As a Texan and in-my-blood country music lover, I had always enjoyed Shania's music. Seriously, who wasn't glued to their television sets when they first saw her videos "Dance with the One that Brought You" and "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?"
I admit to only knowing a little about her personal life (I blame studying in college). I knew that her parents died when she was just out of high school, and she took charge singing to earn a living to support her younger orphaned siblings. She had it rough, worked very hard and succeeded. That always inspired me.
Plus, she wore mid drift shirts in her videos and that shocked Nashville. Apparently, that had never been done in country music. That always made me laugh.
Well, the Why Not with Shania Twain followed Shania's breakdown and recovery after finding out her husband/ producer was having an affair with her best friend. She, understandably, was devastated. She lost her voice and had to find the courage to be herself again.
Here is a clip about the show in her own words:
During the show, Shania visited with others who had experienced immense loss. She listened and they talked about grief and grieving for the life you once had but lost. Throughout the trip, Shania worked through the melodies and lyrics on her song, Today is Your Day. The song truly unfolds in front of our eyes.
Initially, a listener may only dismiss this song as one dripping in positivity. To a viewer of the show, it means much more. It was a Song of Self-Soothing. She was singing it until it stuck, singing it until her words rang true for her life, singing it until that song's shoe fit. I understood it instantly, and it quickly became a favorite of mine.
As I putter around in the waiting room or the patient room at a doctor's visit, I somehow manage to think of her. I open up iTunes, and I play this song. It soothes me instantly. Humming it in my mind while dealing with yet another medical professional is just the right medicine. It keeps me calm and focused, alert and content. It is the perfect mix of "This-totally-applies-to-me-as-a-sick-person" and "See-everyone-struggles-with-something" that makes me feel like I can fight my way out, too... AND WIN. After all this time struggling to do it other ways, I am happy to have found peace some where. While she wrote it to rebuild her courage to sing, Shania's song is a gift to me.
I plan to see Shania as she opens a long engagement singing at Caesars Palace, starting December 2012. I really look forward to being well enough to do that.
Thank you, Shania Twain. I wish you all the happiness.
xxoo Melissa
P.S. You can download the song Today is your Day on iTunes here.
Today is your Day
You got what it takes you can win…You got what it takes you can winToday is your day to begin.Don't give up here, don't you quit.The moment is now, this is itKnow that you can then you willGet to the top of the hillPart of the fun is the climbYou just gotta make up your mind
That today is your dayAnd nothing can stand in your wayToday is your dayEverything's goin' your wayToday (you can do it)Today (c'mon c'mon)Today (c'mon do it)Today
When somebody throws sticks and stonesAll they can break are your bonesAnd life's gonna kick you aroundThen kick you again when you're down
But today is your dayAnd nothing can stand in your wayToday is your dayEverything's goin' your wayToday (c'mon do it now)TodayTodayToday
mmmm life's gonna kick you, its gonna kick you around, its gonna kick you down
Brush yourself off no regretsThis is as good as it getsDon't expect more or lessJust go out and give it your best (give it your best)
Today is your dayAnd nothing can stand in your wayToday is your dayEverything's goin' your way.
