I can honestly say that music was one of my first genuine passions. Unfortunately, I have never been very musically inclined–I have a recurring nightmare about having to try to play piano in front of a large crowd–but I am one of those people that constantly tries to discover new music and share it with others.

Whether you are constantly trying to branch out or you stick to old favorites, you can still find new ways to enjoy all of your favorite music. In the last five years or so, the explosion of the popularity of mp3 players has made playlists very customizable, but I also have noticed that we have a tendency to take our tunes for granted.

First of all, take advantage of the internet! Believe it or not, there are a great many websites that serve as online radio stations. Mercora and Pandora are just two examples that allow you to build up lists of favorite artists and songs. Pandora operates through finding melodies that share similar qualities to the songs you input as your favorites.

Radio stations like Pandora and Mercora usually allow you to purchase a song you love through the site. That enables you to have a copy of it to listen to at any time–you can even put it on your mp3 player.

Listen to music to get you pumped up. When I was in high school, I popped in a CD full of upbeat music to help me get motivated for the day ahead. With the music you already have, create a mix CD full of the tunes that help you get in the right mindset for the day ahead.

You may want to play it in a central location. DVD and Blu-ray players are both capable of playing music CDs.

If CDs are too much trouble and create clutter, then invest in a speaker system for your mp3 player or find wireless computer speakers that can be moved closer to wherever you are in the house. After all, I hate cleaning up the kitchen and being unable to hear music from my laptop while it is set up in the living room.

Even if you enjoy a specific type of music, explore new genres to fulfill new purposes. I love to play new age and classical melodies to help facilitate meditation and ease my mind to help me sleep.

Music has tremendous power to influence our feelings and attitudes. Wholesome, uplifting music in all its forms can brighten your mood. Instead of just tuning out with your mp3 player, find ways to incorporate it into your life as a whole.