This is a treasure trove! The feelings, the films, the thoughts — I'd already saved the piece to share, and then I saw the gorgeous mention of our conversation at the bottom. What a delight it was to talk with you, and what a delight it is to be immersed in your words here ❤️
Once again, Eden, what a beautiful and raw pondering...and while some of what you describe are reflections of the very unique you that you are, much of it also mirrors the inner ponderings of many, especially when we're in (or were!) our 20s. So many thoughts, feelings, & questions stimulated by your post for perhaps a future in person conversation, but for the moment: I fall in love with virtually every cat or kitten I see and want it to be part of my life, and yet...!🤣💗 And a fabulous title!
Wow Eden- this is my favorite thing you’ve written. So wise yet relatable, and as always so well written with openness, honesty and heart. Gave me lots to think about and reflect upon. Much love to you!!
Aww Kels! Thanks for reading ❤️ I've been thinking about how what can feel so personal / specific / soul-baring often ends up being so universally human, somehow. Love you so much!
E Pluribus Unum. Out of so many experiences, one person…..or….you’re fragmented; pull yourself together, girl. I enjoy your writing. Hope you are enjoying life and the Big City.
Eden, this is maybe my favorite installment of yours so far. I love the tenderness, insight, and humor you write with. Reading your words, I thought of Andrew Garfield's recent interview on Modern Love, which I listened to just yesterday and which blew me away in a similar way to how your piece did. Garfield talks about our longing for and grieving of unlived lives and moments with such sensitivity and emotion. He talks about "cracking your heart open" to feel it all as something to lean into instead of shy away from. Doing so over and over again is how we live, and how we get closer to ourselves. And I think that's part of what you're doing here - moving people, and specifically, moving them closer to themselves. As someone who is often paralyzed by decisions and consumed by "what-ifs", his and your ponderings of these questions reminded me of how to be truly present. I can't wait to read what you write next.
Lev!!! Seeing your pop up has filled my heart with the absolute utmost joy. (I also happen to love Andrew *and* Modern Love, so huge thanks for the rec 😁)
I think that “leaning in” is such good shorthand for this stuff; I was talking to a friend recently and we were musing on how if you accidentally lean in too hard, then the worst case scenario is…you wake up one day surrounded by a vibrant community, having built a home for yourself in a place you’ve grown to love surrounded by people you love deeply?! Lol.
Incredible post! So much here to think through. I think I'm very similar in that a part of me loves to live the questions and the possibilities but that sense of endless possibility can distract us from the joy of the moment we are in. I remember for years when my kids were younger I would struggle with the question of whether it would be better to raise them out of the city, with more space, more bike-riding, more time to explore the words, or to stay where we are (smack dab in the middle of Manhattan). I would go back and forth constantly with a balance sheet in my head -looking for evidence that the city was better (kids actually spend time outside in the playgrounds where as families I know in suburbs/country say kids are rarely outside except in supervised sports). It was exhausting, and it was undermining the miraculous life as you say unfolding before me. I let the question go, and have been so much better able to enjoy life here. (And it's amazing how much of what I picture would be available "out there" is actually right here if you just pay attention.) "the warm glow of moments" - how I love that!
Oh my goodness, thank you for the kind words ❤️ it’s so true — maybe “out there” is all a bit of a hoax… I’m so glad this resonated and I hope you and your family are enjoying the glorious change of seasons in the city!
This is a treasure trove! The feelings, the films, the thoughts — I'd already saved the piece to share, and then I saw the gorgeous mention of our conversation at the bottom. What a delight it was to talk with you, and what a delight it is to be immersed in your words here ❤️
Madeleine! That means so very much coming from you ❤️ and right back at you!
Once again, Eden, what a beautiful and raw pondering...and while some of what you describe are reflections of the very unique you that you are, much of it also mirrors the inner ponderings of many, especially when we're in (or were!) our 20s. So many thoughts, feelings, & questions stimulated by your post for perhaps a future in person conversation, but for the moment: I fall in love with virtually every cat or kitten I see and want it to be part of my life, and yet...!🤣💗 And a fabulous title!
Aww Pam! Thank you as always for the kind words 🥰 sending much love to you & Jack! 😽
I think you mean Mark 🤣! And right back at ya!
<3
Wow Eden- this is my favorite thing you’ve written. So wise yet relatable, and as always so well written with openness, honesty and heart. Gave me lots to think about and reflect upon. Much love to you!!
Aww Kels! Thanks for reading ❤️ I've been thinking about how what can feel so personal / specific / soul-baring often ends up being so universally human, somehow. Love you so much!
E Pluribus Unum. Out of so many experiences, one person…..or….you’re fragmented; pull yourself together, girl. I enjoy your writing. Hope you are enjoying life and the Big City.
Tom! Thanks so much and sending much love 💛
Eden, this is maybe my favorite installment of yours so far. I love the tenderness, insight, and humor you write with. Reading your words, I thought of Andrew Garfield's recent interview on Modern Love, which I listened to just yesterday and which blew me away in a similar way to how your piece did. Garfield talks about our longing for and grieving of unlived lives and moments with such sensitivity and emotion. He talks about "cracking your heart open" to feel it all as something to lean into instead of shy away from. Doing so over and over again is how we live, and how we get closer to ourselves. And I think that's part of what you're doing here - moving people, and specifically, moving them closer to themselves. As someone who is often paralyzed by decisions and consumed by "what-ifs", his and your ponderings of these questions reminded me of how to be truly present. I can't wait to read what you write next.
Lev!!! Seeing your pop up has filled my heart with the absolute utmost joy. (I also happen to love Andrew *and* Modern Love, so huge thanks for the rec 😁)
I think that “leaning in” is such good shorthand for this stuff; I was talking to a friend recently and we were musing on how if you accidentally lean in too hard, then the worst case scenario is…you wake up one day surrounded by a vibrant community, having built a home for yourself in a place you’ve grown to love surrounded by people you love deeply?! Lol.
Anyway, thanks so much for reading 💓
Incredible post! So much here to think through. I think I'm very similar in that a part of me loves to live the questions and the possibilities but that sense of endless possibility can distract us from the joy of the moment we are in. I remember for years when my kids were younger I would struggle with the question of whether it would be better to raise them out of the city, with more space, more bike-riding, more time to explore the words, or to stay where we are (smack dab in the middle of Manhattan). I would go back and forth constantly with a balance sheet in my head -looking for evidence that the city was better (kids actually spend time outside in the playgrounds where as families I know in suburbs/country say kids are rarely outside except in supervised sports). It was exhausting, and it was undermining the miraculous life as you say unfolding before me. I let the question go, and have been so much better able to enjoy life here. (And it's amazing how much of what I picture would be available "out there" is actually right here if you just pay attention.) "the warm glow of moments" - how I love that!
Oh my goodness, thank you for the kind words ❤️ it’s so true — maybe “out there” is all a bit of a hoax… I’m so glad this resonated and I hope you and your family are enjoying the glorious change of seasons in the city!
I love this!
❤️❤️