Your definition of happiness was spot on and similar to what I would have said. The good old days were just last year...cause I certainly hope these current times aren't as good as it gets....
The Final Time I got dinner and drinks with a friend before NYC locked down. It was at a Greek restaurant in Brooklyn that we both agreed had very below-average food (sadly) but then we got some great wine at a nearby bar and ended the night on a better note. My parents called me in the middle of the hangout to remind me for the third time that week that this upcoming virus is serious and I should immediately go home. Something I rolled my naïve naïve eyes at (ha!). My friend and I hugged goodbye outside the F train subway. Both of us having no idea this would be the Final Time.
Thanks for another thought-provoking edition! I hope your break is restful and reflective :)
This week's theme reminds me a lot of the movie About Time (2013). A wonderful, albeit corny, rom-com that has a great moral: live each day as if you're living it for the second time. The main character can travel in time and often relives his days to find the beauty in the mundane. He later realizes he doesn't need the ability of time travel to do this, he can actively go through his day making an effort to find the little joys. There's a supercut scene at the end with mundane moments made more pleasurable, like grabbing a coffee at a cafe and exchanging words with the barista, instead of rushing off to the next appointment, or being on a crowded train with someone playing loud music and choosing to bob your head along with the beat instead of getting agitated.
To think this might be the Final Time for each day-to-day occurrence has the same effect and really makes you appreciate it. Just last night, as I sat on my couch alone for virtual book club, I couldn't help but think about our last in-person meeting and started to miss complaining about having to take the subway home from the cozy restaurant we used to have our meetings.
Great writing, as always! Hope you have a restful break full of life's simple pleasures. XO
Your definition of happiness was spot on and similar to what I would have said. The good old days were just last year...cause I certainly hope these current times aren't as good as it gets....
The Final Time I got dinner and drinks with a friend before NYC locked down. It was at a Greek restaurant in Brooklyn that we both agreed had very below-average food (sadly) but then we got some great wine at a nearby bar and ended the night on a better note. My parents called me in the middle of the hangout to remind me for the third time that week that this upcoming virus is serious and I should immediately go home. Something I rolled my naïve naïve eyes at (ha!). My friend and I hugged goodbye outside the F train subway. Both of us having no idea this would be the Final Time.
Thanks for another thought-provoking edition! I hope your break is restful and reflective :)
Loved this intro - so grateful you introduced us to the Final Time Meditation! Enjoy your break. <3
The intro has me in tears. Thank you for your unique perspective and refreshingly relatable complexity. Another great read!
I love you so much! This newsletter brings so much goodness and thoughtful conversation into my life. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us!
This week's theme reminds me a lot of the movie About Time (2013). A wonderful, albeit corny, rom-com that has a great moral: live each day as if you're living it for the second time. The main character can travel in time and often relives his days to find the beauty in the mundane. He later realizes he doesn't need the ability of time travel to do this, he can actively go through his day making an effort to find the little joys. There's a supercut scene at the end with mundane moments made more pleasurable, like grabbing a coffee at a cafe and exchanging words with the barista, instead of rushing off to the next appointment, or being on a crowded train with someone playing loud music and choosing to bob your head along with the beat instead of getting agitated.
To think this might be the Final Time for each day-to-day occurrence has the same effect and really makes you appreciate it. Just last night, as I sat on my couch alone for virtual book club, I couldn't help but think about our last in-person meeting and started to miss complaining about having to take the subway home from the cozy restaurant we used to have our meetings.
Great writing, as always! Hope you have a restful break full of life's simple pleasures. XO