Solvitur Ambulando – “when in doubt, walk.” This admonition has served me well in life as I have faced work and life challenges, and also physical tests. I hope this newsletter, Solvitur Ambulando, will help you ask better questions about your life and your world, and offer helpful ways in which you might pursue answers – or simply comfort.
Over the past few weeks, dozens of readers have subscribed to Solvitur Ambulando, for which I feel immense gratitude. I know when you read these missives, you trade in some of your precious life force to do so – and you will never reclaim that life force. I do my darndest to ensure these essays more than reward you for your energy and time.
Below, you will find a short introductory guide to Solvitur Ambulando.
The Four Best Essays
Catch up on the best essays published….so far. What makes for “the best”? A non-scientific fusing of quantitative stats and qualitative reader critique. You can also access the full archive here.
Five Expectations My Parents Had of Me as a Kid With a Congenital Heart Defect
Growing up with a congenital heart defect, my parents still had high expectations for me. They expected me to live an active life, have friends, and excel. As I ponder my upbringing, five of their expectations of me stand out as fundamental to my mindset and approach to life.
One time, a friend called me out of the blue. It was 7:00 am his time – an odd time of day for him to call, so I answered.
How It Started: At the end of 2021, I had a thought. Rather than buying new books in 2022, I would use my library as my own Amazon. Whenever I wanted to buy or read a new book, I would find an unread treasure imploring my attention on my own shelves. And if I came across a book I wanted to purchase, I would add it to my Wish List and consider buying it in 2023. How Did It Work Out?…
The questions pile up, like a cairn in the wilderness of our lives:
What does unity mean in my life?
Where can I unify more of my life?
In what parts of my life do I live in accord with my truths?
More uncomfortably, in what parts of my life do I not live in accord with my truths?
Article Indices
I write quite a bit about books and my life with a congenital heart defect. Indices to those sets of essays are below:
Lessons Learned as a Congenital Heart Patient
A Beautiful Walk With Friends
Walking alone has its place in a well-ordered life; so do frequent walks with loved ones and friends. Thank you for joining me on this walk through life. If you ever have questions or comments, you can reach me at srsmith3@gmail.com. Friends of this newsletter – again, I thank you!