Which fictional universes depict a life you’d love?
Since around this time last year, I have found myself pondering a question Gretchen Rubin posed on her More Happier podcast – which fictional universe would you like to spend time in? She said Narnia and Harry Potter; her sister and co-host Liz said Mad Men. The question was further discussed by the Happier Ladies on their podcast episode 37. Malika answered Virgin River – Gilmore Girls was also mentioned – and Azizi answered Bridgerton.
Upon reflection, I realised that this question could be rephrased in a more powerful, meaningful way: which fictional universe depicts a life you’d love?
The first that came to my own mind, as Malika also answered, was Gilmore Girls.
I then started to take note of other fictional universes I was innately drawn to, that filled me with a kind of comfortable longing. Here is the list I came up with:
A Discovery of Witches - without the danger
Peter Rabbit, the modern, animated TV version
The world of Izzy as told by Trisha Ashley in her book Creature Comforts – which I have re-read multiple times because of the feeling it imbues within me (a lot of Trisha Ashley’s books seem to do similar)
I also feel the need to note a couple of non-fictional worlds my soul seems to find comfort in: that of the Kardashians, and the Radford’s.
I think that if we can identify the fictional universes we’re drawn to, and their commonalities, we can gain clarity around the life we truly want, which can help us to make decisions that move us closer towards it.
I’ll talk about the commonalities I’ve noticed among those on my list and what they mean for me in an upcoming post.
What fictional universes spark feelings of comfortable longing in you?
I love Narnia. It has beauty in the winter even though it's bleak and scary. And wonderful when the ice begins to melt...