They kept us inside at desks under fluorescent lighting and sold us walking pads and red light devices. They took away our third spaces, erected parking lots and drive-throughs, and then sold us adaptogen gummies.
- 'They paved paradise, put up a parking lot' for the twenty-first century?
Brilliantly written essay. The whole western-centric industry (the UK, where I live, is unfortunately more like the US in this regard than it is mainland Europe) of penning us into unnatural living situations to better serve capitalism, and then selling us 'solutions' to cope with the unnatural stress of it all, is a wheel that turns all the faster and harsher as time goes on. It's what I picture when I hear 'the grind', all of us slowly being milled down layer by layer like grist, and think it's sick that so many of us have been conditioned to romanticise it as a good thing.
Loved reading this. And Europe has those elements in all countries. Yes, some countries love a coffee break more than others, but most have parks in easy reach, public transport is more than efficient, and the pace of most of the cities is normal, even at rush hour
I loved your essay, especially the part that goes „they took x, then sold us y“ . It’s so vivid and it resonates with a lot of what I‘ve been feeling. Sadly, I have to tell you I‘m European 🥲 But I‘ll find out soon if it‘s better in Southern France than it is in Germany. What are the best places you‘ve visited in Europe?
Sadly I think the American way is infesting Europe. But I LOVED Amsterdam and from observing on the surface and from friends that live there, they seem to have great work-life balance.
Erin - I loved reading this! While Europe isn’t perfect, I do believe there are many pieces the culture offers that support the health and well being of their people.
As a healthy food blogger and one who is interested in feeling good, I have to always be mindful of what I’m choosing. Is it marketing or something that will actually be beneficial?
Though a whole system can’t change in a day, small changes can build up and make a big impact over time. Thanks for your thoughtful and inspiring words.
Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing. This resonates so deeply, I am in awe of your eloquent expression. Finding words for my own musings and feelings is such a gift and true medicine. My deepest gratitude to you for sharing!
I’m a Californian who’s lived in Amsterdam for the past ten years, and I still think a lot about how much more liveable it is here. I walk or bike everywhere, there are so many cafés and parks; and when I got sick and spent two weeks in the hospital, and then had daily nurse visits for months, my total bill was under €200. Our little city apartment is only 800 square feet, but we own it. And my daughter only pays a couple of thousand euros a year for college tuition. Everyone takes several weeks of paid vacation a year, and there’s a real social safety net to catch you if you get sick or lose your job.
So this pang has been with me since going to Amsterdam 🥲🙃 I got a bike to try to make my own slice of it here (I live in a bikeable city, by American standards) but it’s still (obviously) not the same
Well written, unfortunately Europe is following in the footsteps of the US... they think America is better... been sold the American dream through movies and instead of eating traditional foods they go to Macdonalds.. I am first generation in canada from Europe and it's sad to see how it's shifting.
Hungary. I imagine it's happening in the other countries as well… I tell my cousins how valuable what they have (the food, the folktales, the clothing, the language, the traditions). We dont realize or appreciate what we have till it's gone. American is interesting for them and media has done a good job selling it. They don't realize Hollywood is scam.
They kept us inside at desks under fluorescent lighting and sold us walking pads and red light devices. They took away our third spaces, erected parking lots and drive-throughs, and then sold us adaptogen gummies.
- 'They paved paradise, put up a parking lot' for the twenty-first century?
Brilliantly written essay. The whole western-centric industry (the UK, where I live, is unfortunately more like the US in this regard than it is mainland Europe) of penning us into unnatural living situations to better serve capitalism, and then selling us 'solutions' to cope with the unnatural stress of it all, is a wheel that turns all the faster and harsher as time goes on. It's what I picture when I hear 'the grind', all of us slowly being milled down layer by layer like grist, and think it's sick that so many of us have been conditioned to romanticise it as a good thing.
Well this was better put than anything I wrote 😅 thank you for this brilliant reflection 🙏🏻
I went a little O.T.T. there... 😶🌫️
Haha do you mind if I share it as a note?
share away!
Loved reading this. And Europe has those elements in all countries. Yes, some countries love a coffee break more than others, but most have parks in easy reach, public transport is more than efficient, and the pace of most of the cities is normal, even at rush hour
I loved your essay, especially the part that goes „they took x, then sold us y“ . It’s so vivid and it resonates with a lot of what I‘ve been feeling. Sadly, I have to tell you I‘m European 🥲 But I‘ll find out soon if it‘s better in Southern France than it is in Germany. What are the best places you‘ve visited in Europe?
Sadly I think the American way is infesting Europe. But I LOVED Amsterdam and from observing on the surface and from friends that live there, they seem to have great work-life balance.
Could not agree more!!! Lovely article.
Erin - I loved reading this! While Europe isn’t perfect, I do believe there are many pieces the culture offers that support the health and well being of their people.
As a healthy food blogger and one who is interested in feeling good, I have to always be mindful of what I’m choosing. Is it marketing or something that will actually be beneficial?
Though a whole system can’t change in a day, small changes can build up and make a big impact over time. Thanks for your thoughtful and inspiring words.
Thanks Grace! It’s great that you’re thinking about that! I don’t feel like many people do
Thank you for this beautiful piece of writing. This resonates so deeply, I am in awe of your eloquent expression. Finding words for my own musings and feelings is such a gift and true medicine. My deepest gratitude to you for sharing!
Wow 🥹 thank you Susannah!
I’m a Californian who’s lived in Amsterdam for the past ten years, and I still think a lot about how much more liveable it is here. I walk or bike everywhere, there are so many cafés and parks; and when I got sick and spent two weeks in the hospital, and then had daily nurse visits for months, my total bill was under €200. Our little city apartment is only 800 square feet, but we own it. And my daughter only pays a couple of thousand euros a year for college tuition. Everyone takes several weeks of paid vacation a year, and there’s a real social safety net to catch you if you get sick or lose your job.
So this pang has been with me since going to Amsterdam 🥲🙃 I got a bike to try to make my own slice of it here (I live in a bikeable city, by American standards) but it’s still (obviously) not the same
Well written, unfortunately Europe is following in the footsteps of the US... they think America is better... been sold the American dream through movies and instead of eating traditional foods they go to Macdonalds.. I am first generation in canada from Europe and it's sad to see how it's shifting.
Noooo I hate to hear this. Where in Europe are you from?
Hungary. I imagine it's happening in the other countries as well… I tell my cousins how valuable what they have (the food, the folktales, the clothing, the language, the traditions). We dont realize or appreciate what we have till it's gone. American is interesting for them and media has done a good job selling it. They don't realize Hollywood is scam.