Inspired by Bedingfield, N. (2004). Unwritten. On Unwritten [Album]. Phonogenic/Epic Records.
Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash
When we consider the possibilities of our own future do we find excitement, comfort or distress? From her debut album, Natasha Bedingfield provides an interesting reflection on the mystery of life and the future.
From the opening lyrics we are given the insight that whilst we may not know the future, we do have some level of determination over it. This may give us mixed emotions; responsibility, anxiety, wonder, fear, excitement. What you experience will reflect whether you feel having a role to play in writing your own future is liberating or restricting; a joy or a burden.
Interestingly, the song's next observation is that it is often our fears and inhibition which prevent us from experiencing the liberating excitement of having the pen in our hand. The song provides two important clarifying notes: The first is that we need to open the dirty window to illuminate our vision. We need to make an active decision to get a perspective wider than the tainted one we already have, perhaps even guidance from others. The second, not to be fearful of making mistakes. If we give up our fear of experiencing what we don’t know in life we can allow ourselves to make choices which might end in mistakes. This reminds me of a Buddhist saying about there being no need to worry if you solve a problem and no point in worrying if you can’t.
We don’t know all the consequences of our decisions, so we just need to do what we can. Worrying about potential events and consequences holds no wisdom either way.
Natasha Bedingfield’s conclusion is that we are to live life with arms wide open welcoming the experiences which come our way, even enjoying feeling some of the potentially less welcomed experiences such as the rain on our skin. When we adopt this approach, life is both something we have yet to write and something which will also be outside of our control. A realistic balance of us having the pen, but not knowing the weather conditions we might face. We can just write what we can, seeking illumination, but not worrying about the outcome.
Ultimately though, and the song expresses, life is not something other people can feel or do for you. We are the only ones who can make the choice to experience the excitement that comes from having a future yet unwritten.
Want to get the song on Amazon? Click here.
Please note that any purchase made using this link will earn us a small commission which helps support our work of making living life well accessible for all.
