I GO! | Edition 29: Born to be alive – Vitality, the Will to Power Against Forces of Decline

“Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead. Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager,” Susan Sontag.

vi·tal·i·ty [Oxford Dictionary]
/ vīˈtalədē /

the state of being strong and active; energy.

the power giving continuance of life, present in all living things.

Oh New York – every time we meet again you seem grittier than before, but you are full of IT = Life, energy, possibilities…

A 29th edition is not a milestone, yet this week it feels like one. I’ve thought of giving up on this newsletter more than once. And yet, in New York this week, some of you reminded me why I keep going. (Thank you for the feedback Laure Modesti and Leila Toplic for mentioning it during your energising ‘Women in Climate’ brunch).

I GO! is not about recounting my trips. It is about the floating moments of grace, the serendipitous sparks, the fleeting sensations that turn into insights. My first-person narrative is only a pretext to tell bigger stories. Because what my individual experience - connection, doubt, awe, energy - is universal.

And this week, what I felt most vividly was aliveness.

After days and evenings of conversation and laughter, especially with women, powerhouses with a very strong sense of agency like my friend Hind Wildman who hosted me this week, I walk away charged. Full of spiritedness, inspiration, and power. Motivation.

That feeling has a name: vitality.

The Feminine Energy of Vitality

Vitality is more than joie de vivre. It is that eagerness Sontag talks about to live well, to engage, to grow. It is joy infused with purpose, energy turned into creativity and connection.

To me, vitality is distinctly feminine. It is generative, relational, warm - an energy that uplifts not only the self but also those around you. It is generous.

French philosopher Henri Bergson explored the concept of élan vital (“vital force”) a creative impulse driving evolution and life itself, life’s way of breaking habits and generating novelty, while Nietzsche extensively discussed life-affirmation, will to power, and the importance of embracing vitality against forces of decline (nihilism, conformity). How topical!

Vitality means saying yes to life - a kind of exuberance, willingness and strength in facing existence fully.

Eudaimonia: Cultivating Vitality

Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia (flourishing or the “good life”) is related. Living well means cultivating habits (“virtues”) that sustain a life of purpose, growth, and active engagement.

I came across the Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study which identifies eight dimensions that sustain and grow our vitality - and this feels very apt:

Emotional: mental and emotional well-being as the core.

Physical: sleep, movement, and nutrition as fuel.

Social: strong bonds with family, friends, community.

Intellectual: curiosity, learning, and new passions.

Financial: stability that reduces stress and builds freedom.

Environmental: surroundings that nourish, including enjoyment of nature.

Spiritual: a sense of purpose and meaning.

Occupational: balance, satisfaction, and recognition at work.

Vitality is generous. It is not just a personal resource - it is a collective one. When we nurture it, we don’t only extend our own life force; we radiate it outward, inspiring others to do the same.

Consciously and alively yours,

Charlotte