Love it. Just for reference, I’m retired, and there are times I struggle to read the Substacks I’ve subscribed to. I’d much rather read an occasional heartfelt piece than a weekly (or even more often) piece that feels like someone felt it was a chore to write.
Your words in this have brought me much joy. Relax my dear. Find the things that bring you joy and celebrate them. You are doing so well. (I’m still chuckling over your astonishment at being part of promotional material for a gym! 🤣)
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.
(It’s the middle of summer down here in Australia. It’s the most exquisite day outside. Definitely time for me to get out of bed and get out there and enjoy it. But I’m glad I read this before I did.)
Beth, I relate to what you shared about sometimes struggling to read the Substacks you're subscribed to. I, too, appreciate heartfelt pieces and prefer receiving those over those that seem to just be churned out for the sake of putting more and more content out there. And as a writer here (and as someone who left the world of hustling to create and push content as part of a platform/brand), I find I'm most creative and happiest when I am writing when I feel compelled to do so. I think (I hope!) it's a better experience for my readers, too.
Your mid-summer weather sounds lovely, by the way! (I do enjoy winter and my home in northern Michigan, but it's been unusually dreary and brown here lately--can't wait for more snow!)
I will definitely have to check out your blog. Sounds like you're right up my alley. Grin.
(I was watching the British show 'Escape to the Country' last night and they were in a seaside county and it was SNOWING!!!! I couldn't take my eyes off those glorious flakes, but was reminded that there is a substantial part of the world's population that regularly experiences snow. I cannot imagine living like that, but I can certainly see the beauty in fresh snow. I hope your winter gets a little less dreary and brown. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.)
Every new year I choose a verb or verb phrase. In my twenties my best one was LOVE MYSELF MORE. That led to a lot of wise choices.
I’m in my thirties now, with small children who cannot be procrastinated and a tiny flickering new business that I believe is special and worth attending to now. I think I have something meaningful to offer and I want to see it in the world. This year, I think, will be STEP. Not big steps or baby steps. Just STEP. Backward is acceptable. Forward is great. Two-stepping dances are just lovely. Just working to not be paralyzed as I try to get this thing off the ground, to move in an honest response to What Is.
I have two kids 5 and under and a small business Im trying to either grow or close (to go back to a regular job), and I feel this deeply. Cheering you on!
Learning to live within the greatly diminished capacity of my body is an ongoing project. Each year I get a little bit better at it, but still get out over my skis more often than I’d like. After being conditioned by our education system and capitalism to always be looking to the future, I’m trying to learn how to be relentlessly in the present. It’s a constant reorientation. And I too am on seven years of perimenopause and menopause bullshit. WHEN DOES IT END.
Total constant reorientation. I so hear this and I’m right there with you! I am actually 9 days away from actual menopause--one year without a period--and I’m going to have a party. (Despite the fact that symptoms can continue for 4-5 more years?!?! WTF.)
I love the idea of a party! I’ll be in menopause for two years this coming April. I didn’t start having hot flashes until last year, so after I was technically in menopause. They aren’t terrible, but noticeable and annoying. At least the acne I had for seven years is finally resolving?
Thank you so much, Emily. I just wrote this morning on my Substack about lessons learned in 2023 and we are on a similar path. Let go, let go, let go... <3
Love it. Just for reference, I’m retired, and there are times I struggle to read the Substacks I’ve subscribed to. I’d much rather read an occasional heartfelt piece than a weekly (or even more often) piece that feels like someone felt it was a chore to write.
Your words in this have brought me much joy. Relax my dear. Find the things that bring you joy and celebrate them. You are doing so well. (I’m still chuckling over your astonishment at being part of promotional material for a gym! 🤣)
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.
(It’s the middle of summer down here in Australia. It’s the most exquisite day outside. Definitely time for me to get out of bed and get out there and enjoy it. But I’m glad I read this before I did.)
Hugs and best wishes from across the world.
Thank you, Beth. I so deeply appreciate this, and you. Hugs and best wishes right back at you, and happy new year!
Beth, I relate to what you shared about sometimes struggling to read the Substacks you're subscribed to. I, too, appreciate heartfelt pieces and prefer receiving those over those that seem to just be churned out for the sake of putting more and more content out there. And as a writer here (and as someone who left the world of hustling to create and push content as part of a platform/brand), I find I'm most creative and happiest when I am writing when I feel compelled to do so. I think (I hope!) it's a better experience for my readers, too.
Your mid-summer weather sounds lovely, by the way! (I do enjoy winter and my home in northern Michigan, but it's been unusually dreary and brown here lately--can't wait for more snow!)
Hear hear! ❤️
I will definitely have to check out your blog. Sounds like you're right up my alley. Grin.
(I was watching the British show 'Escape to the Country' last night and they were in a seaside county and it was SNOWING!!!! I couldn't take my eyes off those glorious flakes, but was reminded that there is a substantial part of the world's population that regularly experiences snow. I cannot imagine living like that, but I can certainly see the beauty in fresh snow. I hope your winter gets a little less dreary and brown. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.)
*not living up to my potential* is now my mission statement for 2024 💜
Yesssss
You have pure authenticity. That alone may not be a key to "success," but it's rare enough that as a reader when I find it in someone, I'm hooked.
Best wishes for a good 2024 and thanks back to you for your writing.
David, thank you so much! This made my day. Happy new year!
“okay body, you’re the boss.” My new mantra.
Thank you, Emily. I learn more from you than you’ll ever know. Love to you. XO
Thank you so much, Shannon. Love to you. ❤️
I think I'll read this 5-10 more times for the honesty and willingness to JUST BE.
And this: "For the first time in my whole life, I didn’t override my body when it said I am not ready to achieve more than the bare minimum."
Thank you for sharing, Emily. May the new year be happy...and slow.
Thank you so much, Anna! I love this New Year’s wish... yes. ❤️
I love this, Emily.
Every new year I choose a verb or verb phrase. In my twenties my best one was LOVE MYSELF MORE. That led to a lot of wise choices.
I’m in my thirties now, with small children who cannot be procrastinated and a tiny flickering new business that I believe is special and worth attending to now. I think I have something meaningful to offer and I want to see it in the world. This year, I think, will be STEP. Not big steps or baby steps. Just STEP. Backward is acceptable. Forward is great. Two-stepping dances are just lovely. Just working to not be paralyzed as I try to get this thing off the ground, to move in an honest response to What Is.
Ohhh Brigid I love STEP! This is such a good one!
Thank you! I was going to ask what your verb might be, then I reread your post: "catch and spread joy" is pretty much magic.
I have two kids 5 and under and a small business Im trying to either grow or close (to go back to a regular job), and I feel this deeply. Cheering you on!
Thank you! Rooting for you, too.
Easily the most brilliant thing you’ve ever written
Xoxoxo
Learning to live within the greatly diminished capacity of my body is an ongoing project. Each year I get a little bit better at it, but still get out over my skis more often than I’d like. After being conditioned by our education system and capitalism to always be looking to the future, I’m trying to learn how to be relentlessly in the present. It’s a constant reorientation. And I too am on seven years of perimenopause and menopause bullshit. WHEN DOES IT END.
Total constant reorientation. I so hear this and I’m right there with you! I am actually 9 days away from actual menopause--one year without a period--and I’m going to have a party. (Despite the fact that symptoms can continue for 4-5 more years?!?! WTF.)
I love the idea of a party! I’ll be in menopause for two years this coming April. I didn’t start having hot flashes until last year, so after I was technically in menopause. They aren’t terrible, but noticeable and annoying. At least the acne I had for seven years is finally resolving?
I feel you and see you Emily.
Similar path. Sending love and here’s to not worrying about living up to any kind of potential and just living.
PS. I love the exercise you’ve recommended at the end. Will give it a go as a New Year’s Eve day project.
Thank you, Kim. Sending love and ease and just-living right back!
Thank you so much, Emily. I just wrote this morning on my Substack about lessons learned in 2023 and we are on a similar path. Let go, let go, let go... <3
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Glorious
Thank you Laurie!
Love you.
Love you more.
Love this. ♥️ I too am on a journey of learning to listen to and honor my body.