I was just recently talking with a friend as to how music has been so therapeutic this past year. Everyone has found their playlist, sort of speak. I used to be anti-Spotify just because I wanted to be. Then at some point late last year I gave in and created an account and some playlists. I still don’t have that many but I have them. I still have an iPod that I still use and that is sadly considered old school. Oh boy.

But let me not digress too far. Music has been therapeutic for many in the world during these very trying times. My 13 year old son and I even bonded over some songs on Spotify. It’s been consoling. But that is actually not my main point, herein. I eventually get there.

Now, here’s an odd one. During the last two weeks, I have suffered through extreme sneezing firs. One such fit lasted around three hours. I suppose it could be due to it being ragweed season. It could be due to my decluttering which is causing dust to spread and some anxiety around what to keep. For whatever reason, I’ve been sneezing non-stop. It’s really annoying to me. I can’t imagine how it feels for others around me.

Now, I have tried different tactics to stop the sneezing fits. One funny one-at least to me- is attempting to sing. During all of lasy year, as I walked to work everyday masked, I would sing out loud. No one was really around. It was cathartic. This past week, I started singing “I am the Passenger” and my sneezing sort of stopped. It is one of my favorite songs and I love the Siouxsie and the Banshees cover of it. What’s the magic here? Probably it is very simple. Using my vocal chords differently could be one explanation. Or perhaps it is simply being immmersed in melodic nostalgia. Music can bring up strong feelings and take you back in time. Melodic nostalgia a cure for the sneezing fits. There you go.