The inspiration behind the lyrics to my song started with my intentions for signing up for Challenge America Virtual Music Therapy Retreat. Coming into the retreat I wanted to challenge myself and share my thoughts with others, which is something I’m not easily inclined to do. I had already resolved that I did not want to write a song that necessarily spoke about challenges I have had. Instead I wanted the focus of my song to be on clinging to hope, moving forward, and seeing the light in dark situations. 

In my initial conversation with my songwriting coach, Maya de Vitry, I only talked about how “I figured out a long time ago, when we are all heartbroken, everything on the radio feels like it’s made for you.” To my surprise, this became the beginning verse and served as a sort of anchor for my song. It was reworked a few times in just two short song-writing sessions. But the intention came together just as I wanted it.

The lyrics convey that although I have my own struggles in life, I have realized that I am not alone in facing challenges. Often in challenging times and situations when we are in the midst of darkness we feel alone. However, I have found comfort, not in knowing if there are others struggling, but there are those who have been in similar or worse situations, overcame them and went on to do more than they could ever imagine. Coming back to this mindset has helped me put things in perspective. Also, learning to have a little humor in every situation helps tremendously. I have literally driven off with my coffee cup on the hood of my car on more than a few occasions. Of course, at the moment I didn’t laugh at all….I literally need my coffee! But looking back, it really is funny! 

So, I wanted to share that with anyone who is willing to listen. Simply as a gentle reminder that whatever hard time you’re going through, you truly are never alone.

“Not The Only One”

It’s good to know that you’re not alone

That somebody gets you it just goes to show

When it feels like you’re going through this storm all alone

Remember you’re not the only one 

When you plan to be out of bed at 6am

But you keep hitting snooze til 8

You’re not the only one playing catchup 

You’re not the only one behind all day

Remember you’re not the only one 

I figured out a long time ago

When we’re heartbroken

Everything on the radio

Feels like it’s made for you

Remember you’re not the only one 

When I finally got out of the house today

Placed my coffee on the car and I drove away

And you know what happened and I needed that coffee

It’s the only thing that separates me from the dead

Remember you’re not the only one 

I figured out a long time ago

When we’re heartbroken

Everything on the radio

Feels like it’s made for you

Remember you’re not the only one.

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One of the most important parts of a community, a sisterhood, and a strong and unbreakable friendship is the mutual exchange of stories and experiences. There are many experiences that are unique to who women Veterans are and what they have endured and survived.

The Military Sisterhood Initiative's goal is to build a community that fights together, laughs together, cries together, and heals together; therefore, we have taken the initiative to tell the stories of women Veterans through our Sister Diaries. 

This is an open call for all of our members, who feel comfortable to open their hearts, to email us stories about their life. If you’re interested to learn more about how to submit a story or to join MSI please visit www.militarysisterhoodinitiative.org.