a happy place

I like to envision myself having an impact on the world. Rarely do I admit how much of an impact the world has on me. Our relationship with the world is bidirectional. Like rivers flooding the ocean, our environment feeds into our inner being. Without even noticing, we allow ourselves to be perpetually filled with the chaos and terror and... See more

I’ve become hyperaware of just how personal places are. How our overall quality of life, happiness, and fulfillment is based on our personal preferences, priorities and values in ways those lists could never comprehend. How each place we visit and experience, we filter through a unique lens only we can understand.

Now I am reminded of a beautiful quote by David Adjaye:

“Buildings are deeply emotive structures which form our psyche. People think they’re just things they manoeuvre through, but the makeup of a person is influenced by the nature of spaces.”

This is all to say: it’s worth listening when a place calls to you. It’s worth thinking about whether the place you live enables your goals or stands in their way. And it’s worth noticing what surroundings speak of enchantment, cultivate the conditions you feel at home in, and aim toward them. Life is more malleable than we think. It’s a surprise... See more

I am very affected by place. Actually I think everyone is. Probably more than they realize.

Our surroundings act on us. Some foster chaos, others encourage enchantment. Broad landscapes, beautiful artwork, and ancient architecture fill people with awe. Office buildings with drop ceilings and an unimaginative palette of gray, screeching subways, and... See more