I know this feeling all too well, Donna! When I first came to Jamaica in 2015, my soul craved to be here but it wasn't time for that part of my journey until 3 years later. During those 3 years, I always felt like I had one foot in CA and one foot in Jamaica. I now embrace the mantra "both feet right here" to remind me to stay present in the moment, no matter what life is offering me. I LOVE that you are honoring your need for a sacred break here and I'm sending you lots of supportive vibes for your quiet time. 🙏🪷 A deep bow and a lotus for you 💜
Deanna, I love your mantra "both feet right here"! It's perfect and makes me laugh how well it fits with this post.
I appreciate your supportive vibes, it means a lot. You know how it is on Substack where you can't quite remember where you know someone from (kind of like real life)? Did I see you over on Kristi Keller's page Wildhood Wanted, because if not you two might like to meet because she also used to live in Jamaica and has written about it.
Love the boot comparison. That’s great you are following your heart and instincts to take the time needed to head in the direction you desire. Isn’t time one of the greatest commodities? Good for you! I will miss your posts but will look forward to hearing about your experiences and what you have learned.
For me sandals and hiking boots,
I needed to step off the treadmill work cycle 5 years ago . Thats what it took to realize the best balance for me was to live in Mexico 6 months and in the Kootenays again for 6 months. Having time for self and for nurturing relationships with family and friends was always so important to me.
Thank you for your kind words of support Lynn. I will be back publishing regularly in September and am looking forward to seeing what unfolds over the next couple of months. I intend to be intentional about my time because you're right it IS the greatest commodity and is so easily pilfered away unnecessarily.
A life split between the Kootenays and Mexico sounds like a perfect combo - a dream life. But any kind of life brings the lessons of living with it, however it's nice to experience those lessons in beautiful places. Welcome back and enjoy your summer❤
I love it Donna. Point both those boots in the same direction and follow your instinct. We’ll miss you and welcome you back with love.
My favorite shoes change with my moods—pointy Lucchese cowboy boots one day—Tevas the next—then Salomon running shoes—then bare feet. Occasionally I’ll break out a 30 year old pair of Louboutin loafers for an evening. But I still get em crossed up different directions when I’m in too big a hurry. 🙏
Thank you Dee. Your comment has me grinning from ear to ear! You have the perfect range of 'good-life-living' footwear and you wear them well, holes and all💕
I had never conceived of what your talking about in the language of ‘our boots’ being in different spots — but I think it’s a super simple and helpful metaphor. Thank you, Donna. For your constant reminders and encouragement. And I hope your sacred pause treats you well :)
I'm likely right behind you in the sacred pausing and taking time for improving my writing practice. (which right now is also involving alot of reading! I am keeping my small library very busy with bringing in books for me. lol.) I had signed up for Jeannette's course, but was too overwhelmed with all the other things I was doing, so had to pause it. I think it's very wise to take it on when you can truly focus on it. I look forward to doing that once I'm finished these other workshops. Have a wonderful summer. xo
It would be fun if we end up doing the intensive at the same time, also I'd love to hear about the other learning you're doing too. I'll still be around Substack so you'll see me there a little. Enjoy your learning Kim!
Oh Donna, I sent you an article that made me want to vomit then down a few tequila shots-- and I don't drink.
Love your two different shoes analogy.
I am currently wearing opposite style shoes. One is a boot with spikes that wants to kick out the hate in this world, the other is a fun, colorful, comfortable loafer that glides with humor and support.
I have been off-line with family commitments for a few days so will look for your article when I get home.
I know about those two different shoes you are wearing and that it's a tough place to be❤. Hopefully the ass-kicking ones can be used for creative change and join your colorful self to ease the burden.
Fully support this for you, Donna. I took what I’m calling an inadvertent June reset, but I also made a deliberate decision to pull back from my marketing work for other people so I could focus on family, my writing and my marketing. I did it all wrong and didn’t let anyone know, which is completely unlike me and flies in the face of good marketing, but it felt like the right decision. I’m excited to see you when you get back!
I hope you fully enjoy your summer off and accomplish all you're setting out to do!
My two shoes are flip-flops and hiking shoes. I dearly miss flip-flops because they represent a piece of my life that I seem to have left behind. But I'm very happy with the hiking shoes and what they represent (nature and time spent with my dog). Unfortunately, I can do that in flip-flops.
You, my friend, are very familiar with wearing two different shoes. Flip-flops/hiking boots are a good example, as is before and after. It seems like that's our biggest life challenge - to learn to settle fully into ourselves with big life changes. I'm a work in progress.
As always, thank you so much for being here❤, both here on TBL and Substack in general. You make it a better place!
Yikes. Your timing is impeccable. I’m the process of trying to make some major life decisions and I definitely have two different boots on. And I can’t seem to get one or the other off.
Argh, this is a hard place to be. It's one thing to be torn between simply wanting more of one thing than the other but entirely another to be in the middle of big decision making. I do believe our deepest self usually knows the right decision but it's buried under all of our stuff. Maybe try working back from the worst case scenario - like what would be the worst thing that could happen with each choice and from there decide what consequence your heart is willing to accept. That's the kicker, right? Each choice will have a consequence (sorry to state the obvs - I know you know that). Sending love while you're in tricky limbo-land❤
One last thing...Dr Ellen Langer (you would love her book, The Mindful Body) says there is no such thing as a bad decision there is only what we do after we make that decision. Her outlook is very refreshing and helpful to me.
I so needed to hear this today. Thank you so much. Probably explains why my life and writing career feel so "off balance" right now. Enjoy your downtime...I did the same for a couple of months and plan to do so for the rest of the year...Love this!!!
It makes sense that our writing will go up and down (as does life), and that we will have a lot to learn and sometimes feel like we're nailing it while other times feel like a total loser (as is life). I think it took me a little time to recognize this is the best path for me but I arrived at a place where I knew I needed to shift something in order to move forward which, not surprisingly, is how it's always gone for me. My big decisions seem to percolate for awhile and then seem to arrive out of the blue.
I'm so glad this arrived at a good time for you Marie, I love it when that happens! Thank you so much for being here in TBL community, it means a lot.
"The me-who-wants-to-do-things-like-I’ve-always-done is determined to carry on as usual, while my soul is craving silence." This morning, I received an email from Richard Rohr discussing how contemplation resides between action and stillness. Isn't that the truth in its entirety? Along with your essay, these have been the best things I've read this week and have brought me peace regarding some of my anxieties. xx
The very-wise Richard Rohr is right. There is a line between action and stillness which can sometimes be difficult to find. We have a responsibility to ourselves, and sometimes those around us, to be as clear on that line as we can. I'm glad this post brought you peace Thaissa, I could not wish for anything more. I will still see you around this summer, just not on my regular posts💗
I know this feeling all too well, Donna! When I first came to Jamaica in 2015, my soul craved to be here but it wasn't time for that part of my journey until 3 years later. During those 3 years, I always felt like I had one foot in CA and one foot in Jamaica. I now embrace the mantra "both feet right here" to remind me to stay present in the moment, no matter what life is offering me. I LOVE that you are honoring your need for a sacred break here and I'm sending you lots of supportive vibes for your quiet time. 🙏🪷 A deep bow and a lotus for you 💜
Deanna, I love your mantra "both feet right here"! It's perfect and makes me laugh how well it fits with this post.
I appreciate your supportive vibes, it means a lot. You know how it is on Substack where you can't quite remember where you know someone from (kind of like real life)? Did I see you over on Kristi Keller's page Wildhood Wanted, because if not you two might like to meet because she also used to live in Jamaica and has written about it.
Enjoy your sacred pause! May it be full of rest and creativity! 💕
Thank you Christine!
Love the boot comparison. That’s great you are following your heart and instincts to take the time needed to head in the direction you desire. Isn’t time one of the greatest commodities? Good for you! I will miss your posts but will look forward to hearing about your experiences and what you have learned.
For me sandals and hiking boots,
I needed to step off the treadmill work cycle 5 years ago . Thats what it took to realize the best balance for me was to live in Mexico 6 months and in the Kootenays again for 6 months. Having time for self and for nurturing relationships with family and friends was always so important to me.
Thank you for your kind words of support Lynn. I will be back publishing regularly in September and am looking forward to seeing what unfolds over the next couple of months. I intend to be intentional about my time because you're right it IS the greatest commodity and is so easily pilfered away unnecessarily.
A life split between the Kootenays and Mexico sounds like a perfect combo - a dream life. But any kind of life brings the lessons of living with it, however it's nice to experience those lessons in beautiful places. Welcome back and enjoy your summer❤
I love it Donna. Point both those boots in the same direction and follow your instinct. We’ll miss you and welcome you back with love.
My favorite shoes change with my moods—pointy Lucchese cowboy boots one day—Tevas the next—then Salomon running shoes—then bare feet. Occasionally I’ll break out a 30 year old pair of Louboutin loafers for an evening. But I still get em crossed up different directions when I’m in too big a hurry. 🙏
Thank you Dee. Your comment has me grinning from ear to ear! You have the perfect range of 'good-life-living' footwear and you wear them well, holes and all💕
I miss my blunnies! A well deserved rest, and some exciting collabs coming up sounds like a great summer. ;) 💜
Thank you Troy!
I had never conceived of what your talking about in the language of ‘our boots’ being in different spots — but I think it’s a super simple and helpful metaphor. Thank you, Donna. For your constant reminders and encouragement. And I hope your sacred pause treats you well :)
Thank you Michael, I appreciate your presence so much😀
I'm likely right behind you in the sacred pausing and taking time for improving my writing practice. (which right now is also involving alot of reading! I am keeping my small library very busy with bringing in books for me. lol.) I had signed up for Jeannette's course, but was too overwhelmed with all the other things I was doing, so had to pause it. I think it's very wise to take it on when you can truly focus on it. I look forward to doing that once I'm finished these other workshops. Have a wonderful summer. xo
It would be fun if we end up doing the intensive at the same time, also I'd love to hear about the other learning you're doing too. I'll still be around Substack so you'll see me there a little. Enjoy your learning Kim!
Oh Donna, I sent you an article that made me want to vomit then down a few tequila shots-- and I don't drink.
Love your two different shoes analogy.
I am currently wearing opposite style shoes. One is a boot with spikes that wants to kick out the hate in this world, the other is a fun, colorful, comfortable loafer that glides with humor and support.
I have been off-line with family commitments for a few days so will look for your article when I get home.
I know about those two different shoes you are wearing and that it's a tough place to be❤. Hopefully the ass-kicking ones can be used for creative change and join your colorful self to ease the burden.
Enjoy the fam. 🥰🙏
Fully support this for you, Donna. I took what I’m calling an inadvertent June reset, but I also made a deliberate decision to pull back from my marketing work for other people so I could focus on family, my writing and my marketing. I did it all wrong and didn’t let anyone know, which is completely unlike me and flies in the face of good marketing, but it felt like the right decision. I’m excited to see you when you get back!
I am glad you got to have a reset (and an awesome trip!) and also glad I accidentally did some good marketing by letting people know!
Loved the shoes mataphor.
Thanks buddy!
I hope you fully enjoy your summer off and accomplish all you're setting out to do!
My two shoes are flip-flops and hiking shoes. I dearly miss flip-flops because they represent a piece of my life that I seem to have left behind. But I'm very happy with the hiking shoes and what they represent (nature and time spent with my dog). Unfortunately, I can do that in flip-flops.
You, my friend, are very familiar with wearing two different shoes. Flip-flops/hiking boots are a good example, as is before and after. It seems like that's our biggest life challenge - to learn to settle fully into ourselves with big life changes. I'm a work in progress.
As always, thank you so much for being here❤, both here on TBL and Substack in general. You make it a better place!
Donna, I think if you/we were not works in progress, we'd be what's referred to as dead.
And ypu make this a better place too 😊
You mean I'm not going to have it all figured out some day?! Darn!
🤣🤣🤣
🤎
Yikes. Your timing is impeccable. I’m the process of trying to make some major life decisions and I definitely have two different boots on. And I can’t seem to get one or the other off.
Argh, this is a hard place to be. It's one thing to be torn between simply wanting more of one thing than the other but entirely another to be in the middle of big decision making. I do believe our deepest self usually knows the right decision but it's buried under all of our stuff. Maybe try working back from the worst case scenario - like what would be the worst thing that could happen with each choice and from there decide what consequence your heart is willing to accept. That's the kicker, right? Each choice will have a consequence (sorry to state the obvs - I know you know that). Sending love while you're in tricky limbo-land❤
One last thing...Dr Ellen Langer (you would love her book, The Mindful Body) says there is no such thing as a bad decision there is only what we do after we make that decision. Her outlook is very refreshing and helpful to me.
A moment to pause 🙏
Yes❤
Glad you are taking the Sacred Pause. I love the concept. I plan to work with Jeannine Ouelette's teachings as well.
Marlee, this is wonderful! I will see you over in WITD💕!
I so needed to hear this today. Thank you so much. Probably explains why my life and writing career feel so "off balance" right now. Enjoy your downtime...I did the same for a couple of months and plan to do so for the rest of the year...Love this!!!
It makes sense that our writing will go up and down (as does life), and that we will have a lot to learn and sometimes feel like we're nailing it while other times feel like a total loser (as is life). I think it took me a little time to recognize this is the best path for me but I arrived at a place where I knew I needed to shift something in order to move forward which, not surprisingly, is how it's always gone for me. My big decisions seem to percolate for awhile and then seem to arrive out of the blue.
I'm so glad this arrived at a good time for you Marie, I love it when that happens! Thank you so much for being here in TBL community, it means a lot.
"The me-who-wants-to-do-things-like-I’ve-always-done is determined to carry on as usual, while my soul is craving silence." This morning, I received an email from Richard Rohr discussing how contemplation resides between action and stillness. Isn't that the truth in its entirety? Along with your essay, these have been the best things I've read this week and have brought me peace regarding some of my anxieties. xx
The very-wise Richard Rohr is right. There is a line between action and stillness which can sometimes be difficult to find. We have a responsibility to ourselves, and sometimes those around us, to be as clear on that line as we can. I'm glad this post brought you peace Thaissa, I could not wish for anything more. I will still see you around this summer, just not on my regular posts💗