The Washington Post last week week published a wonderful article that details what researchers call a “psychologically rich life.”
In the pursuit of a “good life,” many of us pursue happiness (via comfort, satisfaction and more joy than sadness) or meaning (via purpose, connection, making the world a better place). Worthy pursuits, of course, but science now proposes a third track: a life “marked by novel experiences, perspective-shifting insights and complexity, but also more discomfort and challenges than a happy life or a meaningful life.”
This really resonated with me, particularly at my current age and as I grapple with “the meaning of life.” Does my life have true meaning? Am I giving more than I am taking? Am I as content or as joyful as I could be?
But those questions discount that discomfort is a sign of growth — that a rich life isn’t always an easy or happy one, or one without challenges.
Life does not require that we take one path that is mutually exclusive of the others. Our day-to-day can be meaningful one day, happy one night, and psychologically rich the next. Mine has been more on the psychologically rich side, I think, and reading this article made me see there’s value in that, too.
I especially love the idea that curiosity, exploration, and experience can make for a fuller, better life (and that researchers specifically recommend going to thrift stores as a way to “embrace play” in your life!)
xx,
Virginia
In the interest of curiosity and exploration, I got thinking about all of my current vintage obsessions, and how I’m searching for them on eBay and Etsy.
Here are the keyword terms I’m bookmarking these days:
“Candy Dots” or “Caviar Dots” Bag
I see these bags somewhat frequently at thrift shops but they are also allll over the internet (and often under $20). These were made in the 1960s and some veer a little too bright and retro but some have really fun shapes (and details like fringe) that make them look very now.
mid-century candy dots bag, $25
candy dots accordion-top bag, $20
candy dots bag with herons, $45
“Chinese Fisherman’s Basket”
First, I started searching Chinese fisherman’s baskets, which are beautiful and useful to hold things like dog toys or old tech devices. But then I spotted other antique Chinese baskets, including some in the shape of fish….
vintage Chinese fisherman’s basket, $110
Chinese basket in the shape of a fish, $195
“Vintage Fortuny”
Less a keyword and more of a brand name but one I’m searching a lot. I also make a habit of perusing the Fortuny gowns on 1stDibs, though they are wildly pricey…
