I have these ideas for something to write about, and almost can’t get here quickly enough.
“Queen” by Perfume Genius plays on a small speaker next to me. I’m on my second cup of coffee at 2:44pm, and am sitting on the balcony of my friend, Emily’s, apartment. I’m cat-sitting Baldwin, my nephew.
Okay, so I come here today because… hear me out:
You know that feeling when you’re in love? Or when it’s Christmas, or your birthday if you dig those? Or a week after seeing a really good play or concert, or your best friend of 15 years? There is a little pep in your step in each of these moods. Like there is a safety net of cozy feelings to catch you if something pokes.
I think I am trying to figure out how to allow that feeling as often as possible. Even without the circumstances.
So, those circumstances are all attached to a judgment we’ve formed. IS IT POSSIBLE to rewire our judgments to be more independent? I’m diverging…
Can we get excited about these small things, just as we do for the big ones? There are more of the small ones anyway, right?
I’m working on the confidence to share this idea. I was nominated to interview to give a TED Talk in college, and when I spoke to the board I pitched “be happy.” After they looked confused as to why I was sharing this, their response was “isn’t this a bit cliche?” I remember thinking- then why aren’t you doing it?
“Nice is different than good.” (RIP the great S. Sondheim.) If we are only doing things to present the next big thing, we waste a lot of time actually enjoying the richness of what is already around us. It takes dexterity and agility and an exhausting presence, but… it’s helped me slow down a bit. Which ultimately, feels like a good thing.
Now, don’t take my advice and ideas too harshly. Just try it if you think about it. I’m still figuring out a lot for my own. Like a plane spooked to land, to put it dramatically.
Good luck.