While working, I listen to songs on repeat a lot. I put on an instrumental that fits either my mood, the task, or, ideally, both and get cracking.
Lately, I’ve noticed a pattern: After I finish a session, I often leave that particular music tab open. “Maybe I’ll fire this one up again tomorrow,” I think. But I rarely go back to it. I commonly end up with multiple song tabs I haven’t listened to in days, sometimes weeks, before eventually closing them. There’s no good reason to keep them around. I’m somehow trying to prolong what’s finished.
Clicking the “Close” button on those tabs brings relief but also a pang of nostalgia. “It was a good run.” I remember what I created and how it felt. But the key word is still “was.” It’s over. That working session happened with that mood and song, and it’s okay to start from scratch for the next one.
Don’t overstretch the moment. Each conversation, each cup of coffee, and every focused stint: It all lasts exactly as long as it’s meant to. Make peace with the endings and enjoy the new beginnings.
