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Letters from Mihai

What would bring you pleasure?

Published 9 days ago • 1 min read

43rd letter from Mihai

Tue 26 Aug, 2025

Colmar, France

Hey Reader,

At my favorite café here in Colmar, one of the waiters asks people: what would bring you pleasure?

Not “what do you want to order.” Just: what would bring you pleasure?

That question stayed with me.

It reminded me of a time with Aurélie, before we became parents. We were in Goa, in India, visiting a temple. On the way back I asked her, in my usual serious way, what’s the meaning of life for you?

She said: to enjoy it.

I laughed, because before leaving the house that day I had left her a bouquet of flowers and a note saying, thank you for all the joy you bring to my life.

So here’s the practice.
Make a list of the things that bring you joy. Some of mine are karaoke, sitting in my hammock, playing board games.

And then, do your best to do one from that list every day, for the rest of your life.

That’s what I’m trying to do. One joy a day.

​

P.S. Signups for the Rooted 21 Challenge close in two days. If you’re curious, here’s the link. Or just reply and ask me more.

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Letters from Mihai

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