Meaning Through Media

About This Collection

There is something enchanting about that moment when lyrics strike a familiar place in my brain, or the way the bridge of a song builds a bridge to my heart. There is wonder in reading a line in a poem or a paragraph in a novel and feeling as if the author might be speaking directly to me, for the way the words resonate feel like they could be my own, whispered quietly to a trusted confidant. There is delight in listening to genuine people talk about interesting things in a podcast or TED talk, as questions I’ve long asked are either answered or echoed back to me, corroborating my hunch that life really is just one big mystery.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve grappled with how to be in this crazy world. Questions like “What’s the point of all of this?” “What does it all mean?” “What happens after?” and “Where do I belong?” have been a part of my inner dialogue since childhood and if the last few decades are any indication of my next few, I’m destined to keep asking them.

And as I grapple with the questions, I'm also gifted simple, seemingly obvious, but somehow profound revelations like the ones below. Over the course of my 45 years on this earth, these have surfaced hundreds of times for me:

"Anything can happen to anyone at any time” (i.e. "Ultimately, we have no control over any of it")

“It’s always both: light and dark, joy and pain."

“It all comes back to love.”

“The trick is in finding balance amidst it all.”

Each time these messages surface, they strike me anew, and then they sink in a bit deeper, feeling all the more real and true.

On this voyage, I have relentlessly explored music and devoured books, and in more recent years, I have piled on podcasts, TED talks, and any other form of media I can get my eyes and ears on. Consuming this kind of media has offered me joy, inspiration, connection, and growth. Simply put, it contributes to my continued healing as a human every day.

One day as I was jogging with my dog, listening to one of my many playlists and soaking in fresh air, it occurred to me that others might find some comfort and connection amidst this eclectic collection. The idea to put it all in one place and share it with whomever might be interested washed over me and took hold. And so, fellow strugglers and seekers, here it is. Please take what resonates or inspires and leave what doesn’t. May you find a kernel to carry with you in your pocket, mind, or heart, and may you find a bit of peace.