9 Comments
User's avatar
Paolo Peralta's avatar

Inspiring ❤️

Trevy Thomas's avatar

Thanks so much, Lou. This is a great way to get to know each other and I appreciate participating.

Lou Blaser's avatar

Thank goodness Substack got us connected last year. 😊 And I look forward to getting to know you more this year, Trevy. Cheers!

Kaarin Marx Smith's avatar

Thanks, Lou. What a great way to authentically connect with other writers. I share so many of the same thoughts as Trevy -- the one about no longer finding the thrill in things that used to make me happy, but rather finding my joy in the ordinary. Also, I don't spend time with people who don't energize or inspire me.

Lou Blaser's avatar

It's funny that I'm reading your note today of all days, Kaarin. Because today, I am "forcing myself" to spend time with someone who doesn't inspire or energize me. In fact, I feel it such a heavy lift on my part. Why, oh why, am I doing this?! "Obligation", is the answer. Ugh. Thank you for this gentle reminder.

Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Trevy's realization that she wants 'less stuff, more downtime' is a profound insight in our consumer-driven culture.

It challenges the notion that happiness lies in accumulation. Instead, it suggests that true fulfillment comes from subtracting the unnecessary, creating space for stillness and presence. It's a reminder that we often find what we're truly seeking when we stop chasing after external validation and material possessions.

It makes me wonder today... what could I subtract from my own life to create more space for what truly matters?

Lou Blaser's avatar

I was initially thinking that perhaps this realization is a natural insight we gain as we get older. That it is that "wisdom" that we all eventually learn. But on second thought, I know of people (some closely) still motivated by accumulating more and more stuff. So, I guess what I'm saying here is that we are lucky, Alex, that we've learned the lesson!!! 😊

heydave56's avatar

Hey, she seems cool!