Yesterday was…a day. You know that point where you have too many things you have to do along with too many things you want to do, so the day is packed within an inch of its life.

And then…

People don’t respond to your emails.

People don’t answer their phones.

Technology doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to.

And basically everything that could go wrong, goes wrong.

This was the day that I had. I’m ashamed to admit that it got to me. Like, really got to me. Like I may have sat in my car in the bank parking lot and screamed because I was so frsutrated.

Let’s not talk about it.

Luckily, I have an amazing husband who realized I was on my final nerve. He gave me the space to try and figure it out. To get into a better headspace. I tried a large variety of things, but nothing was working.

Until.

There is a playlist on Spotify called “Peaceful Piano.” I have no idea who created it, but it has become one of my favorites. It’s over twelve hours of…you guessed it…soothing piano music. I’ve listened to it when I was anxious. When I was depressed. Even when I was in labor. It’s something that never fails to calm me down and help me center.

I’m not sure why it took me so long to try it yesterday, but it was late in the evening before I did. (As in, everyone was in bed but I couldn’t sleep…). By then, I was emotionally spent. I had cried more than a few tears. And I was just…done.

As I sat and listened, willing the playlist to do its magic, I had the impulse to pull out my notebook. The one I do my morning pages in. I brought it back to the couch, curled under a blanket, and started to write.

It was a magical, healing, combination. Between the soul-soothing effects of the music and the equally soul-soothing effects of writing, I finally was able to let go of the really crappy day and get into a positive place.

It was enough to get me to sleep. Then, this morning, I could feel all the weight of yesterday creeping back in. So I did it again. I curled back up under my blanket on the couch, opened my playlist and my notebook, and let the magic happen.

It’s a powerful combination. Within minutes, I was in a positive place, looking forward to the day. I knew that I had the power and ability to get things done. And while there have definitely been some obstacles today – there always are when you’re doing a big project and trying to meet a deadline – I have managed to stay in a positive place.

For that, I am truly grateful.