I'm an urban girl at heart -- more comfortable surrounded by buildings and people than open spaces and nature. And while most people like me will proclaim an immediate disdain for the twangy, broken-hearted verses of country music, I like country music and it's vibrant energy.

As a writer, I have a passion for words, whether in song lyrics, novels or blogs, and I think we can take a lot of valuable lessons from country music. Country music isn't all broken hearts and rednecks -- many remind us of the importance of living life to the fullest and finding beauty in every moment. So when I saw this article, which gives examples of inspiring country songs and how they can be applied to a healthy life, I decided to make my own. Here are three lessons I learned from Country music:

1. I can't help but be proud of who I am and where I came from when I hear Who I am by Jessica Andrews, Redneck Girl by Gretchen Wilson and Mississippi Girl by Faith Hill
   
2. Live like you were dying, from the song of the same name by Tim McGraw, reminds me to value every day
   
3. Proud of the House We Built by Brooks and Dunn is a good reminder of what's important in life -- love and family.
   

What songs do you find inspiring?