52 Comments

Such a beautiful piece... so timely... so right there... just loved your eavesdropping as I’m going to be 75 this year and always wondering if I’ll make new friends... I just loved this... made my day ❤️

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Your husband was absolutely right - this newsletter brings me hope and happiness. Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom and care. xx

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Your newsletter is indeed a source of joy for me. Thank you. And eavesdropping, according to my college writing professors, when used responsibly is just smart writer behavior. Thank you for being a reminder in my life that I am not alone.

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founding

"And I’ve found that staying soft is giving me more access to feel my feelings without becoming them. The removed edge of protection lets care flow inward and outward more freely."

This entire newsletter resonated so deeply with me and my own journey these last few years - maybe even the last decade. But this quote right here - this was the realization that started to shift my entire adult life and it's the thing I try to remind myself of consistently.

Thank you for sharing your pain and your wisdom and your grace. I hope you find the balms you need as you continue to allow yourself to feel.

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This was such a sweet read. Thank you 🌼

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As an always, a soft place to land.🕊️

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This is wild because my last couple newsletters have been about that the idea of there being somewhere you should be in a certain time - that it’s made up AND staying soft! I recently bought a ring that says stay soft and it’s my new favorite thing. I love the story of the 70 year old men! Brought tears to my eyes just hearing about it.

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Reminding oneself to stay soft 🌼🍀- how beautiful! Lisa, Thank you for bringing your empathy, kindness and honesty into this world with the beautiful article.

Staying soft is the only powerful way to calm the storms of the world.

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Wow! I read and hung on to EVERY SINGLE WORD that you said in this, teared up many times and just felt you on a deep level as I navigated my way through your writing.

You are a beautiful soul!

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"Hurts are sharper with an open heart, but beauty is richer, too."

This is beautiful beyond words. So wonderfully written Lisa!

I think it is a reminder for all of us to be open to absorb what is happening right here right now, instead of running after something that will be in the future. So many of us have forgotten how to live. These words are gold!

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I’m so grateful to have stumbled upon your writing. It feels like holding up a mirror to a version of myself that is a little further along with understanding herself. Feeling hope that I’ll keep on the path, with a posture of softness 🌱

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So lovely. That conversation of the two 70 year old men cracked me open…just like the one with your daughter and husband. So much tenderness 💙

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Your love letter is the healing balm my heart and spirit truly needed today. Heartfelt, thanks. 🤍🕊️

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I loved all of this--the overheard conversation--and especially, the second paragraph of #3. Thank you for your work!

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Love this story of the older men. I am mid-forties and recently made a new friend and I have such a “girl crush” on her and think she’s amazing and am so honored that she wants to be my friend and I hope I always keep making great new friendships even though it feels hard as an adult. It’s never too late.

Reminds me of the Julia Cameron quote: But do you know how old I will be by the time I learn to really play the piano / act / paint / write a decent play?"

Yes . . . the same age you will be if you don't.

And congrats on being ready to share your new project with someone. You are doing great things in the world, whether revealing them right now or not.

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Thank you❣️ As usual, your words ring so true to me—it continues to amaze me that despite our different situations how we are experiencing them are so very similar. Today, is the last day, end of a chapter, of living in my beloved home of 27 years—I leave behind a 40 year marriage of betrayal, abandonment, heartbreak, sorrow, living in fear and anxiety, and my 13 year old rescue dog. Your words to stay soft and not hide behind walls were exactly what I needed to hear—I’m typing this while sitting in bed.

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