I hadn’t heard the song in years. It may even have been decades. But then I ran across it while scrolling on TikTok and instantly remembered how good it was. Not only that, but it immediately engaged whatever part of my brain had been craving such a reminder. Had I been craving it? How long had I been harboring such a craving? What was the true nature of said craving, anyway?
I had no answers. Such things were for the intellectual mind, and that was not the part that was presently causing my body to sway, my head to bob, and my lips to silently mouth the words.
Oh, I guess I should tell you what song caused this reaction. It was “Just Another Day” by Jon Secada. I tried really hard to embed the video here, but if you wish to risk a similar reaction for yourself, you’ll have to click that link.
I did not only listen to the song once. I did not only listen to it twice. Actually, I cannot tell you how many times “Just Another Day” played that day. I listened to it while attempting to do work, I danced to it while making lunch, I had it on repeat in the afternoon while re-attempting work. And every time, that same part of my brain was satiated, glad for whatever release this song brought.
Again, I have zero rational explanation for any of this. Sometimes in the right moment, a song just does this. I’d “caught a vibe” that day, as the kids say. And I was going to roll with it for as long as it would last, because I felt this instead of tired or anxious or worried or sad.
Whether it’s a Christmas carol or an early ’90s bop that triggers this level of joy, all I know is that you let it happen when it arrives. You rest in that vibe for as long as it will have you. And then you remember what caused it, in case you need it again another time.
If you enjoyed this reflection, check out my Advent book, Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent.
Jeffrey A. Nelson 