Entering this month – brave and alive. Exhilarated, even. Not because the year’s ending, but because there’s still a chance.
Now. Not merely waiting for plot twists. Rather, instigating it.
Snaps from my nostalgic run at UPD this weekend. Still in awe.
(c) Artherese, 2024
I opened a random page at a book from the office shelves, and it led me to this comforting note.
More than a reminder, this will serve as my anchor in these times when I’m mostly not sure. Also a prayer. A spark of hope that this comes true and it will indeed get better. Or at least, clearer.
(c) Artherese, 2024
I start my morning with a snooze button. Or rather, being kind to oneself through 5 more minutes. It’s okay. As Billy Joel frames it in Vienna.
Then I dive into learnings and insights. I tend to forget but at least make an effort to relearn and rediscover as I go. Maybe that’s what life is – a process of remembering and replaying, and ultimately – trying. To be better, to be kind, to be human.
Then I got transported – through words, music, meetings, even food. The flavors of the day captured by the ticking of the clock, anxieties and maybes, and mostly showing up. It matters.
And yes, at times there’s a tendency to wonder what I’m actually here for. But though I don’t know the answer still today I seed hope at my doorstep, reframe perspectives, and realize though at times I feel lost, not all is.
(c) Artherese, 2024
Despite the uncertainties lurking or even the overwhelm peeking, we can reclaim our power, rewrite our day. How so?
Through embracing that being lost is okay. So might as well have a little fun in the detours.
Also through acknowledging that the present isn’t here to stay. Hence a reminder to try make the most of our time left. Today. And each day, each moment thereafter.
(c) Artherese, 2024
Met a seemingly irritable angry elderly woman today at a cafe. I was quick to judge. But we got into a conversation and she’s generous with her wisdom and even mall navigational tips. My budding spite transformed to awe.
I also got a haircut. And to my surprise my stylist went beyond the small talk and we discoursed around books & politics. Justice, even. I not only gained a shorter lighter hair but an even better perspective. That haircut’s ultimately worth.
The people we meet usually have a few tricks up their sleeves. Then we’re caught off guard in a good way. What a delight. What a world.
(c) Artherese, 2024
The highfalutin always gets me nauseous. The indictments and reconnaissance. Even highfalutin itself.
But just maybe – we all walk and wander around, not having a clue. And still try to adopt the same walk and talk. Until we convince ourselves it all makes sense. Does it?
Or maybe it’s a defense mechanism. Using deep words to conceal. Or perhaps – pretending just for the thrill. This one’s acceptable.
But in truth? Simple is more credible. More powerful too.
(c) Artherese, 2024
Today – this question was raised: What makes one complete? It’s not the labels nor chasing clouts. Even clouds. It’s not being go-getters in the expense of burning out. Pursuing a never-ending checklist, you ran and ran, until you’re out. Of breath. Of touch.
But hey, it’s okay not to be complete. And to cease chasing it. Because not being so simply means having some space to breathe. Only when the cup is close to empty can you see what’s in the deep end. Nothing to sip. Yet, ready to leap.
(c) Artherese, 2024
Artherese 