In a time when our attention is regularly and intentionally fractured and preyed upon, reclaiming our time and the ability to direct and focus our attention according to our own needs and preferences, is revolutionary. As is seeking out and building moments of connection when our social fabric is so terribly threadbare. Doing simple, normal things with real people in pursuit of enjoyment and community is absolutely an act of resistance and reclamation, as is writing about it to remind others that they, too, can do (and enjoy) the same. You're providing a space for people to connect, commiserate, and recharge, which is so helpful!
All of which to say, I loved this post and I think it's very valuable :)!
The end note is as important as the essay. The ability to enjoy amidst violence in Minneapolis is exactly the challenge we all have. Not enjoying the great part of life feels like a failure and an indulgence. Unreconciled.
Ordinary day happiness is needed as much as anything else, but I feel you. I haven’t published many pieces lately because: who cares. So, thanks for the reminder :)
This speaks to my heart! The duality of life is so strong right now. As someone deeply in grief for my soul dog and Mom, and living with all of you in a world in flames, I'm also falling deeper in love with a South Korean rescue dog named Dexter and the person who came with him. It's hard (esp for one-time Catholics like me) to not serve joy with a side of guilt, but the truth is that joy is a gift, and so is today, and this moment is the only moment that matters. As my sister told me on the phone yesterday, she loves a song that has the lyric, "It's the love that we have for ourselves that we share." So here's to more days of unexpected love and joy we encounter behind a slushy Walmart parking lot. These days, wherever you find it, take it, kids.
You had me at errands and dogs. Beautiful.
Thank you!
Love this piece, Sara, and nice to hear your personal essay voice! :)
Thank you!!
In a time when our attention is regularly and intentionally fractured and preyed upon, reclaiming our time and the ability to direct and focus our attention according to our own needs and preferences, is revolutionary. As is seeking out and building moments of connection when our social fabric is so terribly threadbare. Doing simple, normal things with real people in pursuit of enjoyment and community is absolutely an act of resistance and reclamation, as is writing about it to remind others that they, too, can do (and enjoy) the same. You're providing a space for people to connect, commiserate, and recharge, which is so helpful!
All of which to say, I loved this post and I think it's very valuable :)!
Thank you so much! And well said!
The end note is as important as the essay. The ability to enjoy amidst violence in Minneapolis is exactly the challenge we all have. Not enjoying the great part of life feels like a failure and an indulgence. Unreconciled.
Thank you, agree. I tell myself that taking time to enjoy life will fuel me for the fight, so long as I actually do the fighting part.
Ordinary day happiness is needed as much as anything else, but I feel you. I haven’t published many pieces lately because: who cares. So, thanks for the reminder :)
Glad to hear that helped. Yes, keep please keep publishing!
Beautiful piece.
Thank you!
i love it!
Thank you!!!
I thought this was about a depressing day until the end, and it was startling to realize it was just my mood coloring the piece.
Well, I meant for it to be a twist!
This speaks to my heart! The duality of life is so strong right now. As someone deeply in grief for my soul dog and Mom, and living with all of you in a world in flames, I'm also falling deeper in love with a South Korean rescue dog named Dexter and the person who came with him. It's hard (esp for one-time Catholics like me) to not serve joy with a side of guilt, but the truth is that joy is a gift, and so is today, and this moment is the only moment that matters. As my sister told me on the phone yesterday, she loves a song that has the lyric, "It's the love that we have for ourselves that we share." So here's to more days of unexpected love and joy we encounter behind a slushy Walmart parking lot. These days, wherever you find it, take it, kids.
Thank you, friend!
Thank you! I’m so glad to know it resonated!