Welcome to my new series...

Mixtape Mondays.

I can't tell you what coping skill is best for you.

But I can tell you that music is the best coping skill for me.

I can tell you that music is an incredible coping skill in general.

I can tell you, that if you haven't added music to your box of coping skills, then you should.

Music can do one of two things:

1) Music can help you process your emotions

You can listen to Sam Smith or Adele when you are sad, and they can put words to your sadness. They can help you open yourself up to the sadness and actually feel it. Music can help you face your emotions without being destroyed by them. That may seem dramatic, but if you have ever felt like you couldn't breathe because you were so sad or angry then you will understand.

2) Music can help you feel something else

On the flip side, you can listen to Michael Jackson or Beyonce to escape the sadness or anger. Sometimes it's just too much, and there is no shame in that! Sometimes you have to escape it and get out of your head. Sometimes you have to just choose to be happy, and music can help you do that.

Kicking off this series is a playlist full of some of my favorite songs that just make me feel good.

Songs that make me want to take my hair down and dance, or get in my car and drive while singing at the top of my lungs. Songs that make me feel happy and free. And hopefully they do the same for you!

I want to give a HUGE shout out to my pretty pretty princesses who text me tons of songs from their personal playlists!

I encourage you to add your own songs to these lists. Leave your favorites in the comment section and I'll add them!