life: examined is an invitation to get curious, a compendium of ideas, thoughts, and questions about living a creative, intentional life. Thank you for your support. Hello, friend! I'm writing to you from high above the turbulent clouds on an Alaska Airlines 737 headed for Boston Logan International airport. If you've been following along, you'll know I was in
“I'm horror-stricken as I observe the effects of divisiveness, tribalism, and late-stage capitalism on people’s lives and how it's all playing out in a Rome is falling sort of way. But that's just me—I'm funny like that.”
It’s not just you, Shanna—these were high on my list of reasons, among others, for wanting a better life in Portugal. The weight of the injustice and suffering that I came to realize I, nor my progressive friends and family had the power to change—not even with our votes—pressed upon me daily. It occurred to me that I could contribute from a distance, and maintain my sanity at the same time. My husband and I feel so fortunate to have escaped the boiling pot. Welcome home.
Yes, your writing definitely resonates with me. And yes, kindred spirits(: Hope you're settling back in at home well. Bet Milo was thrilled to see you!
As we've only been away for two months now living in France, I notice my nervous system has calmed down significantly. Currently weaning off antidepressants that helped take the anxiety edge off from dealing with the pandemic, and as you pointed out hostility and rage on the daily. I loved my little neighborhood in Portland, Oregon for the past few decades. But in the recent past even my sweet little progressive, arty neighborhood became a hot bed of constant strife within the community (and I'm not referring to the protests, which I support as a native Portlander). More often than not, when I stepped out my door I would witness pedestrians, drivers and cyclists yelling at one another about some minor mistake made by the other while moving about. The entitlement, impatience, and lack of empathy was for me unbearable to witness and deal with. I tend to be on the sensitive side, so I realize this is extreme from others perspectives. You ask what is on the list of values that inspired moves. They are all the same as yours, as well as better social systems so as not to helplessly witness people suffering and dying on the streets needlessly. So much change for the betterment of society needs to happen in the U.S. and likely will not happen in my lifetime. Thank you for openly sharing your perspective and facilitating a space to share.
Great observations about the U.S. from a 2 years away perspective. Today’s announcement of the Rittenhouse acquittal only further emphasized how this ship is sinking. I’m stuck here for 5 more years, hope it makes it that long.
Hi Shanna, Ah books! You are so lucky that you could leave some and go back for them. I had to jettison most of my library when we left Denver and I still miss a lot of my books. I sold some that were valuable to a friend in Denver so I at least know where they live!
The states, however we do not miss at all. Yes, it is horrifying what is going on there. Thank God we got out! Yup, life is certainly much better here. Welcome home!
“I'm horror-stricken as I observe the effects of divisiveness, tribalism, and late-stage capitalism on people’s lives and how it's all playing out in a Rome is falling sort of way. But that's just me—I'm funny like that.”
It’s not just you, Shanna—these were high on my list of reasons, among others, for wanting a better life in Portugal. The weight of the injustice and suffering that I came to realize I, nor my progressive friends and family had the power to change—not even with our votes—pressed upon me daily. It occurred to me that I could contribute from a distance, and maintain my sanity at the same time. My husband and I feel so fortunate to have escaped the boiling pot. Welcome home.
Yes, your writing definitely resonates with me. And yes, kindred spirits(: Hope you're settling back in at home well. Bet Milo was thrilled to see you!
You had me at Louise Erdrich.
David often uses the frog-in-slowly-boiling-water metaphor to discuss life in the US, as well. Indeed, the water is warm.
As we've only been away for two months now living in France, I notice my nervous system has calmed down significantly. Currently weaning off antidepressants that helped take the anxiety edge off from dealing with the pandemic, and as you pointed out hostility and rage on the daily. I loved my little neighborhood in Portland, Oregon for the past few decades. But in the recent past even my sweet little progressive, arty neighborhood became a hot bed of constant strife within the community (and I'm not referring to the protests, which I support as a native Portlander). More often than not, when I stepped out my door I would witness pedestrians, drivers and cyclists yelling at one another about some minor mistake made by the other while moving about. The entitlement, impatience, and lack of empathy was for me unbearable to witness and deal with. I tend to be on the sensitive side, so I realize this is extreme from others perspectives. You ask what is on the list of values that inspired moves. They are all the same as yours, as well as better social systems so as not to helplessly witness people suffering and dying on the streets needlessly. So much change for the betterment of society needs to happen in the U.S. and likely will not happen in my lifetime. Thank you for openly sharing your perspective and facilitating a space to share.
This is a beautiful posting. Welcome home!
Great observations about the U.S. from a 2 years away perspective. Today’s announcement of the Rittenhouse acquittal only further emphasized how this ship is sinking. I’m stuck here for 5 more years, hope it makes it that long.
Hi Shanna, Ah books! You are so lucky that you could leave some and go back for them. I had to jettison most of my library when we left Denver and I still miss a lot of my books. I sold some that were valuable to a friend in Denver so I at least know where they live!
The states, however we do not miss at all. Yes, it is horrifying what is going on there. Thank God we got out! Yup, life is certainly much better here. Welcome home!