In this heartfelt solo episode, Megan Norton-Newbanks pulls back the curtain on her new book, Letters Now Sent, a collection of letters from over 90 contributors who have experienced life as expats, nomads, and third culture kids (TCKs). Inspired by Ruth Van Ryken's memoir, Letters Never Sent, the project explores themes of belonging, vulnerability, and the emotional tapestry of cross-cultural living.
Key Themes & Highlights
- Origins of the Project:
Megan Norton-Newbanks was inspired by Ruth Van Ryken’s letter-form memoir and wondered how deeply personal reflections from those living cross-culturally could create a shared archive - Emotional Responses to Letter Writing:
Contributors reported tears, laughter, and catharsis as they revisited formative memories. Letters range from humorous moments to deep expressions of grief and gratitude - Who Are the Letters For?
Letters addressed parents, grandparents, children, mentors (including Ruth Van Ryken), and younger selves—showing the diverse impact of globally mobile lives ( - Standout Letters:
- Chris O’Shaughnessy’s letter to his childhood friend highlights empathy and its lasting effects on cross-cultural connection
- Susie Brown, a U.S. Foreign Service mom, writes to her sons about the real challenges and closeness that come from their “vagabond life” (
- What is Belonging?
Megan Norton-Newbanks concludes: belonging isn’t about fitting in, but being seen—especially “in the mess” of global mobility (00:07:02–00:07:34). - Letters as Emotional Yarn:
These aren't tidy stories, but threads handed to the listener—the reality of living between cultures (00:07:18–00:07:34). - Shared Experience:
Despite chaos and change, the book reassures listeners that they’re not alone in their questions and feelings. It’s “messy, lovely, layered, and deeply human” (00:09:24–00:09:31).
Memorable Quotes
- “Belonging isn’t about fitting in, it’s about being seen. Even in the mess.”
- “Sometimes being a part of someone else's story is the most sacred kind of belonging there is.”
Call to Action
Share the episode or the Belonging Project series with expats, nomads, TCKs, or anyone seeking to feel seen in their globally mobile journeys.
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