"It’s about raising consciousness through writing and coaching and spiritual teachings, but it’s also about organizing in ways that are less hierarchical and more collaborative." This sounds like an incredible line of work. Foster sounds incredible too!
"I’m seeing this old place with fresh eyes — no longer as the place I had to escape so I could become the person I wanted to be, but as one of the places that made me into who I am. I never felt like I fit in here and I still don’t."
I feel this deeply having returned to my hometown of Steelton PA after I left my last major partner. Not my favorite band or song by a longshot but I've been telling people my relationship with this town is like Bon Jovi "Who says you can't go home. " I don't fit in here but that's been a universal for me wherever, with whomever. Be water.
Sara, thank you for sharing this vulnerable post. In a way I am on the same journey, which is funny to say given I have lived in the same town, had the same career, and the same business-life partner for thirty years! There is a thirst for more and the nudge is to go inward, so I resonated deeply when you talked about what your writing, and the community surrounding it, has offered to your growth journey. I look forward to reading about your Zen journey in Japan.
Your experience with Atlanta resonates so much with me. When I left Louisville in 1994, I never believed I'd return. After moving back in 2012, it has become my home, again. Wonderful essay, as always, Sara. Thank you.
I love it. I get it! I am not ruling out Atlanta, not just yet. But there seems to be some exploring yet to do. Thanks for being a kindred spirt, Russell.
Come to Oregon before our 2-month summer ends! Remember Seneca's words, "to be everywhere is to be nowhere." Well, who needs to be anywhere in 2024? Great column. I experienced a lot of similar feelings in Atlanta in 2014. Never felt quite right, despite some familiar/comfortable trappings. Sometimes I think we should just establish a western multigenerational homestead with 10 separate lodgings. Each lodging is the responsibility of a family and a forever refuge. Whether it falls into ignominy or thrives is up to us.
Sounds like a challenge! I do hope to make it to Portland before summer ends. And I agree about the compound. Just gotta pick somewhere we’re relatively safe from the water wars.
Happy to read this update! My favorite line was “I’ve grown eccentric and slightly feral”—so good! Also amazing you’re visiting Japan this week! Can’t wait to read about the visit! Have fun!
I love this part 'It also feels more and more like a stop along the way. To where? I don’t yet know!' I loved that I read it in your voice with the freedom and uncertainty but deep acceptance I know you meant it in! Deep admiration for your ability to say 'To Where? I don't yet know' and be ok with it!
"Maybe it was just always supposed to be like this so I could sit here and write this letter to you."
As someone who loved reading the letter and needed to know I wasn't alone in feeling and thinking some of these same things, I can attest that it was.
❤️🙏🏼
"It’s about raising consciousness through writing and coaching and spiritual teachings, but it’s also about organizing in ways that are less hierarchical and more collaborative." This sounds like an incredible line of work. Foster sounds incredible too!
Thanks, Ryan! It's a great territory to explore, for sure.
"I’m seeing this old place with fresh eyes — no longer as the place I had to escape so I could become the person I wanted to be, but as one of the places that made me into who I am. I never felt like I fit in here and I still don’t."
I feel this deeply having returned to my hometown of Steelton PA after I left my last major partner. Not my favorite band or song by a longshot but I've been telling people my relationship with this town is like Bon Jovi "Who says you can't go home. " I don't fit in here but that's been a universal for me wherever, with whomever. Be water.
Love it. And yeah, there’s a certain freedom to just being like, the town doesn’t define me but I am of it. So they can take me as I am or not.
Sara, thank you for sharing this vulnerable post. In a way I am on the same journey, which is funny to say given I have lived in the same town, had the same career, and the same business-life partner for thirty years! There is a thirst for more and the nudge is to go inward, so I resonated deeply when you talked about what your writing, and the community surrounding it, has offered to your growth journey. I look forward to reading about your Zen journey in Japan.
Thanks, Donna! May we both find some clarity in figuring out what comes next. 🙏🏼
Your experience with Atlanta resonates so much with me. When I left Louisville in 1994, I never believed I'd return. After moving back in 2012, it has become my home, again. Wonderful essay, as always, Sara. Thank you.
I love it. I get it! I am not ruling out Atlanta, not just yet. But there seems to be some exploring yet to do. Thanks for being a kindred spirt, Russell.
Come to Oregon before our 2-month summer ends! Remember Seneca's words, "to be everywhere is to be nowhere." Well, who needs to be anywhere in 2024? Great column. I experienced a lot of similar feelings in Atlanta in 2014. Never felt quite right, despite some familiar/comfortable trappings. Sometimes I think we should just establish a western multigenerational homestead with 10 separate lodgings. Each lodging is the responsibility of a family and a forever refuge. Whether it falls into ignominy or thrives is up to us.
Sounds like a challenge! I do hope to make it to Portland before summer ends. And I agree about the compound. Just gotta pick somewhere we’re relatively safe from the water wars.
Happy to read this update! My favorite line was “I’ve grown eccentric and slightly feral”—so good! Also amazing you’re visiting Japan this week! Can’t wait to read about the visit! Have fun!
Thank you, Christine! I can’t wait.
I love this part 'It also feels more and more like a stop along the way. To where? I don’t yet know!' I loved that I read it in your voice with the freedom and uncertainty but deep acceptance I know you meant it in! Deep admiration for your ability to say 'To Where? I don't yet know' and be ok with it!
Thanks, Caryn. Some days it’s a little easier than others. 🙏🏼
wow! a lot is right! so great to read this lot. how can a lot leave me wanting more?
so excited you might be near again in nyc. not sure when we’ll be back.
one nag: please register to vote in georgia where your vote is so needed!
love love to you my young young friend!
I shall! Got the registration form on my desk as we speak.