Novelty

So much of this year has upended our context of the world.

One of the things I’ve been thinking: why exactly are we feeling down? Many of us have so many blessings and privileges: a comfortable home, a delicious meal, a paying job.

On the plus side too: life has slowly seeped back. Seeing a friend or two, getting dinner at a restaurant, maybe even seeing a movie. Most of that is…pretty normal? So why the malaise?

A friend summed it perfectly: there are few things to look forward to; less variety and novelty. Perhaps a far-off trip, a heartfelt wedding, a bustling concert, or even a change in routine. And we have less agency to plan for anything — given the turbulence of the world.

Realize how much of life isn’t the experience, but the anticipation of it. So let’s do something novel!

For me, it’s a camping trip this weekend. Hugely out of my comfort zone, it’s something I’ve been both excited and nervous about for a while; yet, it has filled me with so much joy to look forward to.

Is there any variety you can look forward to before the year closes? After all, I hear it’s a good spice to life!