There is a famous quote that has been attributed to many sources, including the Bible, and here is my own spin on it: Tell your plans to the universe and it will have fun with them. Mostly because while you might get what you want, getting there will include all sorts of twists you could not have predicted. In some cases, all plans go out the window. That was what happened to our guest this week, Florencia Colella.
Florencia is a financial facilitator in agri-food systems. She fosters conversations around economic issues among farmers, academics and other public and private organizations. She was also a Fulbright recipient to pursue graduate studies in the US, where she has since lived on and off for over a decade.
During our conversation, Florencia shares how her initial plan of studying in the United States for two years turned out to become an over a decade adventure that found her changing jobs, relationships, and ideas of what her life would look like. Throughout all of these changes, her curiosity and adaptability became anchors for her, even when it has felt difficult. Like she shares in our episode:
“There is always a little extra energy I need to put into understanding the world around me. So that’s a little exhausting sometimes.”
I deeply appreciated Florencia’s openness to share her emotional experience throughout her life as an immigrant, and what that has meant for her, particularly in her relationships. We discuss the difference between having a partner who shares your culture of origin versus one who does not, and what it feels like when they do but may not fully share the experience of the immigration process. What stood out to me most about our discussion was this beautiful sentiment she shared, now as a mom:
“My life has not been steady but my child’s has.”
For many of us, our plans and paths are anything but stable. We often feel constantly thrown into the deep end of the pool, swirling around and unable to feel fully anchored. It is an unsettling feeling. Even if you are not an immigrant, you have likely felt that way at some point. In fact, I am of the opinion that this has become more of a universal experience as our times unfold. In sharing her story, Florencia shares that support systems that remind her who she is and her worthiness have been essential.
In today’s reflection, I want to take out a page from Florencia’s book and invite you to ask yourself: When everything feels chaotic (and it sure feels that way these days), what are the people, spaces, and practices that remind you who you are?
For me, one is art (and if you are interested in learning more about my own practices and exploration, check out my Arenero).
What insights have our episode and this reflection sparked for you? Reply to this email or comment on our Patreon to keep our conversation going. Remember that our next live monthly chat for members is next week, on May 21, here!
I hope to see you there,
