Celeste Ng, the bestselling author of *Everything I Never Told You* and *Little Fires Everywhere*, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about feeling stuck despite doing everything 'right.' She discusses the daunting question of 'What do you want?' and how to navigate midlife transitions while embracing the chaos. Ng also highlights the power of imagination in creating new realities, the complexity of motherhood, and the societal pressures women face regarding their desires. She encourages exploring change and finding fulfillment amid life's challenges.
Understanding your authentic desires is crucial, and confronting the intimidating question of 'What do you want?' can initiate personal growth.
Art and literature have the potential to engage with critical societal issues, highlighting their role in activism and fostering empathy during difficult times.
The importance of community is emphasized as a source of shared experiences among women, helping to alleviate the pressures of unrealistic societal expectations.
Deep dives
The Value of Mentorship
Finding a mentor can significantly impact personal growth, and the importance of having a mentor like Amy Poehler is emphasized. Some learnings can be attained through structured classes, such as those offered on Masterclass, where experts share their knowledge. One class that stood out was James Clear's session on building habits, as it provided practical strategies for establishing a consistent daily routine. Utilizing Clear's strategies transformed the speaker's daily life, illustrating how effective mentorship can influence success.
Exploration of Whiteness and Power
The discussion on the character Elena from 'Little Fires Everywhere' highlights the complexities of white womanhood and privilege. Elena is portrayed as someone who desires to do right but struggles with her own biases and the power dynamics at play. Her intention to help others often leads her to overlook their experiences, showcasing how good intentions can sometimes contribute to harmful outcomes. This exploration invites an examination of unchecked privilege and biases that exist within individuals, particularly in positions of power.
The Challenge of Defining Fulfillment
A major theme is the struggle many women face in defining their fulfillment while meeting societal expectations. References to the Betty Crocker cookbook symbolize the societal pressures placed on women to conform to traditional roles of domesticity and perfection. The realization that following these prescribed paths does not guarantee happiness represents the 'problem with no name' that many women continue to grapple with. The discussion raises questions about the evolving expectations of modern womanhood and the difficulties in discerning personal desires amidst societal norms.
Intersection of Art and Activism
The conversation touches on the role of art and literature in addressing societal issues, particularly during tumultuous times. The new book 'Our Missing Hearts' exemplifies how fiction can provoke thought and empathy, encouraging readers to engage with complex issues such as racism and parental responsibility. As the narrative unfolds, it raises the question of how parents can prepare their children for the realities of the world while instilling hope. This relationship between art and activism signifies the power of narratives in shaping perspectives and fostering change.
Community and Shared Responsibility
The discussion emphasizes the importance of community in sharing burdens and recognizing interdependence. Many women often feel isolated in their roles as caregivers and caretakers, leading to unrealistic expectations of perfection. By acknowledging that they are not alone in their struggles, they can find empowerment through collective experiences of motherhood and societal pressures. The notion that individuals can share responsibilities fosters a supportive environment that ultimately helps alleviate some of the pressures placed on women in today's society.
1. What to do when you’ve done everything you were supposed to do and ended up in a place you don’t want to be.
2. Why the question “What do you want?” is terrifying – and how to start answering it authentically for yourself.
3. The power of imagining what does not yet exist in order to make space for new possibilities.
4. The gift of a “midlife crisis”
5. What a mother’s job really is.
About Celeste:
Celeste Ng is the number one New York Times bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere. Her third novel, Our Missing Hearts, is available now. Ng is the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, and her work has been published in over thirty languages.
