Strong women not only feel pain, they accept it, they learn from it, and they fight through it.  They turn their wounds into wisdom.  They take a break to shed a tear, but after they dust themselves off they get back up and fight like they’ve never fought before.  Damaged women are the most resilient kind, because they already know that they can survive.  As women, we need to be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what we deserve.

When I was going through my first divorce, I ran the gamut of emotions. The divorce took over two years to finalize.  We ended up bifurcating the divorce and spent another year working out finances.  It was a long painful process.  When it was finally done, my girlfriend made me a CD of songs that I had told her helped me get through some of the harder times.

The second divorce was just as long and just even more painful, even though we were together for a really short time period.  In that time, I added songs to my list of things that I would listen to to help me get through some of the bad days.

This morning I got a call from a friend who asked me if I could send her a copy of my original CD’s and if I could add any new songs that I may have added.  Apparently, she is starting to go through a similar process (I don’t ask details) and remembered that some of the songs that I had on my CD had helped her. It surprised me, but I was more than happy to do it!

I know that there are a lot more songs that I could include in this list (like almost every song by Pink) but this is what I put on my playlist.  For me, it was interesting empowering and uplifting.  I tried to not include songs that made me feel sorry for myself or bring out the deep pain that I was feeling during that time, as those don’t help when we are trying to feel strong.  However, if she asks, I will be happy to tell her what helped me.

I really feel that when we start to feel down or depressed, one of the best things we can do is put on music that empowers us and makes us want to try harder, run a little faster and build our confidence in ourselves.  It is about strength, not depression.

The Climb- Miley Cyrus

So What- Pink

Firework- Katy Perry

King of Anything- Sara Bareillus

Best Days of Your Life- Kellie Pickler

We’re Not Gonna Take It- Twisted Sister

Put A Ring On It- Beyonce

Stuttering- Fefe Dobson

A Place in this World- Taylor Swift

Oops I Did It Again- Brittney Spears

Live Like There’s No Tomorrow- Selena Gomez

These Boots Were Made For Walking- Jessica Simpson

Edge Of Glory- Lady Gaga

Everybody- Ingrid Michaelson

I Am Woman- Jordin Sparks

Gotta Be Somebody- Nickleback

Never Getting Back Together- Taylor Swift

Survivor- Destiny’s Child

If You’re Going Through Hell- Rodney Atkins

Hit Me With Your Best Shot- Pat Benatar

Don’t Let Me Get Me- Pink

Kerosene- Miranda Lambert

Roar- Katy Perry

People Like Us- Kelly Clarkson

Picture To Burn- Taylor Swift

The Sun Is Rising- Britt Nicole

Lesson Learned- Alicia Keys

Perfect- Pink

Fight Song- Rachel Platten

Brave- Sara Bareillus

Up!- Shania Twain

Lips are Movin’- Meghan Trainor

The One That Got Away- Katy Perry

Blow Me- Pink

7 Things- Miley Cyrus

Done- The Band Perry

Fighter- Christina Aguilera

Bruises- Train

Hot and Cold- Katy Perry

Set Fire To The Rain- Adele

One Less Problem- Ariana Grande

Try- Pink

My Lovin’- En Vogue

Bad Romance- Lady Gaga

Strong Enough- Matthew West

Shake It Off- Taylor Swift

Before He Cheats- Carrie Underwood

Let It Go- Indina Menzel

Who Says- Selena Gomez

Titanium- David Guetta

Stronger- Brittney Spears

Since U Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson

Hit The Road Jack- Ray Charles

Shine Your Way- Owl City