"Seeking out freedom of various kinds"
Lit Lib Weekly vol. 11
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Dear Community,
Yomalis here. :)
Something has been sticking with me from Dasia Moore’s recent interview for Freedom Ways. She said, “As for my particular upbringing, I moved often due to poverty, but also because my parents were young-ish and still seeking out freedom of various kinds.” When I first read it, I was moved to tears because it describes me and my husband’s journey so far. After moving from Seattle to NYC to Jersey City, my husband and I are doing exactly that: struggling with financial limitations, but not letting that keep us from dreaming and making moves for the life that we want.
Freedom of various kinds: freedom to step outside for some good-smelling air, freedom to make a whole backyard our own, freedom to not have to hear my neighbor’s (landlord’s!) TV while I’m trying to fall asleep, freedom to keep a parking space that has been “ours” for years (so often we are reminded how little is actually ours), the freedom of a short drive (or walk) to the woods, a short drive to thriving farmer’s market, more affordable housing, a sense of autonomy, and much more.
I’m writing this while still not being sure how our upcoming move will play out. Will we be finally able to move to North Carolina? Will this move be delayed another year while we live in Newark, NJ, the city my husband has grown to love while serving the community as an EMT for the past three years? I’ve been practicing being with uncertainty—struggling (very anxious person over here!) while also watching myself grow.
, creator of the legendary Many Moons Planner, channeled this theme for May: Your New Life.Seeing those words—your new life—what does that mean to you right now?
I invite you to share in the comments: What newness are you welcoming into your life? What particular freedom feels most urgent?
I wish you all your freedoms.
with love,
yo
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LOVED THIS WEEK
“Learn Your Song” (poem) by Gabriel Ramirez
“Let my process be porous,” a stunningly beautiful reflection by
The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay. I just finished listening to the audiobook a few days ago—highly recommend!
Thank you for reading the eleventh volume of Lit Lib Weekly. Every week,
, and the occasional guest editor will curate all the things that have impacted us that week and share it with you in hopes of turning you onto someone or something new. It will probably vary wildly, which is what has me very excited for future issues.Become a paid subscriber, share us on social media & Substack notes!
I am welcoming a new relationship with a person I’ve known forever but haven’t at the same time. I hope this relationship flourishes in time.