Sitting and listening to some music and I got to thinking about how music brings back memories. People often speak of the soundtrack of their lives. So, I have shared some insights into the music that helped form me and support me through the years. One song in particular has become my anthem. It is Helen Reddy’s ‘I am woman’ and it is the song that buoys me up in tough times and reminds me how strong I am. I share the lyrics here, but listen to my podcast for more insight into the music that helped formed me and support me.
This has long been a song that I identify with. An anthem for all women. We are strong! We are invincible! It talks about a life that has had adversity but where she ‘comes back even stronger’. It speaks to me even more since my diagnosis. And yes ‘… I’ve been down there on the floor…’ when I was first diagnosed. I was in despair, anxious about my future to the point where it hampered my living in the now. But, ‘I am woman, hear me roar’ it won’t keep me down anymore!
I am Woman – by Helen Reddy
I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again
[Chorus]
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong
(Strong)
I am invincible
(Invincible)
I am woman
[Verse 2]
You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul
[Chorus]
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong
(Strong)
I am invincible
(Invincible)
I am woman
[Verse 3]
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land
But I’m still an embryo
With a long, long way to go
Until I make my brother understand
[Chorus]
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can face anything
I am strong
(Strong)
I am invincible
(Invincible)
I am woman
[Outro]
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong
I am woman
So, this is my anthem. My Mantra if you will. A song that inspires me, reminds me that I am strong. That I have overcome other challenges that life has given me and come out stronger and more determined. Sometimes we need that, to find inspiration in a song, a story, a poem. This is mine. What would yours be?
My journey with Parkinsons 