This is My December, this is my time of the year...

"This is my December. This is my time of the year." 

Today is December 1st. How it is December already, I don't know. 2012 moved fast and there's no signs of slowing down. But that's besides the point because today is a special day on la calendar de Tibs.

Linkin Park's "My December" is the first song I play to begin this month, every year.

This classic, soothing single from LP dropped back when I was in high school. I remember hearing it for the first time, moved by the post title that doubles as the song's first lyric. Right away, I'm empowered to make this my month. To achieve the goals I set out in my personal, professional, or educational life - whatever it may be at the time. In high school, I remember putting "My December" on repeat while studying for a test, and oddly enough, to pump me up for a basketball game (I had to switch it up on occasion from Eminem's "Till I Collapse" or one of 2Pac's most intense: "Bomb First"). 

But the song itself isn't your typical, motivating anthem. Lyrically, it's a reflective piece of Chester singing for his old life with an old girlfriend. Remembering the song's concept, I'm not sure how I once got amped to shoot hoops, but hah, I somehow did. I think it's the unique combination of Chester's light vocals, the ominous piano, and the triumphant strings and scratches added in an extended outro that all provided a powerful sound overall I've never heard before. Conversely though, being away from home in Minnesota for college, gave this song another meaning when I had this in my headphones during a December Minneapolis snowstorm.

I know I'm not alone as a fan of "My December", and furthermore, I know there's countless songs out there like this that may have an emotional impact across multiple spectrums for everyone. It's a nice reminder of the emotional effect of music. Think back to a song like this for you that may have had such an impact during your formative years. For me, this one always marks the beginning of an exciting month - and this year is no different!