And we’ll all float on okay

I first heard the song “Float On” by Modest Mouse when I watched the movie John Tucker Must Die for the first time. The scene when the four girls are in detention and Kate tries to introduce herself but the teacher comes back and interrupts her and all you hear is “Backed my car into a cop car the other day…” just really stuck out to me – not because of the scene itself but because of how suddenly the song begins. As the song played, I remember googling the lyrics immediately because I just had to know what it was; I had to know whose words were “we’ll all float on okay.” Turns out, the JTMD version of the song is sung by Ben Lee but obvi all the credit still goes to Modest Mouse.

I was in sixth grade when I first saw this movie and heard this song. Eleven years later it is still so meaningful to me: meaningful enough to get it permanently on my body. It is a song that seems to play exactly when I need to hear it. It has helped me get through some really tough times and it has also given me reality checks when I’m upset over something trivial. At this point all these years later, hearing just the intro brings me to a healthier mindset.

The song just gets better as the lyrics begin. I think the lyrics are such a great representation of how I have always wanted to live. I have always been a “go with the flow” kind of person but it was only just a few years ago that I have tried to become more conscious of my mindset. Over the last few years, I have really been trying to be more positive, more open minded. I have been trying to complain less and appreciate more. I have been trying to redirect any negative thoughts, judgments, and assumptions to a healthier space. I think having that awareness is super complementary to the idea of “floating on okay.”

 “Bad news comes don’t you worry even when it lands. Good news will work its way to all them plans.” What a freakin positive outlook on life. I fully support this outlook and put it into practice as often as possible.

No matter how hard we think we have it or how much we feel like the world is against us, we will absolutely float on okay. When life seems to be completely against me and I am struggling to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, I always remind myself “it could be worse” and I “will float on okay.”

It has been really cool to see my tattoo on my finger and instantly be reminded that things won’t be bad forever. It is such a simple version of “After a hurricane comes a rainbow,” “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” “keep calm and carry on,” etc. These are all cliche quotes that can be simplified and “un-cliched” with “float on.” I love having this little reminder to get me through a rough day or help me redirect a negative thought.

Getting this tattoo was one of my 2018 goals and it is so satisfying to cross something off my list that I have been wanting to do for a long time.

Float on, everyone!