Music can make your soul sing. It can definitely boost your mood when you’re feeling down.

I’m thankful that my parents allowed me to explore and listen to a variety of music. So today, I enjoy a wide range — rock, pop, jazz, blues, Latin, gospel and more.

My family recently attended a performance by Israel Houghton and New Breed. Israel is Grammy-Award winning Christian singer and composer.

It was bittersweet because, you see, I first saw him perform on Oct. 9, 2009, at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth. Four days later, I unexpectedly lost one of the most important people in my life — my only brother.

So, somehow, I think Israel’s music helped buffer my heart and soul for what I was getting ready to go through.

Each time I listen to Israel’s music or see him perform, in person or on TV, I’m comforted.

I can see that I’m surviving, although the crushing pain and hurt will never go away.

And maybe you’re asking yourself, "What in the world does this have to do with stuff around the home?"

I thought maybe somehow I’d get an idea for this column right before, during or after the concert. Well about 1:30 a.m. that next morning, the words arrived.

Wouldn’t you agree that good music can create so much joy around the home and change or energize our moods?

I’ve seen it happen at a restaurant. Start up the jukebox and the place livens up with laughter and conversation.

Consider how music creates energy at family reunions, wedding receptions and other gatherings.

Who can resist singing along to "My Girl" by The Temptations or tapping their feet to "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins or the most recent version by Blake Shelton?

Let’s face it, the "Cupid Shuffle" and the "Cha Cha Slide" can make shy people of all ages jump out on the dance floor.

So, why not use music to add some fun and enjoyment to tasks we have to do at home such as laundry and dishes.

Play some of your favorite music and put a positive spin on what you’re doing.

It can really help when there’s a lot to get accomplished in a short amount of time.

Plus, the music will help you move more and decrease stress.

Our Food Talk program, which covers healthy eating on a budget, recommends that "finding positive ways to handle stress is important to keeping yourself well."

Food Talk sessions also point out that one of the ways we can decrease stress is by "moving more and getting more exercise."

Attitude can make all the difference. Instead of complaining about meal preparation, take a different approach and think about the memories you’re creating.

How many adults smile when they talk about their parents’ or grandparents’ cooking?

Our attitude plays such a big role in our experiences. I once heard a success coach talk about how he adjusted his attitude toward laundry.

It was once overwhelming and then he simply changed his perspective. Now he sees it as a way of helping the family.