“If you think you know the lesson before you’ve lived it, you don’t yet know the lesson.” — now that’s something that’s going to stay with me. Wow. So much to chew on there… and I’m often guilty of thinking I know, before I’ve had the chance to experience it. Glad you’re feeling better, Katie!
Thanks, Terrell! It got me thinking, on a more significant scale, about how you can't prepare yourself for the grief of losing a loved one or the giant shift that comes with parenting. Some things can't be learned until they're lived.
Reminds me of "if you don't choose to rest your body will choose for you and you probably won't like it's timing". I'm terrible at this and remember...about the time I start to feel sick...life is all a practice, eh?
I'm finding that weaving rest in throughout a day is the only way I can guarantee I do it. Journaling, going for a walk before sitting down to work, "allowing" myself to play a puzzle game every day—little things that build up to overall better physical and mental health—etc.
Yeah absolutely. I've been doing a lot of work the last few years on rest- which sounds so backwards! But I've always known what it takes to work. Resting without guilt? That's a whole different story. I have recently been using the phrase "that's a tomorrow problem" and I try to tackle at least one of those a day. They wipe me out, but as long as I remind myself I only have to do one, it makes it easier. Ohhhh capitalism 🙃
"Instead of letting myself live it, I tried to orchestrate it." Ouch, that hit home. I feel fortunate this is a habit that is firmly in my rearview mirror. Thanks for the reminder to keep it there!
I think it's age and stage of life. Basically, we all get there eventually. At least you are aware of it and can put a description to it. You are way further ahead than I was at your stage of life. You are a great teacher for so many.
You, and other writers here, are constant sources of inspiration. We're so much stronger together than we are locked in the isolation of our own heads and hearts. I look forward to your posts and often find ideas to reflect on. Glad you feel better!
Katie, so glad you are feeling better. I love the descriptions of your daughter. I’m amazed that you found some beauty in all that sick. I listened to that interview too. I loved it. I particularly loved how she said every day we get to say who we are. I write a little bit about it here https://pocketfulofprose.substack.com/p/your-story-is-sacred
About claiming who we are so who we are not doesn’t take up too much space. It kind of connects to who you want to be in regards to rest and pleasure.
Happy you're feeling better! What resonates with me is never ending up writing what I plan. This is my first attempt at "real" writing and being held accountable to produce weekly. I committed to 52 weeks. I research, outline, and plan, and it comes out completely different than ever imagined. Is this because I'm a new writer, or is there a journalistic secret I'm missing?
Disciplined pleasure is an interesting concept. I suppose I use this for working out. I never exercise doing things I don't like, bordering on love. I intuitively workout, so when I start getting dressed I ask myself what sounds fun? It can range from stretching, hiking, swimming, biking, strolling, or sometimes swinging a golf club or bouncing a ball. I stay consistent this way. I'm 65 and been working out since 28 years old. If something gets boring I let it go.
I want to use disciplined pleasure in art, but it's a struggle. I'm a frustrated wanna-be artist! Haha, oh well, that might be something I must let go. Anyway, great read, thank you.
I think you're doing it just right, Patti! The finished product turning out different than you planned means that you're keeping your mind open. I love the commitment you've made!
“If you think you know the lesson before you’ve lived it, you don’t yet know the lesson.” — now that’s something that’s going to stay with me. Wow. So much to chew on there… and I’m often guilty of thinking I know, before I’ve had the chance to experience it. Glad you’re feeling better, Katie!
Thanks, Terrell! It got me thinking, on a more significant scale, about how you can't prepare yourself for the grief of losing a loved one or the giant shift that comes with parenting. Some things can't be learned until they're lived.
Reminds me of a Gemba walk -- go and see. You can "know ". But then you can experience.
Interesting! I've never heard of this concept. Thanks for the tip!
Reminds me of "if you don't choose to rest your body will choose for you and you probably won't like it's timing". I'm terrible at this and remember...about the time I start to feel sick...life is all a practice, eh?
Glad you're feeling better!
Seriously, this is so true....
I'm finding that weaving rest in throughout a day is the only way I can guarantee I do it. Journaling, going for a walk before sitting down to work, "allowing" myself to play a puzzle game every day—little things that build up to overall better physical and mental health—etc.
Yeah absolutely. I've been doing a lot of work the last few years on rest- which sounds so backwards! But I've always known what it takes to work. Resting without guilt? That's a whole different story. I have recently been using the phrase "that's a tomorrow problem" and I try to tackle at least one of those a day. They wipe me out, but as long as I remind myself I only have to do one, it makes it easier. Ohhhh capitalism 🙃
Yes to all of this! My work-approach to resting means literally scheduling it in my calendar and daily to-do lists. Otherwise it doesn’t happen 🫠
Exactly! It always happens that way. Thanks, Jenny!
"Instead of letting myself live it, I tried to orchestrate it." Ouch, that hit home. I feel fortunate this is a habit that is firmly in my rearview mirror. Thanks for the reminder to keep it there!
Teach me your ways, Kim! I’m working on it 😅
I think it's age and stage of life. Basically, we all get there eventually. At least you are aware of it and can put a description to it. You are way further ahead than I was at your stage of life. You are a great teacher for so many.
That’s so kind and encouraging. Thanks, Kim ❤️
Our disciplines should deepen our love for God and others. https://open.substack.com/pub/kingandcompany/p/intimacy-with-the-divine?r=1b6rbo&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
You, and other writers here, are constant sources of inspiration. We're so much stronger together than we are locked in the isolation of our own heads and hearts. I look forward to your posts and often find ideas to reflect on. Glad you feel better!
Thank you!
Thank you for this, Katie. It spoke to me and inspired a post I wrote on my blog this weekend. https://harvestingstones.com/ancestors/.
This is beautiful! I’m so honored that it inspired such a wonderful reflection.
Thank you Katie for the shout-out! :) I'm honoured to be featured and hope you enjoyed the piece!
Of course! ❤️
Katie, so glad you are feeling better. I love the descriptions of your daughter. I’m amazed that you found some beauty in all that sick. I listened to that interview too. I loved it. I particularly loved how she said every day we get to say who we are. I write a little bit about it here https://pocketfulofprose.substack.com/p/your-story-is-sacred
About claiming who we are so who we are not doesn’t take up too much space. It kind of connects to who you want to be in regards to rest and pleasure.
Yes yes! I loved that too <3
Happy you're feeling better! What resonates with me is never ending up writing what I plan. This is my first attempt at "real" writing and being held accountable to produce weekly. I committed to 52 weeks. I research, outline, and plan, and it comes out completely different than ever imagined. Is this because I'm a new writer, or is there a journalistic secret I'm missing?
Disciplined pleasure is an interesting concept. I suppose I use this for working out. I never exercise doing things I don't like, bordering on love. I intuitively workout, so when I start getting dressed I ask myself what sounds fun? It can range from stretching, hiking, swimming, biking, strolling, or sometimes swinging a golf club or bouncing a ball. I stay consistent this way. I'm 65 and been working out since 28 years old. If something gets boring I let it go.
I want to use disciplined pleasure in art, but it's a struggle. I'm a frustrated wanna-be artist! Haha, oh well, that might be something I must let go. Anyway, great read, thank you.
I think you're doing it just right, Patti! The finished product turning out different than you planned means that you're keeping your mind open. I love the commitment you've made!
Thank you :)
lol, I love brains. So, so good that you just made that up.
I didn't include this in the post, but I shared that phrase with someone at the conference, hahah. "I heard this great saying the other day ..."
Ugh, sweet dumb brains indeed!