I'm so glad you decided to share this, Cathy. This moment seems the perfect time to talk about the idea of belonging. It's something we all crave, and yet it is often so elusive. I loved hearing how you've found your place of belonging in the big city, and I can so relate to being an outlier ... not exactly a hermit, but also not fully at home. And I SO agree about the value of connecting with "strangers" - even if it's only intermittently or through small exchanges. After all, once you've made the connection, you're no longer strangers. When I'm on my daily rounds walking dogs, it cheers me immensely to run into familiar faces (both human and canine) and have brief, impromptu chats about nothing and everything. It makes the whole world feel friendlier.
Oh my, we are kindred spirits, Jamie! I had the best conversation this afternoon with a stranger in my cheese shop. She grew up in China and cheese was not part of her diet - now she's on a quest to learn. We laughed and shared tastes together - it was a total joy! And don't get me started on dogs. I cannot resist. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
This is such a refreshing piece to read Cathy—this week especially. I think of growing into a place as putting down roots. You sound to have a good network.
I'm so happy to know you enjoyed it, Michela! I love that you, with your exploration of the beautiful plant life around you, offered the perfect metaphor. I hadn't thought about it, but yes, I have definitely extended my roots here. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Beautifully shared, Cathy. Love how you've developed the since of belonging near where you live and resonating more with the people there. Many of us have created non-traditional holiday activities, so in that, you are not alone either. Yes, substack is a wonderful community for me too!
Thank you for your kind comment. I love that you also have a tradition of non-traditional celebrations. May they continue to be exactly what you want them to be!
Reading this was like taking a walk with you in NYC as I felt that sense of belonging you described. Being seen is such a big part of our human experience and when we have it, the connection is strong and safe. Beautiful writing. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Joyce! I am so happy to know you felt a sense of belonging reading my post. I fully agree with you about being seen. It is so important!
I'm so glad you decided to share this, Cathy. This moment seems the perfect time to talk about the idea of belonging. It's something we all crave, and yet it is often so elusive. I loved hearing how you've found your place of belonging in the big city, and I can so relate to being an outlier ... not exactly a hermit, but also not fully at home. And I SO agree about the value of connecting with "strangers" - even if it's only intermittently or through small exchanges. After all, once you've made the connection, you're no longer strangers. When I'm on my daily rounds walking dogs, it cheers me immensely to run into familiar faces (both human and canine) and have brief, impromptu chats about nothing and everything. It makes the whole world feel friendlier.
Oh my, we are kindred spirits, Jamie! I had the best conversation this afternoon with a stranger in my cheese shop. She grew up in China and cheese was not part of her diet - now she's on a quest to learn. We laughed and shared tastes together - it was a total joy! And don't get me started on dogs. I cannot resist. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
Dogs! 🐕 Best part of my day.
Absolutely!!
This is such a refreshing piece to read Cathy—this week especially. I think of growing into a place as putting down roots. You sound to have a good network.
I'm so happy to know you enjoyed it, Michela! I love that you, with your exploration of the beautiful plant life around you, offered the perfect metaphor. I hadn't thought about it, but yes, I have definitely extended my roots here. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Beautifully shared, Cathy. Love how you've developed the since of belonging near where you live and resonating more with the people there. Many of us have created non-traditional holiday activities, so in that, you are not alone either. Yes, substack is a wonderful community for me too!
Thank you for your kind comment. I love that you also have a tradition of non-traditional celebrations. May they continue to be exactly what you want them to be!
Reading this was like taking a walk with you in NYC as I felt that sense of belonging you described. Being seen is such a big part of our human experience and when we have it, the connection is strong and safe. Beautiful writing. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Joyce! I am so happy to know you felt a sense of belonging reading my post. I fully agree with you about being seen. It is so important!