A few months ago, like everyone else, I had aspirations to be Barbie for Halloween - or Taylor Swift, which is pretty much the same thing. Same energy. But I didn’t get it together. I rarely do. If I do dress up, I resort back to being Wednesday Addams because I have a dress in my closet that is part of my actual wardrobe and perfect for the part.
I’m all about her energy too (clearly). What can I say? My closet speaks for itself.
When I saw the Barbie Movie this summer, I’d never felt more seen as a woman walking through this world. I think it should be required watching for everyone. So if you haven’t seen it, go watch it.
One of the most relatable scenes for me was Barbie’s existential crisis in the middle of her dream house disco party (which will be the theme of my 30th birthday bash this spring if I get it together - existential crisis included). Everyone is dancing, laughing, smiling, and having fun before everything comes to a screeching halt when Barbie asks,
“Do you guys ever think about dying?”
More often than not, I unapologetically feel like Barbie in the middle of the dance floor when I’m behind my keyboard writing my field notes - asking that question in a million different ways.
Like I did this week.
I’ve always been keenly aware that our time here is finite. I’ve always been paying attention.
And yes, it leads to some pretty spectacular existential crises - just like Barbie’s in the middle of the dance floor. But, tears aside, it also leads to me picking up a new hobby, biking and hiking miles in the mountains, jumping into alpine lakes (and kissing on their docks), running miles on the road, and experiencing live music.
And,
it makes me a hugger, makes me prioritize my people and my pup, and lights my way home.
Keeps me focused on what matters; on what. is. important.
If you’re here and you’re reading this, there’s almost a 100% chance you’re paying attention too. So, I want to know:
I have found that if you truly want to understand another person, perspective, or culture, the best way to learn is by diving headfirst into it. I frequently find myself doing exactly that in fairly unsavory situations with the simple goal of gaining perspective. I once worked for 4 months on a cattle farm in the absolute middle of nowhere in Australia simply because I had a long conversation with an Irish guy who told me how intense it was, and I wished so badly that I could truly understand their perspective. In the name of paying attention, I throw myself into perspective-altering affairs, regardless of comfort.
Adam (Dugie 😊), this is a story I want to hear! I couldn't agree with you more. There's not a better way to understand another person, perspective, or culture than jumping two feet in. What a way to pay attention. How beautiful. Thank you for being here 🙏🏻
Current project in the name of paying attention - a digital detox. Zero social media. All optional apps deleted off of my phone. Very strict and limited email time that can only be accessed on my desktop. It's been incredibly eye-opening to see where my attention has and hasn't been.. on unexpectedly deep levels.
This. This. This. There are so many things in this world tugging and pulling at our attention right in the palm of our hands. No wonder we're overwhelmed. And look at all we're missing right in front of us. You've inspired me to do a digital detox myself. Thank you for being here and joining me in this space my friend ♥️ I so enjoy and value your perspective.
When I hug, I hug hard. Wanting to pay attention also probably is the reason I don’t feel terrible when I want to cancel plans. You can’t help if something comes up that you need to pay attention to.
Good lord I love your hugs. You do hug hard and that is one of my favorite things about you ♥️ And I've never thought about that, but canceling plans - especially plans that pull you away from what's important, is essential to paying attention. Our time is finite. We get to choose how we spend it. There are times where we have to show up and obligation is the only option, but it is so important to be selective when it's not. For those non-obligatory things, I always ask myself, "Is it a 'hell yes'?" if not, it's a straight NO. Easier said than done, but hey, A for effort, right? Love you xx
I have found that if you truly want to understand another person, perspective, or culture, the best way to learn is by diving headfirst into it. I frequently find myself doing exactly that in fairly unsavory situations with the simple goal of gaining perspective. I once worked for 4 months on a cattle farm in the absolute middle of nowhere in Australia simply because I had a long conversation with an Irish guy who told me how intense it was, and I wished so badly that I could truly understand their perspective. In the name of paying attention, I throw myself into perspective-altering affairs, regardless of comfort.
Adam (Dugie 😊), this is a story I want to hear! I couldn't agree with you more. There's not a better way to understand another person, perspective, or culture than jumping two feet in. What a way to pay attention. How beautiful. Thank you for being here 🙏🏻
Current project in the name of paying attention - a digital detox. Zero social media. All optional apps deleted off of my phone. Very strict and limited email time that can only be accessed on my desktop. It's been incredibly eye-opening to see where my attention has and hasn't been.. on unexpectedly deep levels.
This. This. This. There are so many things in this world tugging and pulling at our attention right in the palm of our hands. No wonder we're overwhelmed. And look at all we're missing right in front of us. You've inspired me to do a digital detox myself. Thank you for being here and joining me in this space my friend ♥️ I so enjoy and value your perspective.
When I hug, I hug hard. Wanting to pay attention also probably is the reason I don’t feel terrible when I want to cancel plans. You can’t help if something comes up that you need to pay attention to.
Good lord I love your hugs. You do hug hard and that is one of my favorite things about you ♥️ And I've never thought about that, but canceling plans - especially plans that pull you away from what's important, is essential to paying attention. Our time is finite. We get to choose how we spend it. There are times where we have to show up and obligation is the only option, but it is so important to be selective when it's not. For those non-obligatory things, I always ask myself, "Is it a 'hell yes'?" if not, it's a straight NO. Easier said than done, but hey, A for effort, right? Love you xx