Hi friends. Happy September from a city where it won’t feel like fall until November, and maybe not even December if we’re being real here. I grew up in the Midwest where a season was a season, and it remains cellular for me, wanting that change, even when the weather is just sitting still for a good long while like it does here. But my brain shifts forward. It shifts into a new place. No matter what.
Jami, I love that you took the time to write out your accomplishments, so you have written proof of what you have done this year. I believe that we often do much more than we acknowledge or give ourselves credit for.
I think you deserve far more than a ‘quick minute’ to steep yourself in pride—because you worked damn hard and did an amazing job, not only with your own work (refer to your brilliant list), but also with helping others with theirs through your encouragement, sharing of skills and ideas, and incredible generosity of spirit. Thanks for the idea of a “nourishing assessment” as we move forward. I’m going to use that approach!
Perfect timing again today. I keep beating myself up about doing more writing on the WIP and editing (my day job). But I also feel like any time that isn't spent marketing my upcoming book is time wasted. Argh. So I end up doom scrolling (ugh) and reading other people's writing, which is definitely not a waste!
"Because we will get there eventually. The words will show up for us if we show up for ourselves first." Love this. I've been thinking about this a lot, too, the desire to slow down with the season and show up, and keep showing up, but with a big heart for the world... and myself. Keep up the practices, but with a little more love attached. Let's see what happens!
Thanks for this, Jami-- I've been struggling with restarting my own writing practice with some kind of consistency since I retired from teaching last year and wondering if I ever will. There are health issues, for myself and my husband, and what feels like a constant flow of mini-crises that zap my energy, but I'm determined to figure it out and somehow get some writing done. Your discipline and grace for yourself are an inspiration. Living in Florida now, from NYC, I know what you mean about the seasons. Seems like there's one season here lately -- hot. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and stay cool!
Jami, this is right on time for me, as many others have said too! Fall has always snuck up on me with a shroud of sadness. I hated returning to school...I was an impressive truant from an early age! These days, my garden grounds me as the energy of the season shifts...as long as I'm tending to it, I'm tending to myself. From this reader's perspective, you've had a remarkably productive year, with so many varied activities and life experiences. But I get it. Self-esteem soup...love that. I also love your list, and have recently made a similar one, calling on my "helpers" and the resources I need to put in play to stay healthy and vibrant...in writing and in life. Shine on, sparkly one! P.S. That gorgeous place, with the quote from Virgil on the wall, has captured my imagination. Love the magic of the light streaming through the stained glass and the rough-hewn floor and sanded down doors and walls. You take the BEST photos!
Jami, I love that you took the time to write out your accomplishments, so you have written proof of what you have done this year. I believe that we often do much more than we acknowledge or give ourselves credit for.
I think you deserve far more than a ‘quick minute’ to steep yourself in pride—because you worked damn hard and did an amazing job, not only with your own work (refer to your brilliant list), but also with helping others with theirs through your encouragement, sharing of skills and ideas, and incredible generosity of spirit. Thanks for the idea of a “nourishing assessment” as we move forward. I’m going to use that approach!
Thank you, just the right/write medicine today!
Love starting the new week/month with your thoughts, thank you.
Perfect timing again today. I keep beating myself up about doing more writing on the WIP and editing (my day job). But I also feel like any time that isn't spent marketing my upcoming book is time wasted. Argh. So I end up doom scrolling (ugh) and reading other people's writing, which is definitely not a waste!
Marketing takes up so much time. I'm continuously working on a marketing concept... 🤔🙄
Love this Jami, such good advice. Take good care.
"Because we will get there eventually. The words will show up for us if we show up for ourselves first." Love this. I've been thinking about this a lot, too, the desire to slow down with the season and show up, and keep showing up, but with a big heart for the world... and myself. Keep up the practices, but with a little more love attached. Let's see what happens!
Thanks for this, Jami-- I've been struggling with restarting my own writing practice with some kind of consistency since I retired from teaching last year and wondering if I ever will. There are health issues, for myself and my husband, and what feels like a constant flow of mini-crises that zap my energy, but I'm determined to figure it out and somehow get some writing done. Your discipline and grace for yourself are an inspiration. Living in Florida now, from NYC, I know what you mean about the seasons. Seems like there's one season here lately -- hot. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and stay cool!
Jami, this is right on time for me, as many others have said too! Fall has always snuck up on me with a shroud of sadness. I hated returning to school...I was an impressive truant from an early age! These days, my garden grounds me as the energy of the season shifts...as long as I'm tending to it, I'm tending to myself. From this reader's perspective, you've had a remarkably productive year, with so many varied activities and life experiences. But I get it. Self-esteem soup...love that. I also love your list, and have recently made a similar one, calling on my "helpers" and the resources I need to put in play to stay healthy and vibrant...in writing and in life. Shine on, sparkly one! P.S. That gorgeous place, with the quote from Virgil on the wall, has captured my imagination. Love the magic of the light streaming through the stained glass and the rough-hewn floor and sanded down doors and walls. You take the BEST photos!
Great post, Jamie.🩷🩷