I have taught myself the patience for slow, solo projects which involve gradual improvement to something. It's the 'Perpetual Upgrade' aspect of #Discardia.
The one on my mind this morning is playlist / #music collection building. For years I've been using "radio" features in streaming services to find songs I love and which don't lead my mood down paths that detract from the life I want to live. Then I get that music into my own music library where I can keep it as long as I want.
For decades I've been rating individual songs in my own music library and rating them down when they rub me the wrong way. In general, the third strike is out and I delete the track. My shuffle rarely serves me a dud now. (Yes, I'm a "listen to songs on shuffle" not "listen to albums" person.)
With this approach I have an amazing supportive music library. But I take it further by crafting playlists (fodder for contextual shuffles).
The one I've been working on most lately is for background music when hanging out with friends and playing boardgames which don't call out for a specific soundtrack of their own.
This playlist is supportive background music, not calling attention to itself, but not bland. It's a delicious challenge to find the right songs because I want lots of songs with lyrics but I don't want lyrics that are likely to trigger intense feelings.
Most songs about addiction and fighting don't fit. But though lots of death songs don't work, there are some perfect fits like 'Happy Phantom'.
No breakup songs either, and good grief there are too many breakup songs. There are too many 'I'm incredibly sad without you' songs about people questing for a sense of OKness through finding "the one". There are too many 'I'm incomplete without that one other person' songs.
We need more songs about being your best self and doing stuff you enjoy.
Dinah 🕊🇺🇦
Kevin Lawver