About this quote

Music can be the steady thing you turn to when people let you down. It gives you a private place to sort out feelings and quiet the noise. Try using a single playlist as a tool: let it help you sit with anger or calm you long enough to make a plan. Do you reach for music when you need company?

When to use it

• Packing up my desk after being laid off: I said, 'People haven't always been there for me, but music always has,' and put on a playlist to keep my hands steady while I boxed my things.
• Late-night study session before finals: I muttered, 'People haven't always been there for me, but music always has,' then let instrumental tracks help me focus without distraction.
• After a breakup on a rainy Sunday: I told my sister, 'People haven't always been there for me, but music always has,' and we played the albums that let me cry and then laugh.
• During rehab after knee surgery: I reminded myself, 'People haven't always been there for me, but music always has,' and used upbeat songs to push through the exercises.