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Kelly Williams's avatar

In a world of people who are screaming ambition, more (money, clothes, possessions, etc.) I find your story of finding yourself anew to be the most inspiration and aspirational thing ever.

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Harriet Hadfield's avatar

Thank you so much Kelly!❤️

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Stephanie Johnson's avatar

This is so lovely and so relatable. Specifically this quote "My biggest fear was not reaching my potential, and ultimately getting left behind. I’m a stickler for ‘i’d rather try than not know what could have been’ and while that’s helpful, it’s also exhausting at times."

I feel seen! I recently saw a post where someone said you should move towards your goals not away from your regrets. It helped me understand that every choice may lead to regret. I can't just do something to avoid that sticky emotion.

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Harriet Hadfield's avatar

Thanks for sharing Stephanie X

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Tina Boetto's avatar

Thank you for sharing this - the following of goals is so relatable. Truly love what you're doing on Substack, and your writing and creativity are incredibly inspiring ❤️

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Julia Norberg's avatar

Rooting for you! I recognize myself so much in a lot of what you're saying here, about wanting to feel productive with my "time off", about asking myself what I really want, about being humbled by having to lean on those around me, and more. Thank you for sharing

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Xue's avatar

Thank you so much for being so candid and vulnerable. This resonated so much! It’s so brave to chart your own path and focus on finding yourself. Sending you so much love and rooting for you from afar!!

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On Shopping My Closet's avatar

Wow! Thanks for sharing your journey and your struggles, Harry. It's interesting how where we live affects how we perceive ourselves, our lives, and our potential.

When I decided to stay in Denmark — after a year on a scholarship at a technical university (DTU) and as a fresh graduate — I found myself in what I used to describe back then (year 2000) as deep socialism: a country with almost no ambitions, no push to climb the career ladder, earn more, or — God forbid! — look like you’ve achieved something.

It bothered me for many years.

I still had my Polish mentality in my blood — a mentality that had helped move Poland from communism to capitalism at lightning speed. Was I happy living my earlier life in that mindset? Honestly... I don’t know. I was too busy studying, working, striving, and making sure I didn’t waste a single hour on anything that didn’t move me ahead of others.

Today, 27 years after my arrival in Denmark, I cannot imagine living anywhere else. The peace, the slower pace of life, the work-life balance, the shorter workdays, the not living above your means — I love it.

I wonder how LA has shaped your mindset, Harry.

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