3–2–1 Design · Issue 76
Love that doesn’t need to prove itself
Some weeks you see more clearly who you’ve been building everything for.
Some weeks it’s harder to say. Both are part of loving people through your work. Both deserve quiet.
Some weeks it’s harder to say. Both are part of loving people through your work. Both deserve quiet.
3 Thoughts From Me
I.
Some days you just want a magic bullet. One conversation that fixes everything. One decision that makes the doubt stop. But love doesn’t often arrive that way. It shows up in the returning. The re-asking. The still trying.
II.
Criticism stings most when it hits close to care. Not because it’s wrong, but because it matters. Sometimes it’s not about getting thicker skin. Sometimes it’s about how close you let people stand. And what you do with your tenderness afterward.
III.
There are things you meant to carry into the new year. Plans, or hopes, or ways of being in touch. And maybe you didn’t. Maybe something slipped quietly. Not everything dropped is a failure. Some things are just ready to be let go. Especially if the love behind them still remains.
2 Quotes From Others
I.
On connection
“Sometimes the people closest to you misunderstand you. That doesn’t mean they’re right.”
(Poem, 2013)
I keep this close when I feel too shaky to explain myself again.
II.
On patience
“Love is most nearly itself When here and now cease to matter.”
(Poem, 1943)
It helps me stay with someone even when things feel unfinished.
1 Question For You
What is one kind thing someone did this year that stayed with you?
With thanks,
David
David
P.S. You’re allowed to keep loving what didn’t work out. That doesn’t make it a mistake.
Join Me
If this edition gave you something to think about, you can get 3-2-1 Design in your inbox every Saturday.
It’s free, simple, and written to be read slowly, usually with your morning coffee.
If you’d like to join me, the subscribe form is just over on the right.
Thank you for reading.
— Dm
Originally posted on
LinkedIn