Finding Beauty in Limitations: The Art of Living Fully with Esme Wang

Oct 15, 2024

Esme Wang, a talented fiction and nonfiction writer known for "The Collected Schizophrenias," shares her remarkable journey with chronic illness and the profound lessons it has taught her. She discusses finding beauty within limitations and the balance between ambition and living fully. Esme emphasizes the value of record-keeping for mental health, redefines productivity, and explores the role of literature in enriching our understanding of diverse experiences. Through personal anecdotes, she inspires listeners to appreciate the present and navigate life's challenges with resilience.

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INSIGHT

Macro and Micro Battles

The "two wolves" parable applies to big life choices and small daily decisions.
Every moment presents a micro-battle between good and bad.

ANECDOTE

Illness and Kindness

Illness can change behavior, making people either more empathetic or bitter.
Esme Wang reflects on becoming kinder during her illness but worries about becoming more self-centered as her health improves.

ANECDOTE

Stress and Behavior

During stressful times, people may act out of character due to preoccupation.
Esme Wang's husband bumped into someone at Whole Foods because he was worried about her health.

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