What I Listen To In A Day - Mia Norris

 

Every morning, I start my day at 8:20 AM. My alarm sound is usually one of three songs, but most often it’s Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac. I’ve learned that waking up to a song that makes me happy and puts me in a good mood helps me start the day on the right foot, even on mornings when getting out of bed feels extra difficult.

After my two classes, my roommate and I decided to get our nails done, which was very much needed. The nail salon was amazing and really tried to make the experience as relaxing as possible. While I was there, I started listening to a podcast that put a lot of things into perspective for me. It focused on learning how to take control of your own life and truly make it yours, while also romanticizing both the big moments and the small, everyday things that help you feel better and more grounded.

Once I got home, I headed straight to the gym. I’ve been loving my Wednesdays this semester because I only have one class, which gives me more time to do things for myself. At the gym, I walked on the treadmill for about 30 minutes while listening to my walking playlist. This song is definitely my favorite on that playlist. It’s by the band my brother is in, and I genuinely love their music—I could listen to it all day. If you’re reading this, you should definitely check them out.

After that, I showered, put on comfy pajamas, lit a candle, and settled onto the couch to start some homework. I put Spotify on the TV and played my homework playlist. I have noticed that having playlists for specific times throughout the days and in my life has become extremely helpful and something I adore. The song I’m highlighting is one of Tame Impala’s newer songs, and something about the beat and sound just does something to my brain in the best way. Most of the songs on this playlist are slower and more low-key, but this one is more upbeat, which makes it especially nice when it comes on while locking in to homework.

To end my night, I’ve been reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Whether I’m listening to the audiobook or reading it on my own, the message really resonates with me. This book reminds me to live and let live, which is something I try to follow in my own life. It emphasizes that everyone reacts differently to situations, and sometimes the best thing you can do is let people be who they are while protecting your own emotional peace.

Reflection:

When I hear the phrase “selfies with a social conscience,” I don’t automatically think about pictures of faces or traditional selfies. To me, it’s more about how we choose to represent ourselves online and what those choices communicate to other people. Even when we aren’t directly showing our appearance, the moments we share still say a lot about who we are, what we value, and how we move through our everyday lives.

The What I Eat Project is a good example of this because it focuses on real life rather than idealized versions of it. Instead of carefully curated meals or influencer-style content, it documents what people actually eat in a day. By doing this, the project brings attention to differences in culture, access, and privilege without needing to explicitly make an argument. It uses simple documentation to encourage reflection, which feels more honest and impactful than highly polished content.

I see a similar idea in posts where people share realistic routines or everyday moments without trying to make them look impressive. Content that shows quiet habits, low energy days, or simple routines feels refreshing in a space where everything often looks perfect. These kinds of posts remind viewers that not every moment needs to be productive or aesthetic to be meaningful.

For my own post, I chose to document parts of my day through music, movement, and routines rather than focusing on my appearance. Those moments felt like a more accurate reflection of how my day actually unfolds. To me, selfies with a social conscience aren’t about showing the best version of ourselves, but about sharing real experiences in a way that challenges unrealistic expectations and makes online spaces feel more honest.