That is beautiful and I love the pinky promise. I learned your lesson when, at 51 I was working 60- 80 hour weeks and decided to give it all up. I retired to Mexico (the only place I could afford to retire) and started with a blank slate. Even so, I learned the art of saying "no" quickly because my calendar quickly filled up. Now, 30 years later, unless I have 2-3 blank days on my calendar-- just for me--it's not a good thing! I hope many readers listen to your words of wisdom.
Thank you for this post. I needed to hear this and be reminded of it. I’ve come to realise that a hectic / busy schedule actually numbs us. We can’t think or really heal. I’ve slowed right down from running a very busy art school in Australia to almost nothing as my life circumstances have changed and I’ve moved to USA. I’m so used to being productive and needed and busy I feel like a fish out of water in the stillness. I’m trying to find a new rhythm to my creativity and I often feel disoriented by it his change of pace. Your post today helped me find true north d I think I’ll write out that mantra and half it on the wall of my new art studio. Thank you. 🎨🙏
It's funny, I fully subscribe and pretty much live in the way you suggest (so yes to the pinky promise!) and it makes me so happy. Yet, I still find myself feeling like I should be doing more. It's amazing to me how deeply this hustle-bustle lifestyle is ingrained in me. I'm constantly having to remind myself of what I know to be true: I am happier and productive in the right ways when I can get back to my priorities instead of worldly priorities.
Thank you for this lovely article. I am in the messy middle of unraveling from the productivity mindset, the stress and the hustle. Entering my 50’s, my soul has been crying out for more spaciousness and a slower pace. It is real work however, to let go of the ingrained patterns and embrace slowness, and make room for more of the sweetness of life.
I retired almost two years ago from a full on hectic schedule with stress in every direction. Now, I can say I have no stress except what I choose to put on myself. My days are filled with reading, crafting, and creativity. I do calendar my daily activities and move things that I don't get to. It keeps me productive, but to my own measure, which I crave. I love your spirit and hope to follow more of it in my own life!
There's something about entering into my 50's that has been so transformational. No one ever told me this. It's bloody fantastic! Getting to the heart of what really matters comes easier, I think, when there's probably more life behind me than ahead, but it's such a gift. Still working through the occasional twinge of guilt for not being productive though. A work in progress...always.
Needlepoint has given me some of this space back. It’s been a beautiful opportunity to practice creativity and is a simple choice when I find myself on the scroll. And the amazing works of art that I’ve created will last a lifetime.
I'm still working on that pinky promise. The way I carve room for my creative time is first thing in the morning. I rise early to make space for it and I love beginning my day this way! 💞
Yes. The space. I have taken a break from social media the hustle of trying to keep building a business. Comparing and fighting to climb. I lost myself. My joy. My creativity my Self. Stepping away has been the biggest gift. Now I feel like
That is beautiful and I love the pinky promise. I learned your lesson when, at 51 I was working 60- 80 hour weeks and decided to give it all up. I retired to Mexico (the only place I could afford to retire) and started with a blank slate. Even so, I learned the art of saying "no" quickly because my calendar quickly filled up. Now, 30 years later, unless I have 2-3 blank days on my calendar-- just for me--it's not a good thing! I hope many readers listen to your words of wisdom.
Thank you for this post. I needed to hear this and be reminded of it. I’ve come to realise that a hectic / busy schedule actually numbs us. We can’t think or really heal. I’ve slowed right down from running a very busy art school in Australia to almost nothing as my life circumstances have changed and I’ve moved to USA. I’m so used to being productive and needed and busy I feel like a fish out of water in the stillness. I’m trying to find a new rhythm to my creativity and I often feel disoriented by it his change of pace. Your post today helped me find true north d I think I’ll write out that mantra and half it on the wall of my new art studio. Thank you. 🎨🙏
Oh I remember this feeling so well when I began to unhook. Stay with it. I promise it gets easier and easier. xxoo
It's funny, I fully subscribe and pretty much live in the way you suggest (so yes to the pinky promise!) and it makes me so happy. Yet, I still find myself feeling like I should be doing more. It's amazing to me how deeply this hustle-bustle lifestyle is ingrained in me. I'm constantly having to remind myself of what I know to be true: I am happier and productive in the right ways when I can get back to my priorities instead of worldly priorities.
It’s such a hard practice, but you are doing it. #inspired!
Thank you for this lovely article. I am in the messy middle of unraveling from the productivity mindset, the stress and the hustle. Entering my 50’s, my soul has been crying out for more spaciousness and a slower pace. It is real work however, to let go of the ingrained patterns and embrace slowness, and make room for more of the sweetness of life.
It is so brave to unlearn and rewrite and deconstruct and build something truer. And it IS so much work. Worthy work I think! Rooting you on!
I retired almost two years ago from a full on hectic schedule with stress in every direction. Now, I can say I have no stress except what I choose to put on myself. My days are filled with reading, crafting, and creativity. I do calendar my daily activities and move things that I don't get to. It keeps me productive, but to my own measure, which I crave. I love your spirit and hope to follow more of it in my own life!
Dreamy!!!!!!
There's something about entering into my 50's that has been so transformational. No one ever told me this. It's bloody fantastic! Getting to the heart of what really matters comes easier, I think, when there's probably more life behind me than ahead, but it's such a gift. Still working through the occasional twinge of guilt for not being productive though. A work in progress...always.
Using stillness and silence to allow poetry is my go to for creating spaciousness ❤️
Needlepoint has given me some of this space back. It’s been a beautiful opportunity to practice creativity and is a simple choice when I find myself on the scroll. And the amazing works of art that I’ve created will last a lifetime.
I love love love this. Creating things to last a lifetime. YES.
I'm still working on that pinky promise. The way I carve room for my creative time is first thing in the morning. I rise early to make space for it and I love beginning my day this way! 💞
Yes. The space. I have taken a break from social media the hustle of trying to keep building a business. Comparing and fighting to climb. I lost myself. My joy. My creativity my Self. Stepping away has been the biggest gift. Now I feel like
I’m reawakening. I promise no more hustle.
It takes so much courage. Thank you for stepping into the space or reawakening. We need reawakened. Aligned. Filled. xoxo
Yes to all of this. Yes 😌🌺🙏. Thank you so much for sharing 🌺🌺🌺