I can't say I don't know what i want for myself, I kinda do. But I don't act since I too have always been the good girl who has always done what is expected. Now that my kids are far away, my mother is fading and the career is done, my courage is being tested.
Loved today’s pebble in the shoe. Felt like you were writing about me. I had forgotten what I wanted during the decades I was raising the family and attending to the needs of extended family. I don’t think I even got the chance to figure out what I stood for before I was sucked into what was expected of me. Took me years, and reading hundreds books and thousands of articles to get in touch with my inner self. Glad to find we both subscribe to Maria Popova’s newsletter.
It does take time! I have been on the path for five years now! I had to decompress, deprogram, and revitalize. You can't rush coming home. Yes, Maria's newsletter is so deep. It always gets me thinking.
So good. In yesterday's journal prompt in Suleika Juoaud's book, The Book of Alchemy, the writer asked us to write about possibilities. At first I couldn't think of anything I still thought I could dream about. Not that my dreams have been met but I feel a window closing due to health and age. But I went ahead with the exercise and found some things that are possible that I can still dream about doing. Things that would bring me joy. Maybe to add to the Spotify list (which was SO GOOD), Jon Batiste's latest, "Beethoven Blues," a mx of classical and jazz.
Ilona, thanks for your thoughtful, meaningful post today. I did not know the term ‘echoism’ and can understand its import in so many women’s lives. In my own collection of years, I’ve come to understand that I have largely avoided that practice simply because I have a big mouth! While I tried to do my best with and for those in my life, I gave no quarter to bullshit when it was warranted. Although not everyone is fortunate enough to recognize their own agency, I have always tried to encourage those who felt powerless to rise above that negativity and make their presence known and felt. It is so easy to cave to the often narcissistic demands of others but we must remember that each of us are as cells in a larger body tasked with exercising our own purpose. The other night, at a community musical event, one of the performers told a story from her life it truly opened my eyes and my heart.
I loved that you had the ability to speak your truth all your life. What a gift! For people like me, there is a learning period to get our voices and confidence back .
We all have the ability to speak the truth in life; it all comes down to a matter of choice. We cannot allow others to gaslight us and preventing us from knowing what we are charged with in every cell of our bodies.
… She related how she loved the messages found in fortune cookies received after dinners in Chinese restaurants because those messages while often obscure, tended to have real meaning as time went on for her. One of them said, “the purpose of life is to have a purpose in life.“ This simple comment made me realize that in my own life, my purpose had always been in front of my own eyes yet I was unable to see it.
Whether or not you believe there is a purpose to every life, enjoying and loving yourself are most certainly your most valuable tools in making the most of your life.
Wow! As others' have commented, feels like you were writing about me! Echoism-new word but again, wow, fits perfectly.
When I had time to slow down in Costa Rica during our hotel construction - no kids, no parents, no major commitments - I found I was a bit lost. We're conditioned to think of others and not ourselves and I didn't know what to do with all that time! I finally learned to sit in the uncomfort and take it for what it was at the time. This series has resonated so much.
I'd add to your "yes, and" question. I think the extra power comes in taking action on the 'and'. So, as Eckhart Tolle, and a Jewish sage have said, "If not now, when?" Get the "and" in "now" before it's too late! 💜
You’ve contributed so much wisdom to the conversation , Marlo. It is uncomfortable to be in this spot because it’s new and a bit unsettling. It’s a perfect place to dream.
You are writing for many of us. Echoism, certainly describes the situation we can find ourselves in. As an Aries and an artist, I have broken many of the barriers that confronted me, but my midwestern roots still try to pull me back into what’s expected of me on many occasions. What’s important is to be aware of what’s happening and fight it. Seems you are doing that and doing it for you and your own well being. It’s such a wonderful space to be in.
I can't say I don't know what i want for myself, I kinda do. But I don't act since I too have always been the good girl who has always done what is expected. Now that my kids are far away, my mother is fading and the career is done, my courage is being tested.
I think your time to shine is near, dear Antoinette. Courage is fear walking. You've got this!
Loved today’s pebble in the shoe. Felt like you were writing about me. I had forgotten what I wanted during the decades I was raising the family and attending to the needs of extended family. I don’t think I even got the chance to figure out what I stood for before I was sucked into what was expected of me. Took me years, and reading hundreds books and thousands of articles to get in touch with my inner self. Glad to find we both subscribe to Maria Popova’s newsletter.
It does take time! I have been on the path for five years now! I had to decompress, deprogram, and revitalize. You can't rush coming home. Yes, Maria's newsletter is so deep. It always gets me thinking.
So good. In yesterday's journal prompt in Suleika Juoaud's book, The Book of Alchemy, the writer asked us to write about possibilities. At first I couldn't think of anything I still thought I could dream about. Not that my dreams have been met but I feel a window closing due to health and age. But I went ahead with the exercise and found some things that are possible that I can still dream about doing. Things that would bring me joy. Maybe to add to the Spotify list (which was SO GOOD), Jon Batiste's latest, "Beethoven Blues," a mx of classical and jazz.
Für Elise came up when I typed in Beethoven Blues. Is that the song you meant? I'm listening now. It's super amazing!
He has an entire album! It's called "Beethoven Blues."
The entire album is excellent!!!!
Dreams = Hope. I love that you found something when you made the effort to look. I will add that song, Linda!
Well said!
Doing and being keep US conscioUS, right? Coupled calmly together.
Oooh love what you did there, Jill.
Ilona, thanks for your thoughtful, meaningful post today. I did not know the term ‘echoism’ and can understand its import in so many women’s lives. In my own collection of years, I’ve come to understand that I have largely avoided that practice simply because I have a big mouth! While I tried to do my best with and for those in my life, I gave no quarter to bullshit when it was warranted. Although not everyone is fortunate enough to recognize their own agency, I have always tried to encourage those who felt powerless to rise above that negativity and make their presence known and felt. It is so easy to cave to the often narcissistic demands of others but we must remember that each of us are as cells in a larger body tasked with exercising our own purpose. The other night, at a community musical event, one of the performers told a story from her life it truly opened my eyes and my heart.
I loved that you had the ability to speak your truth all your life. What a gift! For people like me, there is a learning period to get our voices and confidence back .
We all have the ability to speak the truth in life; it all comes down to a matter of choice. We cannot allow others to gaslight us and preventing us from knowing what we are charged with in every cell of our bodies.
… She related how she loved the messages found in fortune cookies received after dinners in Chinese restaurants because those messages while often obscure, tended to have real meaning as time went on for her. One of them said, “the purpose of life is to have a purpose in life.“ This simple comment made me realize that in my own life, my purpose had always been in front of my own eyes yet I was unable to see it.
You know I’m starting to think there is no purpose. Just enjoy yourself and whenever possible, do what you love.
Whether or not you believe there is a purpose to every life, enjoying and loving yourself are most certainly your most valuable tools in making the most of your life.
Wow! As others' have commented, feels like you were writing about me! Echoism-new word but again, wow, fits perfectly.
When I had time to slow down in Costa Rica during our hotel construction - no kids, no parents, no major commitments - I found I was a bit lost. We're conditioned to think of others and not ourselves and I didn't know what to do with all that time! I finally learned to sit in the uncomfort and take it for what it was at the time. This series has resonated so much.
I'd add to your "yes, and" question. I think the extra power comes in taking action on the 'and'. So, as Eckhart Tolle, and a Jewish sage have said, "If not now, when?" Get the "and" in "now" before it's too late! 💜
You’ve contributed so much wisdom to the conversation , Marlo. It is uncomfortable to be in this spot because it’s new and a bit unsettling. It’s a perfect place to dream.
You are writing for many of us. Echoism, certainly describes the situation we can find ourselves in. As an Aries and an artist, I have broken many of the barriers that confronted me, but my midwestern roots still try to pull me back into what’s expected of me on many occasions. What’s important is to be aware of what’s happening and fight it. Seems you are doing that and doing it for you and your own well being. It’s such a wonderful space to be in.
Yes I feel lucky to take a breath and be in this spot. The Aries energy does not align with slacking for sure.