Weekly: They show the way
As he concludes his masterpiece Walden, Henry David Thoreau reflected on his two-years of living away from civilization, saying:
I have learned, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
In this week's newsletter, I'm sharing a science-backed tip that will help you, too, advance in the direction of your dreams.
Have a great weekend,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
This Week
Do you let yourself dream?
Sometimes, I think that many of us have forgotten how to dream. Overpowered by our conditioning and harmed by circumstances, we lose track of this essential, wonderful part of our selves: the ability to dream up a vision for who we want to be and the world we want to see.
If you feel like you have forgotten how to dream, first, know that it's something you can never lose—it is always a part of you.
Second, one of the best ways to reconnect with this inner quality is paradoxical: look outside of yourself and identify your role models.
A role model can be someone you know in real life, or a celebrated figure that has long since passed away. They can be someone who has achieved great things, who embodied a way of being, or who has specific wisdom that would help you right now. And you can have many role models, each offering you something different.
Take a moment and consider: who are your role models?
These role models have something to show you about the dreams that are buried within you. They are doing something or behaving in a way that calls to you. In looking to them as your role model, you will discover clues about some of the things that matter most to you.
For example:
Your role model is Greta Thunberg. That tells you that... you dream of speaking up.
Your role model is Yves Chouinard. That tells you that... you dream of disrupting the status quo.
Your role model is Neil Degrasse Tyson. That tells you that... you dream of teaching.
These role models show you: it's possible. You can dream. You can pursue what matters to you. Here, in their life, is the proof.
What is so beautiful about this, in my opinion, is that even if you follow in a role model’s footsteps, you are making the path your own. For you are starting from your own moment in time, bringing your unique strengths, and influenced by so many other factors. You will take your own journey, at every step of the way becoming more of yourself and making a greater impact on the world.
As you do this, know that you, too, are serving as a role model for others, and becoming someone who they can look to in order to discover their dreams. Isn't that remarkable? Here we are, helping each other all of the time.
More Tips and Tools
1. Don’t make assumptions — They hurt your relationships.
2. Avoid distractions — Stop focusing on other people’s choices.
3. Not small at all — Your kindness could be everything to someone.
4. How to be braver — Everyone needs a friend in their corner.
5. What it takes to achieve your goals — You’re going to make mistakes.
Community
Who is one of your role models and why?
“The first VP I worked for. She led with kindness and patience despite others telling her throughout her career that she was soft and would never make it.”
“My husband has become one of my role models. Why? Because he's the kindest. He's a good person, and he believes in people. In part, I believe it's because he's present, living in the moment. When you are truly there, you can find beauty. And he finds beauty in people. Always.”
“My friend who has suffered a bad injury. Her strength of mind is incredible.”
“My aunt. She inspired me to become a musician and world traveler, and gives the best hugs.”
“My maternal grandmother (RIP.) She understood my introversion and taught me how to sew, knit, and bake.”
Inspiration
1. Life’s strange visual coincidences (ModernMet) — These serendipitous moments are truly delightful.
2. 2023’s best books so far (Vox) — What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Hit reply and tell me. I’ll gather them into a list!
3. New Zealand becomes first country to ban single-use produce bags at grocery stores (NPR) — As I’m sure you saw, the hottest day of all time occurred on July 3rd, which was immediately broken on July 4th. I’m encouraged to see some governments taking actions like these, but it’s up to us to push them to do more. To get involved in your local climate initiatives, check out this list.
Before You Go
No spam, just joy.
