Have you ever worked in a cafe and got a dose of nostalgia when an old forgotten song comes on the radio?
That's what happened while I was working at Coffee Bean one evening.
It's one reason why I tolerate the extortionate prices of cafe coffee.
This time, it was around 10pm. It was my last burst of productivity before I called it a day.
A familiar song started playing.
"Ooh. Haven't heard this song in ages."
My right index finger flew to my phone.
A quick double tap to turn on the screen.
A quick swipe down, and - hello there, Shazam. Help me out real quick.
Two seconds later, Shazam replied: Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield.
Thanks!
Back on my Macbook Air, fingers danced.
Command + T for a new tab.
"unwritten lyrics natasha bedingfield"
Enter.
* Jaw drops *
Earlier this year, I found my Word Of The Year.
Now I've found my anthem. It's the perfect motivator from 20 years ago.
Thanks Natasha :)
Just look at the lyrics!
"I'm just beginning. The pen's in my hand. Ending unplanned." - Oh YES! This is year one of being self-employed. My future is in my hands.
"Staring at the blank page before you. Open up the dirty window. Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find." - How often have I sat in front of a blank document hoping to be inspired for the week's overdue newsletter? This line's perfect.
"Reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it" - Argh! I've been feeling this for the last 3 years! With every week and every month, I'm inching towards clarity in my business. I like what Iām doing, but in my heart I know Iām not even in my final form. (Legends will know the reference š)
"Release your inhibitions. Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in." - This speaks to me so much. Life is as much as we allow ourselves to experience. Bedingfield reminds us to give ourselves permission to live.
"No one else can speak the words on your lips" - You've got to advocate and stand up for yourself!
"I break tradition. Sometimes my tries are outside the lines. We've been conditioned to not make mistakes. But I can't live that way." - Ohoho! That's so representative of my upbringing and education in Singapore. It's also why I don't want another job if I can help it. I break tradition.
This song's going to be on repeat all year round. I love how uplifting this song is.
Now excuse me as I hit replay and continue working.
I love this song šµ