions for people like joy and embarrassment, well I get those too, but I also get secondhand cold! I see people out there with their bare body parts exposed and I swear it gives me the shivers, and please don’t let me see toes out as mine start protesting in sympathy.

I call them the ‘Special Gene’ crew. It’s one that appears to be lacking in the majority of my and similar skin folk, therefore denying us of their ability to not feel the cold. I guess we’re all blessed in different ways, so I’m counting mine.

Despite the cold downside, I’m grateful for the fact that I’m capable of being in tune with my feelings and the emotions they bring. It’s allowed me to handle certain circumstances in a familiar way, but with a new twist.

There will be times in life where you can literally be sitting at home, sipping water and minding your own sweet business, and yet some ish will attempt to disturb your peace and send your blood pressure on the up. Your penchant for an expletive springing to the forefront of your mind and mouth. This is when I call on my old pals, choice ‘erbs and choice tunes – my go to, to see me through!

I’ve been able to feel a tune from as far back as I can remember. Music has been a constant source of comfort and joy and, despite not being blessed with musical talents myself, (I mean bar the xylophone playing Little Donkey at Chalvey First School, the recorder, triangle and tambourine; oh and a stint in the choir and car concerts!), I can FULLY appreciate the beauty in it!

Have you ever had an experience so profound it changes your whole way of thinking and perspective? Well, when I say I had me a moment, that I did, and it’s resulted in a go to glimmer, but one like no other.

Full explanation pending, but it left my senses supercharged, and I feel like I was gifted a song to remind me of said time, because honestly, it has a magic ability to soothe my soul and remind me that it’s all good. This isn’t where it ends and brighter days are ahead  – be it in this life or the next. Keep on going, growing and glowing, and know that you are loved and supported.

Yes, as unbelievable as it sounds, hearing it triggers the glimmer memory on a deep enough level to change my whole mood and mindset, and I wish more folk had the ability to do so because the world would be a far, far better place with a soulful tune and a bit of bass!

I’m not expecting many to get it, and I give zero fucks about what people think or how they see me. I’ve done been classed as a druggie for my weed habit so might as well go full hippy mode, and I’d rather be misjudged and happy. Their opinion is not my problem, but I am now in a position where I can somewhat deal with mine, and I ain’t hurting nobody, in fact it’s doing wonders.

My daughter asked me why I play the same songs all the time*, and I told her to allow me because unbeknownst to the populace it’s potentially saving lives – well, at the very least being cussed out to kingdom come. 

Spotify can testify! For my yearly wrap up I played this tune some 496 times, and I still ain’t tired of it yet!**

It will never get old and I’ve probably played it another 100 times since. The relevant people know it’s to be played at my funeral, and I want everyone who’s able on their feet and bussin’ at least a 2 step, hip sway or head bop! Know that I’ll be in my feels and my spirit will be with you.💫

R.I.P Laurell Phillip. Condolences to your family and well done for the strength, courage and amazing range of vocals performed during her celebration of life. It was beautiful to witness and she will be remembered fondly.

R.I.P Raphael Fitzroy Bridges, Calvin Richardson and all those who have lost their lives recently. 

*It’s not completely true. I do listen to more recent stuff but you can’t beat a classic, right!?

**Bravo and thankh you Kentphonik for the delight that is Sunday Showers!💫😍

Find The Groove To Help You Improve, Stay Blessed & #CelebrateLife