Ever since I moved to Seattle, I’ve sort of felt as if my heart has come to reside outside of my ribcage. Vulnerable. Exposed. Sensitive. It’s kind of a crazy feeling. I need to develop a thicker skin.
I’ve just been through so much in the past couple years. I’ve given up so much, sacrificed so much. I’ve taken some insane risks, some of which have paid off, and some of which have blown up in my face.
But on a positive note, this has caused me to appreciate all the good in life so much more deeply. When I think of my friends and loved ones, near and far and old and new, I often well up with tears of joy. A good sunrise can take my breath away. I can be walking down the street and suddenly it hits me how lucky I am to be where I am, and I have to stop dead in my tracks for a second and gather myself.
In essence, I’ve become a sentimental old fool. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The View from a Drawbridge 
It’s the Seattle effect! The reason why there are so many artists, poets and writers here. Or perhaps more specifically, bridges are the reason — bridges help us see, soar and synthesize our Seattle experience.
I like that concept. 🙂
A sentimental old fool? We need to replace this saying and all it’s derogatory connotations.
First you’re no Fool: fo͞ol/ noun: fool; plural noun: fools 1.a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.
Old…what’s old is the concept that anyone over 40 is old and everything old needs to be discarded and replaced with new. (If you’re old…I’m ancient)
What’s wrong with sentimentality? Orhan Pamuk declared it “one of life’s greatest consolations.”.
In essence…you’ve become a person who feels and acknowledges her heart openly and the world could use a whole lot more of that.
Oh, and thick skin synonyms: insensitive, unfeeling, tough, hardened, callous…strive for healthy skin…well hydrated and balanced. 🙂
Wise words, all of them.
yay
You ole (I mean young) softie you!
That’s me. 🙂