I knew I had to unpack. But I didn’t know there’d be so much work to do.
I keep uncovering more. Something nicked; something worn down. Items hiding behind what was immediately visible.
I expected to be done by now. Wrapping up, at least. Putting the finishing touches on This New Era.
But I’m still at the unpacking stage. Still uncovering belongings I’d methodically wrapped and stored away. Many wrapped so carefully then, with the silent intention of maybe not needing to unwrap them now. At least not so soon; maybe not ever.
But now that I’m down here, on the floor, surrounded by a sea of the old me, I have to keep going.
For one, there’s limited room; so some things have to go. I love a purge—here’s my chance. Unwrap; remember; release; repeat.
And two, maybe the answer is in here somewhere: why I’m here; why this work; why now.
But chances are, what I’ll find is: the work is the answer. And the answer is the work.
Supplemental reading: Hi. Greetings from New York. It’s been a minute. But I’m back. Thanks for your patience.
If you’re new here, let’s get acquainted: I’m Amanda. A NYC-based freelance writer. You can read more about me in this recently published piece. I write (mostly) at the intersection of travel and data storytelling. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, traveling, cooking, or bugging someone to book a trip.
Meanwhile, this newsletter—The Bright Side—is something completely different. Here, it’s all about microstories: sips of inspiration from books I’ve read, trips I’ve taken, conversations I’ve digested.
This is my space to share them with you. And I appreciate you being here.
Love the image of this quote. “I’m down here, on the floor, surrounded by a sea of the old me.” Really enjoyed this piece!