Another wonderful letter, Susannah. It’s a great reminder for me right now as I can get sidetracked by the editing work and administration side of my project and forget how whole I feel in the storybook world. I actually booked myself into a hotel for 3 nights this past weekend (my first time ever being in a hotel room alone!). It was an emergency measure at first to de-stress, but I ended up getting a month’s worth of work done. I’m going to make solo writing getaways a practice!
I am so grateful to have re-visited this. When you asked us to take a breath and read Liz's words again I was already in tears. Sitting next to me, my LWS mug with that quote. On the wall next to me, the framed copy of my handwritten scrawl from the first time I heard it.
What am I willing to give up?
Guilt: of saying no or backing out when people want to hang out and I know I am already at my capacity (when I say yes to too many things then I get very tired then the writing comes last)
Sushi: I think maybe this is more general to "take-out" but sushi is king and if I cooked my own meals more, then I wouldn't need as much money and I wouldn't need to work as much
Checking my emails: anyone reading this have any hot tips to say no to checking your emails either on certain days or between certain hours? This would not only free up time, but also the sense of urgency and distraction. Maybe this is more just setting a rule for myself (and even an email auto response saying "Thanks for your email. I check my inbox on...?" for accountability).
Thank you for this important reminder. So much love and gratitude for you.
Thank you Susannah for your affirming words, I’ve been writing nearly every day for the last 2 months, I will come back to this as a reminder to keep going x
“What are you willing to give up to have the life you keep pretending you want?” IS MY FAVVVVVVVV QUOTE. Loved this all so much, so many good reminders and questions. Thank you!
Love the Mary Oliver quote!
the sacred no!
I needed this message today. I’m going to be re-reading this post for sure. The “Allowed To Do” list… that is so accurate!
Another wonderful letter, Susannah. It’s a great reminder for me right now as I can get sidetracked by the editing work and administration side of my project and forget how whole I feel in the storybook world. I actually booked myself into a hotel for 3 nights this past weekend (my first time ever being in a hotel room alone!). It was an emergency measure at first to de-stress, but I ended up getting a month’s worth of work done. I’m going to make solo writing getaways a practice!
I am so grateful to have re-visited this. When you asked us to take a breath and read Liz's words again I was already in tears. Sitting next to me, my LWS mug with that quote. On the wall next to me, the framed copy of my handwritten scrawl from the first time I heard it.
What am I willing to give up?
Guilt: of saying no or backing out when people want to hang out and I know I am already at my capacity (when I say yes to too many things then I get very tired then the writing comes last)
Sushi: I think maybe this is more general to "take-out" but sushi is king and if I cooked my own meals more, then I wouldn't need as much money and I wouldn't need to work as much
Checking my emails: anyone reading this have any hot tips to say no to checking your emails either on certain days or between certain hours? This would not only free up time, but also the sense of urgency and distraction. Maybe this is more just setting a rule for myself (and even an email auto response saying "Thanks for your email. I check my inbox on...?" for accountability).
Thank you for this important reminder. So much love and gratitude for you.
Thank you for this very thoughtful piece! Imagining how 300 words can turn into a whole manuscript is incredible. Small steps, every day 🙏🏻
Thank you Susannah for your affirming words, I’ve been writing nearly every day for the last 2 months, I will come back to this as a reminder to keep going x
“What are you willing to give up to have the life you keep pretending you want?” IS MY FAVVVVVVVV QUOTE. Loved this all so much, so many good reminders and questions. Thank you!