Here’s the opening question that will either unite us or separate us forever: What’s your life’s go-to track? You know... that song. The one that stirs your soul, brings back that perfect middle school dance moment, or—you know—reminds you of the time you threw a plate at your ex because they ate your last dumpling. I’m willing to bet you didn’t have to think too long before a melody popped into your head or your internal drama queen queued up its usual soundtrack. Either way, music has this magical way of turning moments, whether cringe-worthy or epic, into memories you’ll play on repeat. And trust me, when you live a life as multilayered as mine—Navajo heritage simmered in museum-level storytelling with a sprinkle of world travel—your playlist is bound to reflect all of your greatest plot twists.
So buckle up, because I’m about to walk you through a journey of hooks, choruses, late-night discoveries, and awkward romantic playlists that are basically an autobiography in beats.
The "I'm Feeling Myself" Anthem
There’s nothing like walking into a room—whether it’s a dimly lit bar, a family wedding where your amazing aunt doesn’t believe you’re still single (thanks, Auntie)—and knowing you’re the moment. Cue Beyoncé because, listen, sometimes you need a soundtrack that projects confidence even when the vibe is wobbling on your favorite pair of slightly-too-tall heels. Mine? It’s Destiny’s Child “Survivor” on rotation.
Growing up as a Navajo woman in a world bent on boxes you don’t quite fit in, this song hit differently. It wasn’t just the empowerment, it was the reminder that even when life or love falls apart, you can rebuild better, stronger, shinier. The secret here is not to just dance in front of the mirror but to apply this IRL: go to the gym, block that emotionally unavailable situationship, or re-do your budget so you can buy that leather jacket you “need for fall.”
Top Tip: Everyone should have this type of anthem loaded and ready for those "You'll never make it without me" moments someone—likely your ex—dares to throw in your face.
The “We Don’t Talk About That Era” Ballad
Oh yes, it’s time for the heartbreak ballads—all the Adele “Someone Like You” nights where you’re crying into a pint (or tub, I don’t judge) of salted caramel ice cream. But here’s the plot twist: not every sad song in my break-up era is about romance. Sometimes it’s about falling out of friendship with someone who knew everything about you.
For me, it’s Fleetwood Mac’s entire Rumours album. Every track drips like bittersweet honey—a reminder of life’s capacity to implode in a beautifully dramatic fireworks display. There’s tranquility in seeing your low point as poetic rather than pathetic.
(Stack the dishwasher in tears if you must, but bonus points for layering this over a weekend road trip past some scenic as hell mountains. ‘Landslide’ hits harder with altitude, trust me.)
Top Tip: Don’t delete your sad songs. Reserve these gems for when you need catharsis with class. Don’t become “I’ll text my ex” sad—be “I’m journaling my villain origin story” sad for maximum impact.
The Awkward Romance Mixtape
Alright, here comes the true confession segment: I made someone a mix-CD during college. Was I 100% overthinking which soulful indie track showed me as “cultured” but not “pretentious”? You bet I was. In hindsight, For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver did me no favors (FYI, melancholic woodsy vibes did NOT convince them to take hints).
Music and romance are this awkward tango where one person thinks Frank Ocean dripping through the speakers screams “chemistry,” while the other is probably distracted by who got the nachos order wrong. And then there’s the absolute hilarity of a song you bonded over becoming the ex song. For me and one guy, it was“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Once romantic road trip gold, now cringe flashbacks at gas stations.
Top Tip: Make playlists for YOURSELF in love. If—God forbid—the coupling derails, you’ll still want to keep those Bruno Mars vibes intact without them stapled as ‘Ex #4 nostalgia.’
The Game-Changer Tracks
No playlist is complete without your head-first-into-growth songs—the ones that kickstart your era of “Wow, I really should’ve been kinder to myself before 2017.” For me, it was Lizzo. Any Lizzo. All Lizzo. Growing into my confidence meant stepping away from the need to romanticize my flaws as “quirky.” I’m sorry, not everyone deserves my big heart and better-than-average home-cooked pozole.
Game-changer tracks aren’t just bops—they restructure how you move, how you breathe, and how you love yourself quietly in a bedroom mirror after taking off the armor of other people’s expectations for you. They’re the songs that see you go from small town girl (literally small town, might I remind you) to “world-traveling curator who can finally splurge on good wine” level.
Top Tip: Don’t sleep on discovering a new artist who speaks to the season you’re currently in. When Lizzo dropped 'Good As Hell', the synchronicity made me pause mid supermarket aisle with the epiphany: Girls, it’s spinach, not Doritos this time. Self-care wins start there.
Family, Culture & the Songs That Made Me
Let’s talk about the major players. You know, the real mixtape creators who raised me through ‘90s country jams and traditional Navajo songs hummed at family cookouts. My mom played George Strait like it was a legitimate religion—there’s a certain unapologetic joy in singing “Amarillo By Morning” way out of key while you road trip through the Southwest. And visiting my Chi-Chi (grandma) meant hearing the ancient songs meant to tether us to our heritage long before Spotify algorithms curated our preferences.
In dating, I learned to embrace my cultural playlist proudly: a patchwork quilt of songs celebrating my people, my roots, and those no-nonsense “better not bring that half-energy boyfriend home” vibes coded in every elder’s glance over the dinner table. When someone asks what my childhood soundtrack sounds like? It’s Dixie Chicks on a canyon hike mixed with the smell of fry bread. And thank the gods young me finally stopped being embarrassed by how those moments raised me.
Top Tip: Never be afraid to show pride in what you grew up hearing—especially when love gets layered into the conversation. Your people’s songs tell YOUR tale, whether it’s country, blues, or banging pots like percussion during family taco night.
Final Chorus: Write Your Soundtrack
Here’s the thing: no one will ever fully understand the dynamic mess that is your personal playlist. There’s always going to be an Ariana Grande megahit bumping uncomfortably against your inexplicable ‘90s grunge guilty pleasure or that cringe throwback from high school prom. Whatever. Own it.
Your playlist isn’t just about taste—it’s about belonging to memories, dreaming through fears, and growing one tangled lyric at a time. If you’re crafting your life’s soundtrack, know this: the perfect playlist doesn’t exist. But your song’s out there, waiting to remind you where you’ve been—and where you’re going.
Now go blast it like the main character you are.
