The Only Two People You Should Try to Impress A mother and her daughter at Carnaval de Valencia - March 2024 As a teenager, I was always trying to impress someone. Whether it was the crowd at a sporting event or a girl at the mall, I sought validation in the words and reactions of others. I couldn't conjure self-acceptance, so I continued seeking. Hey, look at me! Yeah, no thanks. If we must impress anyone in this life, let it be two people: The child self and the older self. First is the...

The Childhood Feeling I Miss Most It was Friday. The bell sang to us. We were lined up single file: A dozen or so 8-year-old girls and boys awaiting the nod that meant 30 minutes of freedom. It was as if we had been spring-loaded into the barrels of cannons. Our teacher held the igniter. We collectively wiggled in anticipation. The nod came, and the heavy door was flung open with ferocious force, prey to a hoard of tiny hands. We burst through the door like skydivers, reaching a sprint pace...

Filling My Cup In Albania I turned the ignition for the third time. Nothing. The host from the guesthouse saw me pacing by the car as she tended the garden. The Albanian Alps loomed over the valley, appearing as sheer rock walls. I tilted back, catching glimpses of clouds dancing across frosted mountain caps. I let out a sigh. The November wind offered winter warnings. The host walked over. Moments later, people emerged from their houses. A handful of Theth's 370 inhabitants soon surrounded...