June feels different already.
I've been at the beach since Friday. Early morning bike rides on the boardwalk with my coffee before the crowds arrive. That specific kind of quiet that only exists by the water. I forgot how much I love this.
I'm walking into June with a specific intention: slower pace, more attention. More structure in the quiet parts. More permission to just be somewhere without also being useful.
It turns out that last part is harder than it sounds. Which is exactly what we're reading today.
TODAY’S PICKS
THE FEATURE
The Invisible Funeral.
You didn't have a falling out. Nothing happened. That's exactly the problem. This piece is about the friendships that dissolve without permission — and why you're allowed to grieve them anyway.
THE REFLECTION
I Was Very Good at Being Needed.
She built her whole identity around being the person who handled things. Not just at work — everywhere. And she was good at it. The hard part wasn't stopping. The hard part was figuring out who she was once she did.
What’s In Your Bag?
THE WILDCARD
The Eiffel Tower Used to Be Painted Yellow.
I've been watching the French Open and they keep showing the Eiffel Tower between matches. This sent me down a rabbit hole I did not expect. Turns out the color you think of as permanent? Wasn't always.
If you know someone who'd love this, send it to them.
That's the whole ask.
There's something in it for you too.
Details below.
My answer:
Mine: Morning bike ride on the boardwalk. A few good hours of work. Late afternoon on the beach with a book. In bed by 9pm. I'm not joking about that last part.
