This reminded me of the film “About Time,” whose ultimate message is so similar to what you’ve articulated so beautifully here—that, though there are many things outside of our control, there is always an element of choice in how we approach our days and moments.
I often struggle with the "What's your perfect day?" question because it feels so far out of reach, but I'm trying to encourage myself to let my mind wander and take my daydreams "seriously," even if they feel unrealistic in the moment.
I have felt this shift in the direction of my ambition take place over the last couple of years. It’s still ongoing, but the “small” and “ordinary” things keep proving to be the most real and true things for me too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this idea!
I used to struggle with the term gratitude. I could only see it the way others had used it and it didn’t feel personal to me. In reality, I think I pushed away a thankfulness for every day because a) it requires being intentional and present (which can be surprisingly hard to do) and b) part of me felt if I was too happy about how great today could be, it might be taken away from me tomorrow.
But now I see it as the only way to live a truly full life. I rather feel fulfilled, successful, content in today, everyday than ever reach any of my big “snapshot” milestones. PS happy bday
Ooo I've had similar reservations about gratefulness and still turning it over as it why — thanks for this lovely note and interesting food for thought! And birthday wishes ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I loved Perfect Days, my favourite film of the year so far! It’s so true what you say, though we all need a reminder sometimes. It is so easy to overlook the quiet, but those things can bring the most fulfillment. I like the idea of consciously bringing in the things from our ideal day into our lives now - that’s one to think about for sure!
This reminded me of the film “About Time,” whose ultimate message is so similar to what you’ve articulated so beautifully here—that, though there are many things outside of our control, there is always an element of choice in how we approach our days and moments.
Such a lovely observation from that film, thanks for sharing Sarah ❤️
I often struggle with the "What's your perfect day?" question because it feels so far out of reach, but I'm trying to encourage myself to let my mind wander and take my daydreams "seriously," even if they feel unrealistic in the moment.
I love a some perfect day daydreaming — and then zooming in on small, achievable things to take seriously ❤️
beiatifullllyyyy written!
hahaha beautifully**
Love this little thread — especially because the typo was beautiful in its own right! ❤️
So comforting
I wrote a poem about this I would like to share, with your kind permission; It’s entitled, “We decided not to.”
WE DECIDED NOT TO.
Opting to walk instead of drive,
To sleep in instead of hustle,
To make art, love and space instead of rushing to join the revolution,
We noticed we were becoming lighter,
More able to fly.
At some point it became as clear as grief.
In our noble efforts to make change, we forgot to eat breakfast.
While filling our cars with fossil fuels and hard-earned cash,
Our bikes collected dust.
Patiently, they waited for us.
Desperately wanting to ride again,
Merely for the joy of riding.
As well-intending influencers
Spent all morning editing content,
We miraculously decided to do nothing.
As time slipped away,
Along with opportunities,
We slowly sipped tea
Watching clouds turn into Dakinis.
The former POTUS was brought before town hall.
We didn’t pay attention.
A grand party took place across town.
We didn’t go.
Instead, this time we inhaled the deep spring air,
Lilacs ushering us into another, more subtle way of thinking.
The stars set in again to a conversation that began long ago.
How afraid we once were
Of Catastrophe.
How seduced by our traumas
And the need to produce.
“The world has ended many times before.
It surely will end again.”
Said the little morning Sun.
“These times are urgent,
Slow down.”
I look at my little universe.
No car in the driveway,
No money in my bank account,
40 years old and still no solid career…
My wife and daughter are still asleep,
We missed another appointment.
They are Peaceful.
I am happy.
Wild asparagus and morels offer themselves to us generously.
Wild mustards, dandelions and bathua are everywhere.
Surprisingly,
The world has not ended.
We are free.
https://gregorypettys.substack.com/
"We are free" — thank you for generously sharing Gregory ❤️
I have felt this shift in the direction of my ambition take place over the last couple of years. It’s still ongoing, but the “small” and “ordinary” things keep proving to be the most real and true things for me too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this idea!
Small and ordinary, real and true — thank you for your words! ❤️
Love this. Having recently lost my mother, I am reminded that it is in our control how our everyday interactions pan out.
Sending kindness and condolences to you Linh — what a beautiful reflection amidst loss❤️
One of your best pieces. Thank you!
❤️
❤️❤️❤️
I used to struggle with the term gratitude. I could only see it the way others had used it and it didn’t feel personal to me. In reality, I think I pushed away a thankfulness for every day because a) it requires being intentional and present (which can be surprisingly hard to do) and b) part of me felt if I was too happy about how great today could be, it might be taken away from me tomorrow.
But now I see it as the only way to live a truly full life. I rather feel fulfilled, successful, content in today, everyday than ever reach any of my big “snapshot” milestones. PS happy bday
Ooo I've had similar reservations about gratefulness and still turning it over as it why — thanks for this lovely note and interesting food for thought! And birthday wishes ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
The final scene! So gorgeous.
Soooo gorgeous! The expression, the emotion ❤️
10/10. I feel like I've managed to live days like this almost all of 2024, and I feel possibly the best I've ever felt. 💚
What a feat! ❤️
yes yes yes! I actually recently wrote a post about a perfect day I had and it truly was the simplest of days that made me so content <3 https://creatingspirals.substack.com/p/a-perfect-day-post-27
Delicious!
Happy birthday 🎈🥰🌞❤️
Thank you Emma! ❤️
I loved Perfect Days, my favourite film of the year so far! It’s so true what you say, though we all need a reminder sometimes. It is so easy to overlook the quiet, but those things can bring the most fulfillment. I like the idea of consciously bringing in the things from our ideal day into our lives now - that’s one to think about for sure!
Ditto on fave! ❤️