Topic: The importance of setting aside regular time for rest
Summary: After years of neglecting myself and experiencing burnout, it finally clicked that I needed to set aside time to rest, recover, and reflect. We aren’t machines. But, even if we were, we’d still get time for routine maintenance.
Rest is essential, and sometimes that means a day or two or several...even unexpectedly. I organized my notes, my drafts, and my plan of action for moving into the second draft of a new book. I was ready...then nope...time to rest, rejuvenate, explore other parts of me. Whatever I'm being or doing, it all adds up to who I am, so nothing is really lost...certainly not time.
Topic: Quality contemplative reflection with the moon
I recently listened to a talk, which I share in the post, and how it was so impactful in helping me unpack a deeper way of reflection. I love working with the moon throughout the month. I delve into the idea of the quality of our contemplative questions. And the timing of when we when we do this, and how it can have a severe impact on every aspect of our lives. I’m proud of it because it is my first ‘5 things’ kind of post😄
The moon, especially this month, has been incredible. A real gift to lose myself in. I meditate each morning with rituals to mark the beginning and end. I also write in my journal (a 43-year practice!), and spend time in deep listening when called or desired. All of this helps me align to that which wants to flow through me, as me...in writing, in speaking, in doing. Often, the message is 'just be for now.'
How beautiful, Mark. What a sweet sadhana ritual you have with your daily meditation. The moon’s energy has been exceedingly rich as we move into the Spring season. I love that you spend time in deep listening and let what is meant to be come in your writing!
Summary: I wrote this essay in response to the comments I frequently receive as a mom of five raising a daughter with a rare genetic condition, "I don't know how you do it all!" My response in the essay is, "Each of us does the hard thing we're given, even if it's not the hard thing we would choose."
“I get to choose how I will respond to the moments I find myself in. I have the freedom to waste my time, or spend it engaging in what it means to be fully human and fully alive.”
I really enjoyed this bit. Thanks for the reminder.
Summary: the article is about how outdoor living or just being outdoors and embracing nature has a positive impact on your well-being, with a bit of research sprinkled through
Topic: Reflection isn’t about how you do it... Just that you do.
Many people have told me that they are intrigued by the results journaling promises, but they "hate writing." In this post I speak about other alternatives for those who hate writing, too.
Oh I need to read this when I have a moment, Dawna! I get the same questions/comments about journaling, and I agree, my hope is that people reflect in a way that works for them! I often encourage people to just meditate on my prompts if they don’t like writing, or they could doodle or draw. Bookmarking so I can read and comment on this hopefully later today!
Topic: Building a connection economy in a post-capitalist world
Summary: I give examples of how to create an economy based on trust, authentic relationships, and reciprocity...as an antidote to capitalism. There are several tangible ways I'm experimenting with this and I'd love for others to join in! 💞
This is great, I love it! I actually would love to collaborate with others, but really have no idea how/what to do... so this is a great start. If anyone does feel called to collaborate (and has an idea of what to do) with me, I am open... feel free to reach out. That said, I will share a post of mine and then come back later and have a look through what everyone else has shared!
Topic: How I overcame emotional eating
Why: This is one of my stories of the beginnings of a deep transformation I have been through in my life... it is about my relationship to food, but it is also the basis of transforming my relationship to how I nurture and care for myself in life. I think it's an important conversation to have and an area of life that most of us tend to struggle with... whether it has to do with overeating or not. Our relationship to food tells us a lot about how take in the world around us, too. I have more to share on the subject, and have more stories about later in my life that are deepening the subject, but for now, this one shares how I started to overcome the insanity.
Topic: The struggle of choosing 'one thing' for multipassionates
Summary: Growing up in a world that rewards specialization can make multipassionate people feel broken or lost. This post explores my journey of bouncing between jobs, struggling with shame, and finally understanding myself through an ADHD diagnosis. It's a reminder that having many interests is not a flaw!
Topic: when a task is too small to bother doing, make it bigger
A short essay on community resources and why thinking about them through an individual lens can be so debilitating. Plus sometimes getting a task done means making it big enough to not procrastinate on. Also libraries are awesome.
Oh I loved this post! Such a great reframe - I expected you to "give more money" as a way of making it bigger...to reframe as a community instead of individual act is wonderful reset. I have a lot to think about now. Thank you!
Summary: We spend our lives chasing—titles, milestones, achievements—believing that fulfillment lies just beyond the next checkmark. But what happens when the list is complete? When the goals are met, the boxes are checked, and the next big thing still isn’t enough?
It's time, then, to just be and allow the next chapter to percolate, bubble, and emerge. I'm a high-achiever when there's absolute clarity, but I usually hit an energy wall when rest is needed. Rejuvenation, replenishment, and spiritual nourishment or practice become essential to meet my own creative intentions.
Topic: a story to illustrate why foster care matters
I’m proud of this piece because it’s a powerful micro-moment in time that shows the big and deep impact fostering parenting can make in a child’s life. It’s one conversation I had with our young foster son, and it reminds me of everything that matters about showing up for kids who need it.
This one came straight from the ache in my chest and the fire in my gut. I’ve spent most of my life shrinking, second-guessing my power, and trying to not be “too much.” This post was me reclaiming all of it. The parts of me that used to feel like a liability now feel like my superpower.
Topic: Being 'born' into a new culture and new phase of life
Summary: After raising 3 children, working many, many years in public education, and finally having the courage to speak my truth in a long and unhealthy marriage, I have the opportunity to work abroad and rediscover many wonders of the world. Thanks for reading!
Topic: the importace, even in this confusing and alarming moment, of savoring the good things
I grew into my Reflections series with the start of the year. I piece (or attempt to!) disparate moments that somehow seem to want to be together and then I write to find out why, where the through themes appear. As the months go by, I'm slowing down even more and deepening into the work, and at the same time I know I'm disobeying the algorithmic gods of social media. It's hard to trust my gut on this, but it feels right.
Topic: The importance of setting aside regular time for rest
Summary: After years of neglecting myself and experiencing burnout, it finally clicked that I needed to set aside time to rest, recover, and reflect. We aren’t machines. But, even if we were, we’d still get time for routine maintenance.
Link: https://humansleading.substack.com/p/maintenance-required
really enjoyed this as well. thanks for writing such a thoughtful piece.
Rest is essential, and sometimes that means a day or two or several...even unexpectedly. I organized my notes, my drafts, and my plan of action for moving into the second draft of a new book. I was ready...then nope...time to rest, rejuvenate, explore other parts of me. Whatever I'm being or doing, it all adds up to who I am, so nothing is really lost...certainly not time.
Really enjoyed reading this. I needed this reminder today.
Topic: Quality contemplative reflection with the moon
I recently listened to a talk, which I share in the post, and how it was so impactful in helping me unpack a deeper way of reflection. I love working with the moon throughout the month. I delve into the idea of the quality of our contemplative questions. And the timing of when we when we do this, and how it can have a severe impact on every aspect of our lives. I’m proud of it because it is my first ‘5 things’ kind of post😄
https://mantrasandcoffee.substack.com/p/the-story-of-your-once-upon-a-time
The moon, especially this month, has been incredible. A real gift to lose myself in. I meditate each morning with rituals to mark the beginning and end. I also write in my journal (a 43-year practice!), and spend time in deep listening when called or desired. All of this helps me align to that which wants to flow through me, as me...in writing, in speaking, in doing. Often, the message is 'just be for now.'
How beautiful, Mark. What a sweet sadhana ritual you have with your daily meditation. The moon’s energy has been exceedingly rich as we move into the Spring season. I love that you spend time in deep listening and let what is meant to be come in your writing!
Such a kind response. Thank you, Mary Beth.
Topic: Doing the hard things
Summary: I wrote this essay in response to the comments I frequently receive as a mom of five raising a daughter with a rare genetic condition, "I don't know how you do it all!" My response in the essay is, "Each of us does the hard thing we're given, even if it's not the hard thing we would choose."
Link: https://jeannieewing.substack.com/p/each-of-us-does-the-hard-thing-were
“I get to choose how I will respond to the moments I find myself in. I have the freedom to waste my time, or spend it engaging in what it means to be fully human and fully alive.”
I really enjoyed this bit. Thanks for the reminder.
I appreciate you pointing that out, Jillian, and am glad it spoke to you today.
@themysticalferry
Topic: outdoor living
Summary: the article is about how outdoor living or just being outdoors and embracing nature has a positive impact on your well-being, with a bit of research sprinkled through
https://open.substack.com/pub/thisissophietoday/p/how-outdoor-living-will-improve-your?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3emw0m
I can just taste my morning cup of coffee on my deck now. Counting down the days until it’s warm enough first thing. Great article, Sophie!
Topic: Reflection isn’t about how you do it... Just that you do.
Many people have told me that they are intrigued by the results journaling promises, but they "hate writing." In this post I speak about other alternatives for those who hate writing, too.
https://thementalmystic.substack.com/p/tending-the-becoming-reflection-as
Oh I need to read this when I have a moment, Dawna! I get the same questions/comments about journaling, and I agree, my hope is that people reflect in a way that works for them! I often encourage people to just meditate on my prompts if they don’t like writing, or they could doodle or draw. Bookmarking so I can read and comment on this hopefully later today!
I'm glad the topic resonated with you, March! I hope you enjoy it. 🥰
Love the clarity around journaling as a tool for reflection and reflecting. But of course it isn't the only tool!
Exactly! It's about the results, not the method they are reached.
Topic: Building a connection economy in a post-capitalist world
Summary: I give examples of how to create an economy based on trust, authentic relationships, and reciprocity...as an antidote to capitalism. There are several tangible ways I'm experimenting with this and I'd love for others to join in! 💞
https://thebarefootbeat.substack.com/p/the-connection-economy-cultivating
This is great, I love it! I actually would love to collaborate with others, but really have no idea how/what to do... so this is a great start. If anyone does feel called to collaborate (and has an idea of what to do) with me, I am open... feel free to reach out. That said, I will share a post of mine and then come back later and have a look through what everyone else has shared!
Topic: How I overcame emotional eating
Why: This is one of my stories of the beginnings of a deep transformation I have been through in my life... it is about my relationship to food, but it is also the basis of transforming my relationship to how I nurture and care for myself in life. I think it's an important conversation to have and an area of life that most of us tend to struggle with... whether it has to do with overeating or not. Our relationship to food tells us a lot about how take in the world around us, too. I have more to share on the subject, and have more stories about later in my life that are deepening the subject, but for now, this one shares how I started to overcome the insanity.
https://surrenderingtogravity.substack.com/p/food-insanity-the-beginning-of-the
Topic: The struggle of choosing 'one thing' for multipassionates
Summary: Growing up in a world that rewards specialization can make multipassionate people feel broken or lost. This post explores my journey of bouncing between jobs, struggling with shame, and finally understanding myself through an ADHD diagnosis. It's a reminder that having many interests is not a flaw!
Link: https://kellyvandevliet.substack.com/p/how-i-stopped-feeling-like-a-failure
Topic: when a task is too small to bother doing, make it bigger
A short essay on community resources and why thinking about them through an individual lens can be so debilitating. Plus sometimes getting a task done means making it big enough to not procrastinate on. Also libraries are awesome.
Link: https://hollychayes.substack.com/p/on-putting-off-and-finally-setting
Oh I loved this post! Such a great reframe - I expected you to "give more money" as a way of making it bigger...to reframe as a community instead of individual act is wonderful reset. I have a lot to think about now. Thank you!
I'm so glad it resonated and was thought provoking!
Topic: Chasing the Mirage
Summary: We spend our lives chasing—titles, milestones, achievements—believing that fulfillment lies just beyond the next checkmark. But what happens when the list is complete? When the goals are met, the boxes are checked, and the next big thing still isn’t enough?
Link: https://notes.mansimakes.com/p/chasing-the-mirage?r=9mlzt
It's time, then, to just be and allow the next chapter to percolate, bubble, and emerge. I'm a high-achiever when there's absolute clarity, but I usually hit an energy wall when rest is needed. Rejuvenation, replenishment, and spiritual nourishment or practice become essential to meet my own creative intentions.
Topic: a story to illustrate why foster care matters
I’m proud of this piece because it’s a powerful micro-moment in time that shows the big and deep impact fostering parenting can make in a child’s life. It’s one conversation I had with our young foster son, and it reminds me of everything that matters about showing up for kids who need it.
Link: https://open.substack.com/pub/justwritemama/p/3-minutes-on-why-foster-care-matters?r=1vk6x&utm_medium=ios
Topic: Being "Too Much"
Why I’m proud of it:
This one came straight from the ache in my chest and the fire in my gut. I’ve spent most of my life shrinking, second-guessing my power, and trying to not be “too much.” This post was me reclaiming all of it. The parts of me that used to feel like a liability now feel like my superpower.
Link: https://therebelwayshower.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-being-too-much
@themysticalfarrey
Topic: Being 'born' into a new culture and new phase of life
Summary: After raising 3 children, working many, many years in public education, and finally having the courage to speak my truth in a long and unhealthy marriage, I have the opportunity to work abroad and rediscover many wonders of the world. Thanks for reading!
Link: https://jstrohman.substack.com/p/ibu-indonesia
Topic: the importace, even in this confusing and alarming moment, of savoring the good things
I grew into my Reflections series with the start of the year. I piece (or attempt to!) disparate moments that somehow seem to want to be together and then I write to find out why, where the through themes appear. As the months go by, I'm slowing down even more and deepening into the work, and at the same time I know I'm disobeying the algorithmic gods of social media. It's hard to trust my gut on this, but it feels right.
Link: https://aninvitingspace.substack.com/p/reflections-on-saving-savoring-and
@themysticalfarrey
I've created a fictitious place called MENOPAUSE ISLAND. Join me? https://vanessanovissimowright.substack.com/p/pack-your-bags-were-going-to-menopause
TOPIC: Feeling like you need to have all the answers + be the "expert" on a pedestal.
SUMMARY: The karaoke analogy that explains community over capitalism. I could help it... this is just how my weird ass brain works. 🤷♀️😂
LINK: https://hotdogcart.substack.com/p/progress-comes-with-support