Kelly Clarkson’s new song, “Invincible,” has me hooked. It has become my new theme song. Do you have one of those? First of all, what an awesome word: invincible. It evokes power, courage, truth, endurance, resilience, strength, and that knowing that comes with trusting yourself. The first time I heard it sneak through the radio airwaves into my car, I immediately resonated with it, and had it on my phone within 24 hours. I have always loved music and have found it a helpful way to give a voice to my emotions. Since my divorce, over 5 years ago, I have become fond of creating playlists to suit different moods or occasions in my life. Upon reflection, I see my own personal growth with each new playlist. My most recent list is entitled, “Empowerment.” It contains a variety of genres with songs like “Live Like a Warrior” (Matisyahu), “Fight Song” (Rachel Platten), “Never Alone” (Jim Brickman), Defying Gravity (Idina Menzel), “Brave” (Sara Barellis) and “Roll with the Changes” (REO Speedwagon) that lift me up, remind me I am not alone, and typically are powerful or reflect personal power or a story about overcoming in some way. Its been building over the past year or so and as I add to it periodically it has evolved over time.

But “Invincible,” sums it all up. It actually sums up my entire life story to date. I have a feeling it reflects many of your stories as well. It also sums up my mission in my therapy practice: to take you from a place of messy brokenness and walk with you as you release fear and shame, embrace your personal power, stand firm in your truth, and trust that inner-knowing that moves you forward and knows you can take so much more than you ever dreamed imaginable, all in the name of growth. You also learn to listen to that still, inner “teacher” within who helps you to connect the dots of your experience. In the process, that messy, precious, and innocent inner child is acknowledged, validated, and released from being in charge. In his or her place a wise, healthy adult takes over who is whole, competent and strong. When you fully inhabit and accept yourself, you are indeed “a perfect storm.”

This beautiful song also serves as an important reminder that those things we often run from are empty illusions (our own false beliefs). Things like emptiness, abandonment, being alone, or not being enough. You are so much more than what your fears tell you and the more Life piles on, the more your true Self takes shape.

So, as I did once before when I shared my beloved Zac Brown’s, “Tomorrow Never Comes”, this week I choose to share a song with you. In some Native American traditions, it is said that a song is the most meaningful gift one can give. So I give you “Invincible.” May it inspire you, encourage your perspective on all the obstacles you have overcome or are facing in this moment, and allow you to recognize the strength and courage you have inherent within you to continue on this Life adventure, with all of the challenges, joys, trials, and celebrations. Add it to your own unique playlist. Click on the title link below to listen. Turn up the volume, allow the words below to burst out of your mouth, and tune into your own invincibility!

Invincible

By: Kelly Clarkson

You know I was broke down, I had hit the ground
I was crying out, couldn’t make no sound
No one hears silent tears collecting
You know I had lost hope, I was all alone
Never been so low ’til you came along
Teacher, I feel the dots connecting

Beat down on me, beat down like a waterfall
Cause I can take on so much more than I had ever dreamed
So beat down on me, beat down like a waterfall
‘Cause baby, I am ready to be free

Now I am invincible
No, I ain’t a scared little girl no more
Yeah, I am invincible
What was I running for
I was hiding from the world
I was so afraid, I felt so unsure
Now I am invincible
And I’m a perfect storm

Now I am a warrior, a shooting star
You know I got this far, I had a broken heart
No one hears silent tears collecting
‘Cause it’s being weak that’s strong
In the truth I found
I have courage now, I’m gonna shout it out
Teacher, I feel the dots connecting

Beat down on me, beat down like a waterfall
‘Cause I can take on so much more than I had ever dreamed
So beat down on me, beat down like a waterfall
‘Cause baby, I am ready to be free

Now I am invincible
No, I ain’t a scared little girl no more
Yeah, I am invincible
What was I running for
I was hiding from the world
I was so afraid, I felt so unsure
Now I am invincible
And I’m a perfect storm

I was running from an empty threat
Of emptiness
I was running from an empty threat
That didn’t exist
I was running from an empty threat
Of abandonment
I was running from an empty threat
That didn’t exist

But now I am invincible
No, I ain’t a scared little girl no more
Yeah, I am invincible
What was I running for
I was hiding from the world
I was so afraid, I felt so unsure
Now I am invincible
And I’m a perfect storm

Now I am invincible
No, I ain’t a scared little girl no more
Yeah, I am invincible
What was I running for
I was hiding from the world
I was so afraid, I felt so unsure
Now I am invincible
And I’m a perfect storm

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