Imagination of Ryan Simmons

Today marks 25 years of being alive. Looking back on the quarter century I’ve lived, I’m pretty proud of where I’ve ended up. Am I satisfied? Never. Whether I die today or 75 years from now, I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied. That’s the upside and downside of being a dreamer. This year, it’s imperative that I become more than a dreamer though. In a journal entry I wrote last year, I figured out everything I wanted to accomplish in the next 10 (now 9) years. Most of them are so ambitious, I didn’t get a chance to fulfill them in the past 365 days.

So I decided today, instead of adding to my monumental to-do list, I would focus on something that can help guide me: a playlist. In one year, I’d like to look back at this post and proudly say this was the soundtrack of my 26th year on Earth.

Track 1: “Better Way” by Ben Harper

I first fell in love with this tune when I heard it the morning Barack Obama announced his Presidential candidacy. It’s become my manifesto in a way. It describes my feeling on the world and my life. This year it’s imperative that I follow the better way for my sake and everyone I want to help.

Track 2: “No Rain” by Blind Melon

In some of my friends minds, this song and I go hand in hand. It’s a classic. Some consider it a happy song. If you’ve heard the original/”ripped away” version, your opinion may vary. Either way, the passion in the song will always bring a smile to face. Smiling always is of utmost importance to me this year.

Track 3: “Travel Light” by Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling

Aside from being completely adorable, this song talks a lot about where these people have been. It’s important to remember the past and what it was like. Keeping that in mind helps create a more beautiful future. This year, I plan to keep it simple as I always have but it’s time to do some new things.

Track 4: “Say Hey (I Love You)” by Michael Franti

This has been a long time favorite of mine but shortly after midnight I received an email from my friend Megan Collier containing a link to this song. Megan is one of those once in a lifetime friends. She’s always there to cheer you on, keep you grounded, help you out and inspire you. I need to be more like Megan and I need to be grateful for people like Megan.

Track 5: “Dreamin” by G. Love and Special Sauce

Remember I mentioned the upside to being a dreamer? This is it. It’s that feeling that says you can’t miss. There is no way you won’t succeed. This song is all about that feeling. G. Love is a Philly guy who seems to love what he does for a living. I aspire to be that and this year more than ever, I plan to take the necessary steps.

Track 6: “The Rabbit, The Bat and The Reindeer” by Dr. Dog

I can honestly say I have no idea what this song is about but I love it. Having an ambiguous song like this, that raises more questions than answers, seems to fit well as my final track. See, I have no idea what this year will bring. I’ve really got to just go with it. Some goals and dreams will be realized and others will be forgotten. Some folks will come and go. Who really knows what lies ahead? I don’t. But should we pretend?