Category Archives: Evie Tackett

Mar 28 2012

We’ve always believed that music has a way of bringing people together. Maybe strangers that are just singing the same song, or maybe a friend that starts singing a song exactly when you need it. That’s what happened to me one day, and she didn’t even realize it.

It was September 29, 2010. The second anniversary of my cousin’s suicide, but I had kept it to myself. We were standing in the school auditorium because it was raining too hard to have marching band practice outside. The whole room was quiet just as we finished one of our songs, and my best friend started singing “You Be the Anchor that Keeps My Feet on the Ground, I’ll be the Wings that Keep Your Heart in the Clouds” out of nowhere. I had never heard her listen to anything like that before, so I was amazed. I just looked at her and started bawling because that song had always reminded me of him. We stood there in the middle of the auditorium and she just let me cry for a little while. With that little line of that song, I was able to completely open up to her about what I was feeling at that very moment. Music has a way of doing that. You don’t even have to talk to convey thoughts or feelings. It’s really amazing.

Feb 8 2012

This Is Community

Last week, a police officer in my hometown of Mobile, Alabama was killed in the line of duty. Today was his funeral.

All around the city, drivers had their headlights on all day and flags were flown at half mast out of respect for fallen Officer Steven Green. His funeral procession went on as far as you could see, with both fellow officers and civilians who had never even met him. Officers traveled from as far as Chicago and New York for the service. The service itself was so packed that the building was overflowing. Complete strangers have filled up a notebook with signatures and messages for his family. All of these people had all gathered because this man was doing something great for his community and they wanted to thank him. This is a community. Friends, family, and strangers who are coming together in a time of need to share sorrow and encouragement. We couldn’t make it without our communities.

RIP Officer Steven Green. Thank you for your incredible service. You will be missed.

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Feb 1 2012

You Decide

Most of my inspiration comes from music, usually as I’m driving down the road with my iPod on shuffle. It’s my favorite kind of inspiration. It’s fun to sing about exactly what you’re feeling. Today was no different.
Lately I’ve been really fed up with school. It’s my senior year of high school and I’m ready to just be out of there. And as several of my classmates could confirm, I haven’t been Little Miss Sunshine the past few weeks.
Today as I was driving home, “Did you wake up on the right or the wrong side of the bed today?” came over my speakers. The song went on to say that no matter what kind of day you’re having, you get to decide your mood and how you act.
You don’t have to let your frustration ruin your day. It seems easier said than done, but brush it off. Whether or not a couple little things get you down is completely up to you. So don’t worry about it and CHOOSE to have a good day. Nothing can get you down. :)

Jan 26 2012

Don’t Give In

The other day, I was sitting in a living room with 35 other college students listening to a very smart woman talk about depression to a group of people that it affects most. I’ll admit I don’t remember everything she said, but one part stuck out to me. She said:

“Depression is lonely. When you’re depressed, you just want to stay in bed and you don’t want to be around anyone. That’s what the enemy wants. He wants to defeat you. If you let depression get to you, the enemy has won. Even though you don’t feel like it, you need to be around people. DON’T LET HIM WIN.”

Depression is hard. I know it is. I’ve had the days when I wanted to stay in bed and turn my phone off and not talk to anyone. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done it in the past year. But that wasn’t a good idea. Call a friend. Get out. Being around other people is the best medicine. Keep your relationships strong and they’ll keep you strong. Keeping you secluded and lonely feeling is what the enemy wants. Defeat him. You can do it. I know you can.

Jan 19 2012

Own Your Independence

The other day, I texted a friend of mine. I really just kind of needed to vent to someone. This guy was acting like a real jerk and I had finally told him to just stop calling me. A little while into the conversation between my friend and I, I said, “I need a good boy. I’m tired of these crappy ones.” She replied, “Don’t be upset. You don’t *need* a boy. You’re a whole person. You don’t need anyone to be complete.”

I thought about it. This is so true. You are your own person. Constantly worrying about a significant other is not fun. You don’t NEED one to have fun or to be happy. If you’re actively looking, you’re going to get  frustrated and lower your standards. Keep your standards high. Don’t let your guard down.

I feel like Kelly Clarkson’s song “Miss Independent” sums it up pretty well. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. Don’t let just anyone in. You’re “self-sufficient.” When the time is right, it will just happen. Until then, OWN your independence. :)