Last week, I let myself just write similar vignettes, and realized that longer form writing is often out of reach for me right now for various reasons, and that’s one of the many reasons I’ve put off sharing my thoughts on Substack. Then I thought: I could just share these little pieces instead of waiting until the time is better for me to write essays.
It’s such a joy to read yours today, to see the truth, the power, and the humility in your words. It reminds me writing is almost always possible, and however I show up is welcome. That showing up and being present with myself is what matters. The more I participate in life, the more opportunities I find and that seem to find me, and I love it.
5,6,7 and 8 really resonate with me today. Especially the bit about letting in more laughter. And love. I think they might be the same, and I’m enjoying letting in more of both. Glad you are too.
The theme of openness is a balm, this morning. I am prone to bracing - and holding on to. To holding my breath. But we have to exhale and inhale to be sufficiently open, don’t we? The space that opens in our waiting and longing and aching is so much wider if I can let myself breathe. “May our imaginations hold space for the most loving and expansive of outcomes.” <— yes, please. Thank you, Lisa.
I was away from home for a couple of weeks and when I returned my baby pulled a sweet out of her jacket pocket. My helper said it’s been a week since she kept it, she had received two and thought of keeping one for me although she’s too little to comprehend time let alone when I’m coming back. I’m often away from home. This touched my heart and made me believe that she’s learning hope. Her sweet heart knows that I will come back. ‘Mommy leaves but she’ll always come back for me.’ Thank you for sharing this Lisa. Our children hold us in their hearts ❤️ knowing this moves me, profoundly.
I love that humor is where love comes in too. Thanks for sharing this from what your husband said about you. “ i want to let my humor unfurl right next to my depth. “. We can do both and it sure makes us have more fun. Thank you!
Lisa Your words truly struck a nerve. The grief of not being able to speak your truth, of being gaslighted so many times by the person or persons that you have forgiven so many times. When do we decide that we’re not mad, we are just “done”. I can’t be hurt again by these same people. Your words are profound & much appreciated on this early morning. Thank you❤️
oh my god lisa, what a beautiful read this has been - I will come back to it to re-live my feelings. You know what you wrote about tinkering with your writing practice, doing it in fragments, lowering the stakes - I feel the exact same way about my yoga practice. Some days I can be on the mat for over 2 hours, some days I come back twice, and other days when life's on peak, I can barely make 15 minutes for the practice. I am learning that that's okay too - I must maintain the integrity of my practice, yoga or writing and keep coming back to it. Not make it an all or nothing kind of world - you know? Wishing you peace
So lovely. “What’s here?” — I love that. I’m so stringent about picking a topic and sticking to it, but this short-form, burst-inspired form of writing is appealing. Point 12 made me tear up. Thank you for sharing 🩵
Loved your notes. I have a pile on my desk, and I’m learning to call them part of my writing practice :-) your letter encourages that inclusiveness, accepting all sizes of openings.
So beautiful and affirming, Lisa. Thank you < 3
Last week, I let myself just write similar vignettes, and realized that longer form writing is often out of reach for me right now for various reasons, and that’s one of the many reasons I’ve put off sharing my thoughts on Substack. Then I thought: I could just share these little pieces instead of waiting until the time is better for me to write essays.
It’s such a joy to read yours today, to see the truth, the power, and the humility in your words. It reminds me writing is almost always possible, and however I show up is welcome. That showing up and being present with myself is what matters. The more I participate in life, the more opportunities I find and that seem to find me, and I love it.
5,6,7 and 8 really resonate with me today. Especially the bit about letting in more laughter. And love. I think they might be the same, and I’m enjoying letting in more of both. Glad you are too.
"however I show up is welcome" yes! Yes to this. Allowing the ebb and flow feels so important and kind. Thank you for sharing 💛
💛
“The more I participate in life, the more opportunities I find and that seem to find me” This is beautiful.
I love knowing this resonates for you too, Fatima. Thanks for sharing. 💛
How can I fit more love in here. I will be carrying that with me this week 💗 thank you.
Thanks for reading -- I'm carrying it this week, too. 💛
Billie Eyelash! 🥹👁️
I'm glad someone caught that -- kills me every time 😭
Goodness, Lisa. I'm going to have to read this again and again and again. You hit on so much of what has been feeling soft lately.
Grateful for the resonance xx
Mmm… beautiful, Lisa.
The theme of openness is a balm, this morning. I am prone to bracing - and holding on to. To holding my breath. But we have to exhale and inhale to be sufficiently open, don’t we? The space that opens in our waiting and longing and aching is so much wider if I can let myself breathe. “May our imaginations hold space for the most loving and expansive of outcomes.” <— yes, please. Thank you, Lisa.
This is such a beautiful reflection. The space is wider if we let ourselves breathe... yes. Thank you for sharing 💛
I was away from home for a couple of weeks and when I returned my baby pulled a sweet out of her jacket pocket. My helper said it’s been a week since she kept it, she had received two and thought of keeping one for me although she’s too little to comprehend time let alone when I’m coming back. I’m often away from home. This touched my heart and made me believe that she’s learning hope. Her sweet heart knows that I will come back. ‘Mommy leaves but she’ll always come back for me.’ Thank you for sharing this Lisa. Our children hold us in their hearts ❤️ knowing this moves me, profoundly.
I love that humor is where love comes in too. Thanks for sharing this from what your husband said about you. “ i want to let my humor unfurl right next to my depth. “. We can do both and it sure makes us have more fun. Thank you!
Lisa Your words truly struck a nerve. The grief of not being able to speak your truth, of being gaslighted so many times by the person or persons that you have forgiven so many times. When do we decide that we’re not mad, we are just “done”. I can’t be hurt again by these same people. Your words are profound & much appreciated on this early morning. Thank you❤️
oh my god lisa, what a beautiful read this has been - I will come back to it to re-live my feelings. You know what you wrote about tinkering with your writing practice, doing it in fragments, lowering the stakes - I feel the exact same way about my yoga practice. Some days I can be on the mat for over 2 hours, some days I come back twice, and other days when life's on peak, I can barely make 15 minutes for the practice. I am learning that that's okay too - I must maintain the integrity of my practice, yoga or writing and keep coming back to it. Not make it an all or nothing kind of world - you know? Wishing you peace
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I plan to keep this close by in case I ever need reminding. Thanks so much.
Numbers 5, 6, 9, and 11, very helpful. Thank you, Lisa.
So lovely. “What’s here?” — I love that. I’m so stringent about picking a topic and sticking to it, but this short-form, burst-inspired form of writing is appealing. Point 12 made me tear up. Thank you for sharing 🩵
Loved your notes. I have a pile on my desk, and I’m learning to call them part of my writing practice :-) your letter encourages that inclusiveness, accepting all sizes of openings.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts.
"How to fit more love in: practice sharing more of your everything with those who want to receive it. Let them" - thank you for these words!
I'm crying. I'll definitely be taking “how can I fit more love in here?” with me. Thank you, Lisa.
I feel number one exquisitely