I think you and I might have the same native language. Also, how dare you write such beauty in a language that’s not even your native.
But in all seriousness, I learned long ago that however much I think I hate my life, it’s mine and I would never be able to settle down in anyone else’s.
This is beautifully raw and deeply reflective, like a quiet conversation with yourself that so many of us never get to have. I love how you capture the tension between restless ambition and the surrender to stillness, the way novelty seduces but routine nurtures. That dance between craving change and learning to find magic in the mundane is so real, so relatable. And your take on poshlost’ is a sharp, elegant reminder that chasing “freshness” can sometimes be just another kind of empty performance. It feels like you’re inviting us to find grace in imperfection and to honor the slow unfolding of self, not through fireworks, but through the simple, golden moments that stitch together a life worth living. Honestly, reading this felt like slowing down to watch the sunset from that exact 45-degree angle you mentioned both comforting and deeply stirring. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, tender piece.
I don’t know what touches me more, this amazing gorgeous piece of writing or the incredibly heartfelt and beautiful comments. Your writing is just so well- perfect. And to reiterate a comment above: it is unbelievable how you command the English language. I can’t imagine what you write in your native tongue. I want to share this piece with everyone I know. You capture the collective consciousness right now. It is where we are at. Thank you for your writing. Keep going and maybe you’ll be writing in paradise one day.
From one recovering avoidant to another, it feels like you just read my mind. I love your writing style, thank you so much for putting this out into the world!
“Where do I run when there’s just nothing urgent on the table?” I’ve always romanticized a nomadic life (physically and emotionally), because I think the novelty is a pleasant distraction from the inadequacy. It took way too long to realize that contentment is what I’m after.
очень было интересно читать и понимать, насколько сильно откликаются Ваши размышления и упомянутые писатели, Валерия. На Кундере я открыла рот в изумлении, как он идеально подошел со своими метафорами.
удивительно было посмотреть на слово «пошлость» под другим углом.
I really enjoyed this writing! I'll be giving another read, or five, to really get my head around it all I think, but it was brilliantly written, so that makes it a hell of a lot easier. I particularly enjoyed the waves metaphor on the end, I like the idea of nighttime being like the tide going out. Quite calming I feel.
this feels like i took a few laps around your brain then came up for a coffee and a cigarette
i’ll always have unlimited wine and cigarettes for you sarah
I think you and I might have the same native language. Also, how dare you write such beauty in a language that’s not even your native.
But in all seriousness, I learned long ago that however much I think I hate my life, it’s mine and I would never be able to settle down in anyone else’s.
mine’s russkiy :)
indeed! much more pleasurable to ease into the discomfort knowing it’s your very own 🤍
This is beautifully raw and deeply reflective, like a quiet conversation with yourself that so many of us never get to have. I love how you capture the tension between restless ambition and the surrender to stillness, the way novelty seduces but routine nurtures. That dance between craving change and learning to find magic in the mundane is so real, so relatable. And your take on poshlost’ is a sharp, elegant reminder that chasing “freshness” can sometimes be just another kind of empty performance. It feels like you’re inviting us to find grace in imperfection and to honor the slow unfolding of self, not through fireworks, but through the simple, golden moments that stitch together a life worth living. Honestly, reading this felt like slowing down to watch the sunset from that exact 45-degree angle you mentioned both comforting and deeply stirring. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, tender piece.
Anil, this means so much 🩷 thank you
stood up and applauded while inside my deadend job cubicle
replying to you from my cubicle 😭😭
I don’t know what touches me more, this amazing gorgeous piece of writing or the incredibly heartfelt and beautiful comments. Your writing is just so well- perfect. And to reiterate a comment above: it is unbelievable how you command the English language. I can’t imagine what you write in your native tongue. I want to share this piece with everyone I know. You capture the collective consciousness right now. It is where we are at. Thank you for your writing. Keep going and maybe you’ll be writing in paradise one day.
Yvonne, thank you so much for your kind words – felt them through the screen ❤️ means the world. Wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead!
From one recovering avoidant to another, it feels like you just read my mind. I love your writing style, thank you so much for putting this out into the world!
thank you so much for reading! 🫂
“Where do I run when there’s just nothing urgent on the table?” I’ve always romanticized a nomadic life (physically and emotionally), because I think the novelty is a pleasant distraction from the inadequacy. It took way too long to realize that contentment is what I’m after.
Loved this Valerie xx
Maaaaaatt thank you 🤍 happens to the best of us truly. creativity trade off I suppose
ur brain is perfect
WELL AND LIKEWISE
какая красивая статья :)
очень было интересно читать и понимать, насколько сильно откликаются Ваши размышления и упомянутые писатели, Валерия. На Кундере я открыла рот в изумлении, как он идеально подошел со своими метафорами.
удивительно было посмотреть на слово «пошлость» под другим углом.
спасибо 🙏🏻
Валерия, спасибо! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved reading this so much Valerie, it’s a perfect reminder & paired perfectly with the Kundera nod too ❤️
thank you thank you my dear
Omg I loveeeee this, god damn thank you SO much for writing it. It captured a feeling I’ve been thinking about a lot but have struggled to understand
ahhh thank you Shelby
I just wanted to restack every line of this! Contentment takes times to grow into, but it's so worth the wait -- beautiful Valerie, as always!
Caroline, thank you! Means the world ❤️
reading this felt like reading an autobiography, love this piece to bits
ahh thank you so much Lila ❤️
love how you let time exist without trying to shape it into a story worth telling.
I really enjoyed this writing! I'll be giving another read, or five, to really get my head around it all I think, but it was brilliantly written, so that makes it a hell of a lot easier. I particularly enjoyed the waves metaphor on the end, I like the idea of nighttime being like the tide going out. Quite calming I feel.
Stunning!!