Chasing "There"
On longing, movement, and learning to live in the present
At sixty-five, I’m still wondering when I will arrive at there, that elusive place of contentment where everything finally settles into place, where life feels complete.
At times it has seemed close, just over the next hill, a few decisions away, a different chapter, a different city, a different version of myself.
And yet, I’m still here, not there.
I consider myself a mostly happy person with an incredibly fortunate life. Like most people, I’ve had moments of uncertainty and struggle, periods where life felt far less stable than it does now.
And now, here I am.
Sitting on my terrace in Portugal, the sun warming my skin, Estoril skies stretching wide and blue. A happy marriage. Stability. Beauty. Love. And yes, still imperfections.
And yet, I still feel the pull of there.
Perhaps it’s simply human nature, this quiet sense that something just beyond where we are might offer more.
Psychologists have studied this tendency for decades. What’s fascinating is how quickly we adapt, even to meaningful improvements in our lives. What once felt like there eventually becomes here, and before long, we begin looking ahead again.
But lately, I’ve been wondering if there’s a difference between curiosity and chasing.
I wrote more about this reflection, along with some thoughts on travel, contentment, and what truly shapes a life that feels good, here: Chasing “There”
Lately, I’ve been drawn to nostalgic recipes, dishes that feel connected to memory and place. Flavors that bring me back to childhood summers, grandparents’ kitchens, and simpler moments around the table. This strawberry cobbler is an updated version of a classic, rustic, comforting, and perfect this time of year.
Strawberry Cobbler with Lemon Biscuits
Part of what I’ve been learning is that a meaningful life is rarely built on dramatic moments alone. More often, it’s found in smaller things: a meal shared with people we love, a walk through the market, an ordinary afternoon. And perhaps contentment has less to do with meeting expectations and more to do with moving toward what feels true to us.
Thanks for being here. Until next time.
Explore more at anourishedlife.net →
Follow on Instagram: A Nourished Life by Eva Marie
Follow on Facebook: A Nourished Life by Eva Marie