Brooke-opened this to read as I begin some time at my desk. I too appreciate your thoughts. I find, in the things I do daily the resources I need to meet some version of holiday. My daily practice is what makes ME possible. And if I spend the first hours of the day leaning on the kitchen counter in deep conversation with my big kids, then I adjust, and come to my desk a little later. I trust that flow. I won’t let go of what grounds me during the holidays. Stay cozy and pour another cup ! XoS
Today on a quiet morning, having prepped my food contribution yesterday to the family holiday gathering this Xmas Eve, I just spent the last two hours writing a long, journal entry to mark this day and year! Journaling is a safe, intimate, validating space more possible during the holidays when work expectations are lower. "Ha!," I thought, "now is the time to write and own my life."
Love your post! So much here to contemplate and reflect on. I could really relate to this, "The resting I’m doing is right now, sitting here at my computer, expressing myself and being engaged in my thoughts" 💜
I've felt for a long time the issue lies in how we define and experience "work." And how this creates a work=pain / rest = pleasure dichotomy. I think it applies to all genders, but your post reminds me that it's accentuated for women.
Thank you. “when you understand that your activities and your relationships and how you spend your time and energy is aligned with what is most important to you, i.e. your values.”
Yes… being able to sit down after a long, busy day, and to write. Often in the form of an essay, a contemplative Facebook post, or sometimes a few pages of my book. But I do also feel that my daily walks are self-care. No matter how busy I get, I put aside 90 minutes to walk the loop in my town. And sometimes even write while I do that, speaking aloud into my phone, different ideas and paragraphs that I want to add to my book once I get home.
Just getting to reading your article today. Thank you. I'd forgotten how true it is - writing is both relaxing and energizing. Thank you, too, for reminding us to stop feeling guilty and way too many 'sorry' moments.
I love this post, Brooke. When people suggest I rest from my writing, it almost sounds like punishment because I love to write. It feels good when I'm writing, and that's what I plan to do as soon as I get a break from the Christmas must-dos. Happy writing to you.
My history is one of anxiety. As a naturally anxious person, I have found meditation to be fantastic help. I started meditating years ago because of the pain of migraines, but now whenever I feel myself getting all worked up and anxious, I meditate. Meditation has saved me many times, but it's not something you begin a few times and then hope it helps. Like so much else, consistency is the key. After a continuing practice, even fifteen minutes can be of great help. Clearing my mind often helps with story ideas!
YES! Just getting to read it today. TIME as a DIY self-care is the best. I visited with my siblings for several days at Thanksgiving. During the following week, I stayed alone in an Airbnb in Amherst, MA, for a week of reading, writing, walking, and thinking. Plus coffee shops and an indie movie theater. College towns are cool.
Love this Brooke! I also look forward to writing on my holidays and vacations...the rest of my life is more relaxed and this opens me up to new thoughts and memories on the page. Exactly the R&R I crave.
Brooke-opened this to read as I begin some time at my desk. I too appreciate your thoughts. I find, in the things I do daily the resources I need to meet some version of holiday. My daily practice is what makes ME possible. And if I spend the first hours of the day leaning on the kitchen counter in deep conversation with my big kids, then I adjust, and come to my desk a little later. I trust that flow. I won’t let go of what grounds me during the holidays. Stay cozy and pour another cup ! XoS
Yes to trusting the flow! Whatever that looks like for each of us, right? Stay cozy, too!
Today on a quiet morning, having prepped my food contribution yesterday to the family holiday gathering this Xmas Eve, I just spent the last two hours writing a long, journal entry to mark this day and year! Journaling is a safe, intimate, validating space more possible during the holidays when work expectations are lower. "Ha!," I thought, "now is the time to write and own my life."
Lots to think about here. I think I'll get back to work 👌
Love your post! So much here to contemplate and reflect on. I could really relate to this, "The resting I’m doing is right now, sitting here at my computer, expressing myself and being engaged in my thoughts" 💜
I've felt for a long time the issue lies in how we define and experience "work." And how this creates a work=pain / rest = pleasure dichotomy. I think it applies to all genders, but your post reminds me that it's accentuated for women.
Thank you. “when you understand that your activities and your relationships and how you spend your time and energy is aligned with what is most important to you, i.e. your values.”
Yes… being able to sit down after a long, busy day, and to write. Often in the form of an essay, a contemplative Facebook post, or sometimes a few pages of my book. But I do also feel that my daily walks are self-care. No matter how busy I get, I put aside 90 minutes to walk the loop in my town. And sometimes even write while I do that, speaking aloud into my phone, different ideas and paragraphs that I want to add to my book once I get home.
Just getting to reading your article today. Thank you. I'd forgotten how true it is - writing is both relaxing and energizing. Thank you, too, for reminding us to stop feeling guilty and way too many 'sorry' moments.
I love this post, Brooke. When people suggest I rest from my writing, it almost sounds like punishment because I love to write. It feels good when I'm writing, and that's what I plan to do as soon as I get a break from the Christmas must-dos. Happy writing to you.
You too, Sue!
My history is one of anxiety. As a naturally anxious person, I have found meditation to be fantastic help. I started meditating years ago because of the pain of migraines, but now whenever I feel myself getting all worked up and anxious, I meditate. Meditation has saved me many times, but it's not something you begin a few times and then hope it helps. Like so much else, consistency is the key. After a continuing practice, even fifteen minutes can be of great help. Clearing my mind often helps with story ideas!
Yes, 🙌 Brooke! Love it!
Writing is a way to escape anxiety things. You don’t want to do at the moment and all those little OCD tendencies.
YES! Just getting to read it today. TIME as a DIY self-care is the best. I visited with my siblings for several days at Thanksgiving. During the following week, I stayed alone in an Airbnb in Amherst, MA, for a week of reading, writing, walking, and thinking. Plus coffee shops and an indie movie theater. College towns are cool.
Love this!!! Thank you. Happy New Year!
Love this Brooke! I also look forward to writing on my holidays and vacations...the rest of my life is more relaxed and this opens me up to new thoughts and memories on the page. Exactly the R&R I crave.
I love writing. It’s like snuggling, it seems odd to not do it when the chance is available