Last weekend — well, more appropriately, last Thursday and then Sunday — I felt like I was drowning in a sea of symphonic composition.

Yes, I know that statement sounds like the start of a dramatic interpretation speech, and I’m OK with that.

Drama, in the sense of a passion for life, is something I dive headfirst into the majority of the time. It’s welcome. Drama, in the sense of wasted energy spent dwelling in negativity, whether about your own life or gossiping about the lives of others, is not OK. That, to me, is an absolute waste of the time we are given.

But back to the point — last weekend, I had the brilliant opportunity to dive into that water of life by heading to Cleveland to experience the magic of their orchestra, and then ending the weekend at Stambaugh Auditorium to listen to our very own Youngstown Symphony’s season finale.

It was a sound bath of stories, each musical note carrying me through a tale of a life once lived. From Beethoven’s cutting-edge compositions that pushed the boundaries of time and analysis to a more pop-culture-infused program that captured the power of superheroes on the big screen, it was an experience that filled my tank. And who was my partner in crime for each of these events? My mother.

Going to the symphony is something we’ve enjoyed together since I was young. I was also lucky to attend a grade school that exposed us to this world at least once.

We didn’t need to travel far, my exposure was limited to Powers Auditorium, now referred to as DeYor.

But that alone was enough to show me that is truly all you need, you don’t need to live in a major city to experience the cultural beauty of these compositions.

And that’s the part that gets me; how many of us take advantage of the incredible arts scene we have right here in Youngstown?

I truly believe that being immersed in the arts makes us more appreciative of other people’s talents, abilities and impacts. But if we don’t show up, if we don’t fill the seats at DeYor, at Stambaugh, at our local theaters and galleries, what happens to these experiences?

We have something special here. A community that fosters creativity, that breathes life into every note played on stage. But it only thrives and lives if we choose to be part of it.

Given the choice between experiences or material things, I will always choose experiences. Both cost money, but my shoes will wear out over time, my clothes will weaken with every wash, but experiences?

They only help me grow, strengthen who I am, and deepen my understanding of the world around me. The symphony, the arts, they are not just entertainment, they are stories being told, emotions being shared, connections being built.

I know we are a long way off from October, but let’s be honest, we all know how quickly it will be at our doorstep. Heck it’s already March!

And just like making a visit to The Butler Institute of American Art, I highly recommend adding a trip to the symphony to your list of fall and winter activities. Whether it’s a date night, a family night, or simply a solo escape into the world of sound, the experience is worth it.

After all, scientific research has shown that classical music increases dopamine, reduces cortisol and even improves brain function. Who wouldn’t want that in their lives?

I won’t lie, as I sat there taking it all in, watching the conductor and each section of the ensemble move in harmony, I found myself daydreaming.

Sitting next to musicians who were part of the Cleveland Orchestra, having just seen them a few days prior, I couldn’t help but imagine how incredible it would be if the Cleveland, Youngstown and Pittsburgh symphonies came together, traveling to each other’s cities to put on performances that would blow us all away. A girl can dream, right?

So now, I turn it over to you. When was the last time you experienced live music — not in a jukebox, not through headphones, but right there in front of you, feeling every note resonate through your chest?

Do you remember your time at Powers Auditorium? Do you still make it to DeYor or Stambaugh? Do you take advantage of the incredible arts we have right here in our own town? From me to you, I hope you find yourself stepping into these experiences, allowing them to inspire and move you.

Mother, author, entrepreneur and founder of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick wants to hear your story. Share memories with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.