Edition #25: Happy Anniversary, Dearest
Plus, an exercise on getting to know yourself, historical figures re-imagined, and other favorites from the first 25 editions
A note from the editor
Today marks the 25th edition of that's so interesting. When I started this newsletter in November of last year, I told myself I'd keep it going for at least six months-- and seven months in, I can happily say that I haven't lost my appetite for keeping it up. I wasn't sure what would come of this newsletter at the start, but I knew I liked sharing my writing, my thoughts, and other pieces of thought-provoking writing with you all, and I want to say thank you for coming along for the ride.
There have been weeks when my open rate was so low I questioned whether it was worth it to continue, and other weeks where I hated everything I wrote, but had more opens/clicks than ever before. The biggest hurdle has been gaining new subscribers, and in a world where we get content shoved down our throats 24/7 I understand the tendency to be very careful about signing up for *another* email. I sincerely hope that you've found a pocket of enjoyment/relief/entertainment in these emails-- and if you have, I humbly ask that you forward this note to a friend.
This week, and every 25th edition, I'm going to do things a little differently. Instead of sharing new stories, I'm going to re-circulate the most popular ones from the past 25 editions. Whether you've read these already or not, each piece is worth a visit-- especially because they are mostly from another, non-quarantine time, a world of which I cannot clearly remember anymore.
It is in that frame of mind that I've started a list at the back of my journal, called "Things I've Done in Quarantine 2020." I imagine history looking back on this time, fascinated with us, wondering how we handled the newness and how we passed the time. I try to make it a running list, adding to it as I experience something new during isolation. Even if the activity is silly it makes life feel more meaningful like I'm contributing some fleck of what will be useful cumulative information for those of the future. Here are a few sharing-appropriate items on my list:
Watched all three Lord of the Rings (was forced)
Roasted a chicken
Took up running, ran a 10k and the Williamsburg Bridge
Grew thick, crusty blisters on the balls of my feet (see above)
Finished four bottles of wine in a week
Became more aware of my apartment's ghost, Kevin
Edited my first short story
Dreamt my teeth were falling out, hanging by a thread in my mouth
Began spending time on my fire escape, reading and writing
Start your own list, keep it somewhere safe, and consider how strangely lucky we were to be alive during a time where the entire world turned sideways.
Cheers my dears, and this week more than ever, I'd love to hear your feedback about that's so interesting, what you have/haven't liked, and what you want to see more of, I may begin experimenting with some changes in the coming weeks, including an earlier deployment time and a more user-friendly email platform.
Until then, thank you, thank you, thank you for reading.
Three Pieces of Content Worth Consuming
What's the Real Relationship Killer? I'm happy to re-circulate this one, one of my most clinked links of all time. Ask the question "what makes a good partner?" and your respondent will likely list a handful of positive traits; kind, passionate, smart, funny. But what if it isn't the positive traits that keep you interested in your partner? A fascinating inspection of how we respond to negativity in relationships and what our reaction to our partners' flaws says about the potential longevity of a love affair.
The Korean Secret to Happiness: Be Psychic. A feel-good favorite, to which several readers replied, "I HAVE NUNCHI!" I'm a big fan of simple, seemingly obvious solutions to life's more complex problems. I also happen to be a big fan of all things stemming from Asian culture, so when I read about the Korean secret to happiness and success, I felt seen. Koreans call it nunchi, Americans call is being physic, but perhaps we could also call it-- wait for it-- simply paying attention.
Imagine All Your Money Disappearing. This popular article doubles as my personal nightmare. Enjoy! Last New Years Eve, I met a fellow American traveler in Berlin and we became fast friends. One night, she told me that she doesn't keep any of her savings in a bank-- instead, it's buried in the nondescript backwoods of rural Georgia. "How endearingly quirky," I thought, but after reading this article I'm starting to see her point. A tale to make you reconsider your financial security; a couple of retirees who did everything right, but ended up living out of a van, eating canned beans and working at an Amazon warehouse.
Perhaps You Should...
Get to Know You, Baby
This is where I normally give you a suggestion on something to do/watch/try/eat, etc. I wasn't all that surprised to discover one of your favorite links from this section was this not so obvious personality quiz.
I'm also going to use this as editors choice today, so here are two stories that may not have gotten the most clicks, but that stuck with me: what happens when men have no friends and the New York you once knew is gone.
(Strangely Addicting) Bonus Content
Hot Abe makes the cut for best unimportant-but-fun-content. If you know me you know I've always had a soft spot for Abe Lincoln-- not only for all the positive changes he made to America but also because he's the most handsome former president (sorry, JFK). This 29-year-old artist uses Photoshop to show what historical figures might look like in modern-day times, from Hot Abe to millennial Marie Antoinette.
A Quote From a Book You Should Read
"Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own."
-The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This newsletter is best served with a side of conversation, so drop your opinions, reflections, and thoughts in the comments below and let’s get to talking.
Or, share the most thought-provoking piece from today’s edition with someone you love, then call them up to discuss, debate, and percolate. As a wise woman once said, “Great minds discuss ideas.”