An earbud on my attitude in 2024

It’s attitude adjustment time.

And that begins with music.

Thanks to the magic of Pandora I gather playlists for every calendar year. I’ve already begun the 2024 list but with a specific title: Just Wright Citrus soundtrack.

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These aren’t simply a collection of favorite tunes. There’s a theme:

Songs with attitude.

Because that’s my plan for 2024 and one I’d like to see us all embrace: A get-things-done attitude to replace the government-is-out-to-get-us attitude.

An attitude of open-mindedness. One of leadership in our own homes and businesses that spills out into the community.

An attitude of advancement and success. 

I’d normally test out a new playlist on the road or walking trail. Available time this week, however, is fleeting, so it’s music in the earbuds while writing simultaneously. I can’t be held responsible for spontaneous dancing, shouting, air guitar, or off-key singing in the preparation of today’s blog.

Let’s get to the playlist:

--”Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson. Yeah, not exactly a screamer to start off. But it’s vital that I realize my attitude starts with me. 

A friend puts it this way: Try not to hurt yourself or anyone else today and try to do the next right thing. With that…participate in life and enjoy it.

I plan to smile at the man in the mirror each day in 2024. 

— “Bolt Cutters and the Family Name,” Larkin Poe. Cool thing about streaming music is stumbling upon obscure stuff. And I have a thing for female rock and rollers whose playing is an unapologetic statement of pure attitude.

— “I Speak Jesus,” Newsboys. I have a few Christian songs in this list and each one carries an attitude. I don’t want to simply include praise songs. These cut to the chase, which is what I need to boost my attitude and outlook on life. 

Faith music is vital to my health. It keeps my perspective in check.

— “These Boots are Made for Walkin’,” Nancy Sinatra. The ultimate revenge song. 

“I just found me a brand new box of matches, and what he knows you ain’t had time to learn.” Ouch!

We’re not out for revenge at Just Wright Citrus, but it’s OK to think about it every so often, right?

— “Then the Morning Comes,” Smash Mouth. If nothing else, the opening line: “Good morning!”

As it is now, the playlist comes in just under an hour. Many mornings I’m up early for a 7 a.m. drive to Spring Hill to visit with some friends. There’s something about, “Good morning!” while driving through the early morning fog in southeast Citrus County that just grabs my attention.

— “See a Victory,” Elevation Worship. One of the most powerful faith songs in my life. When Deb and I first visited Crystal River Church of God, it was a Wednesday night and the praise team was playing this song when we walked in. I had never heard it before, and I was mesmerized.

In a song filled with great lines, this one is my favorite: “You take what the Enemy meant for evil, and you turn it for good.” (I could seriously write 700 words on that sentence alone.)

My attitude needs to include miracles. This song reminds me they’re right here every day.

— “Living Proof,” Bruce Springsteen. This is one of the best redemption songs I’ve ever heard, and one that always sounds very personal.

“You do some sad, sad things baby, when it’s you you’re trying to lose. You do some sad and hurtful things. I’ve seen living proof.”

And then the breakthrough.

“There were no keys, no guards. Just one frightened man and some old shadows for bars.”

A lot of people in our community are losing themselves in drug addiction, alcoholism or mental illness. I listen to this song, and my attitude rears up for the marginalized. Lord, don’t let me forget them.

— “Crow Jane,” Samantha Fish. Just a brash, brassy, bold, in-your-face rock blues tune guaranteed to straighten my focus no matter the circumstances. Sometimes attitude needs attitude, and Samantha Fish has plenty of it.

— “RATTLE,” Brandon Lake & Tasha Cobbs. Well, look, sometimes you just need to hear the song. When listening to RATTLE, I’m invincible.

“I believe there’s another miracle here in this room!”

Every good playlist needs that great setup of the second-from-last song. RATTLE fits the bill.

— “Free Bird,” Lynyrd Skynyrd. I mean…obviously.

That’s our Just Wright Citrus playlist to start the year. I’m sure it’ll grow. Feel free to offer suggestions. The more obscure, the better.

Attitude in 2024. Expect it.

P.S. No blog Monday, Jan. 1. We kick off the year Tuesday.