I go through this struggle as well. In the beginning of our nomadic life, I wanted to report about every day, every new and exciting revelation. But as time wore on, I started to lose interest. It was as if I was simply writing about my everyday life, which to others was still exciting, but to me became mundane. I still go in and out of inspiration but try not to put too much pressure on myself and write what interests me. I've been very unmotivated as of late, since we are back in Canada for a bit, but still trying to keep people updated. It's a constant struggle.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It is a struggle indeed to find that balance between keeping people updated and reporting from some interior motivation.
You two are indeed living the legen-(wait for it)-dary days!
For a while, I had a love-hate relationship with social media--I didn’t want to feel too attached or present on it, especially since I had to use it so much for work. It’s wonderful to feel connected with the community, but sometimes it feels like we’re playing a game where the rules can change anytime, and we’re just trying to keep up. I’m more relaxed about it now, not too attached, but I’ve come to learn that at the end of the day, what we’re all looking for is true connection. Sincerity.
And congrats on the book deal, Claire--that’s wonderful, woohoo! By the way, I just downloaded Gift from the Sea on my Kindle and looked up Anne Morrow Lindbergh via the link you shared. Such an interesting detail: she was the wife of Charles Lindbergh, who many people say inspired the name of my all-time favorite dance--the Lindy Hop. Long story short, after Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic, the phrase “Lindy Hops the Atlantic” was used in headlines, and some believe that’s how the dance got its name. The truth is still debated, but that’s how I first recognized his name! Anyway, I'm gonna read the book this weekend while sipping my matcha. Thanks for the recommendation, and I’m already looking forward to your next legendary write in Peru. I know it's gonna be true and authentic. Like always.
I agree with you, Châu, that we are on social media for connections. And that's why it feels so wrong to me to write a story that's not from the heart. If I cannot be authentic in my writing, there's really no point.
And how interesting about the Lindbergh connection: I had no idea either.
It gives me pleasure to think of you sipping your matcha on your side of the world. I still have a bit left from Japan and will make a matcha for myself tomorrow, thinking of you.
Ah, the eternal struggle to quiet the mind, to be present, to live in the peace and beauty that surrounds us. Flamingos - a surprise when you least expect it. Thank you.
It’s been ages and ages since I’ve seen anyone mention Gift From the Sea, a gorgeous book! I love how your essay turned out - all natural and unresearched. It’s beautiful and feels written straight from the heart. You’re fortunate to have seen those flamingos and I’m envious - in a good way. Bravo!
Ah. I feel this struggle. How many weeks have I struggled with the same exact thoughts. "This is beautiful" is not a story. But manufacturing a story artificially is disingenuous. My husband encourages me to just pull a story out of the past, but I want something fresh each week--a new observation that leads to a new thought, preferably something profound. Blah. Sometimes it's enough to just walk the sandbar and swim back and call it adventure and beauty and declare your gratitude. That's the truth. Thank you for sharing the island with us. I am intrigued. 💜
Thank you, Sherry. Yes, manufacturing a story feels disingenuous as you see. Then again: stories also happen on paper. I am confident we always have something to say when we sit down and write.
I go through this struggle as well. In the beginning of our nomadic life, I wanted to report about every day, every new and exciting revelation. But as time wore on, I started to lose interest. It was as if I was simply writing about my everyday life, which to others was still exciting, but to me became mundane. I still go in and out of inspiration but try not to put too much pressure on myself and write what interests me. I've been very unmotivated as of late, since we are back in Canada for a bit, but still trying to keep people updated. It's a constant struggle.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. It is a struggle indeed to find that balance between keeping people updated and reporting from some interior motivation.
You two are indeed living the legen-(wait for it)-dary days!
For a while, I had a love-hate relationship with social media--I didn’t want to feel too attached or present on it, especially since I had to use it so much for work. It’s wonderful to feel connected with the community, but sometimes it feels like we’re playing a game where the rules can change anytime, and we’re just trying to keep up. I’m more relaxed about it now, not too attached, but I’ve come to learn that at the end of the day, what we’re all looking for is true connection. Sincerity.
And congrats on the book deal, Claire--that’s wonderful, woohoo! By the way, I just downloaded Gift from the Sea on my Kindle and looked up Anne Morrow Lindbergh via the link you shared. Such an interesting detail: she was the wife of Charles Lindbergh, who many people say inspired the name of my all-time favorite dance--the Lindy Hop. Long story short, after Lindbergh’s historic flight across the Atlantic, the phrase “Lindy Hops the Atlantic” was used in headlines, and some believe that’s how the dance got its name. The truth is still debated, but that’s how I first recognized his name! Anyway, I'm gonna read the book this weekend while sipping my matcha. Thanks for the recommendation, and I’m already looking forward to your next legendary write in Peru. I know it's gonna be true and authentic. Like always.
I agree with you, Châu, that we are on social media for connections. And that's why it feels so wrong to me to write a story that's not from the heart. If I cannot be authentic in my writing, there's really no point.
And how interesting about the Lindbergh connection: I had no idea either.
It gives me pleasure to think of you sipping your matcha on your side of the world. I still have a bit left from Japan and will make a matcha for myself tomorrow, thinking of you.
Ah, the eternal struggle to quiet the mind, to be present, to live in the peace and beauty that surrounds us. Flamingos - a surprise when you least expect it. Thank you.
Thank you, Bob.
Lovely write up!
Thank you, Michael!
It’s been ages and ages since I’ve seen anyone mention Gift From the Sea, a gorgeous book! I love how your essay turned out - all natural and unresearched. It’s beautiful and feels written straight from the heart. You’re fortunate to have seen those flamingos and I’m envious - in a good way. Bravo!
Thank you, Charlotte! I read Gift from the Sea only recently and wondered where it has been all my life and how no one had ever recommended it to me.
Mexico looks beautiful. I am visualising those flamingos, like a dream, and that's because of the quality of your writing ✍
Thank you, Lucy!
Ah. I feel this struggle. How many weeks have I struggled with the same exact thoughts. "This is beautiful" is not a story. But manufacturing a story artificially is disingenuous. My husband encourages me to just pull a story out of the past, but I want something fresh each week--a new observation that leads to a new thought, preferably something profound. Blah. Sometimes it's enough to just walk the sandbar and swim back and call it adventure and beauty and declare your gratitude. That's the truth. Thank you for sharing the island with us. I am intrigued. 💜
Thank you, Sherry. Yes, manufacturing a story feels disingenuous as you see. Then again: stories also happen on paper. I am confident we always have something to say when we sit down and write.