indeed it is such a loaded question… thank you for taking the time to address this unsaid, but keenly felt conundrum … happy to know you are taking a break to recharge … your draft ideas all look super exciting. Have fun doing less Barrie. I know I am only one of many cheering you on from afar. You make the world more lovely and more magical.
Aw, thank you … it is easy to forget that putting myself wholeheartedly into conversations takes a cumulative toll … recharging is essential … and once recharged I’ll be back at it with gusto! Thank you for the kind words, Claire.
Sorry, just seeing this. Thank you. I’ll be pottering around Substack, just at my own pace. And taking a break from the one-to-ones will free up some energy for creativity.
How interesting! I've just come back from a break, albeit a forced one 😥 And I've got a full essay written called "Stop Asking People What They Do for Work" that is waiting to be edited and posted. Profitez de votre pause :)
Enjoy the break Barrie, it is a very real and beneficial asset to our bodies to realise the time has come to take a step back and breathe a while, to take stock, slow the pace and ruminate over future plans/goals/projects/holidays, one I'm either unable or, more likely, unwilling to do for fear of seeing the chaos and debris in the wake of not having done so sooner! Top of my 'to do' list is always SLOW DOWN... and I try but damn its not easy! But you make it sound less like stopping completely with your affable words, your eloquent encouragement is noted - thank you always, for all your gentle persuasion. 💛
Hoping there'll be plenty of gentle encouragement in Notes and comments, just a necessary break from the calls. A chance for the introvert in me to retreat for a wee while.
I’m so glad you are able to notice what you need and to effect the changes to facilitate it. Your encouragement meant so much to me at the beginning of this year and I will very much look forward to seeing you when you next appear in my feeds. Xx
Thank you, Vanessa … that’s a lovely thing to say. I shall be dipping in and out of Notes and hopefully writing some things too but creating the space to do so feels important right now. 💛
I always feel so relieved when people announce they're taking a break of sorts! This world we are living in - metrics and social media enticements - keeps us from taking a step back, which is just madness. It is one reason I like working in seasons. As much as I love compiling and write each season (and I absolutely do - it's good for my creative soul, too), knowing I have two months off from daily updates afterwards is sheer mental relief and balm. I can choose to continue engaging online if I want, but it becomes a distinct choice - not a commitment. In other news, did I see in one of your updates that you're both heading to Forres next year? We're only a peedie bit further north on the Black Isle - you should call in!
I was thinking of your seasonal approach and recalling that when I read ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May I did start to tune into dialling back for that season but I’ve let that thinking go for the past couple of years. Perhaps it is coming back to me. I think the intentionality behind your approach makes so much sense. I need to get myself out of a couple of online ‘bad habits’ during this period. I like Notes but at the moment the US election is sprawling all over my feed - helpfully, we have a week of decent weather here so I’ll spend more time outdoors putting the potager to bed for the winter.
And, yes, Forres is where I was born and so there’s a notion to cycle from Forres to Farm next year to mark a milestone. I’ve made a note that you’re up that way too! Plans are slowly emerging.
It is something I have really struggled with over the years, Constant Doing. It is a big part of who I am, so I have to actively make myself not participate, or to take a step back at times. And it is hard! I get so carried away, and excited about ideas - but also about people. I think I am getting closer to a healthier approach, now, but it remains a work in progress!
I know what you mean. In some ways, the Encouragement Sessions are a response to the same characteristic in me. But because it is mentoring, I don’t come away from the calls with a to do list - that’s someone else’s homework. I’ve got way better at to don’t lists than to do ones. And trying hard to think of of Humans Being, not Humans Doing. It’s hard though if we are the sort of folk who thrive amidst ideas and the folk putting them into practice.
It is exactly that - I think it is part of my natural wiring to thrive off those things, and it is so difficult to train myself not to get excited about each and every little thing! And it isn't a case of not finishing things (though it is sometimes - or at least taking very, very long pauses at times), it is just wanting to do so much. I think the idea of the Encouragement Sessions is amazing, though I imagine it takes a fair bit out of you at times (in the best possible way)!
This is so strange - the post I'm working on (and was due to send Friday but it didn't get finished in time) also ponders what the question "what do you do?". Anyway, hope you have some relaxing down time - just because we do things that we enjoy doesn't mean they don't generate feelings of stress from time to time.
Interested to read your take on a subject that pops into my consciousness every now and again. Finding 'purpose' feels like the heart of it for me; that, of course, is something we get to judge for ourselves not in the eyes of others.
Oh, I hear you, Barrie! Saying out loud that I am retired is a work in progress. As for all that booking of events and podcasts to prove I am not. I'm also moving into a space of retreat - well, once the latest round of talks and podcasts are over. Your post has given me much food for thought.
Thank you for the kind words ... it's always good to know we're not alone. 'Retired' has all the strange connotations of 'finished' ... and don't get me started on kids books that equate Grandpa to Spitfire pilots (you know who you are, David Walliams!). You deserve to retreat ... you have been a VERY busy writer. Bx
That would be a very interesting call to have. Some encouragement for the encourager. I’ve made a note in my Book of Encouragement to take you up on that, Brian.
I really admire that you have shared this. Listening in to what you need is so fundamental for overall wellbeing and to be able to continue to give as much as you do. Thank you for ALL of your continuing support. xx
I think I learned this from you, Trishy, during our conversations about only being able to help folk is we bring our best selves to the party. I’m a long way from being a trained practitioner but it is interesting to learn first hand about how much it takes to offer a listening ear and some upbeat and energetic vibes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Do take care and thank you for all the work you did and for the support you gave me. Your project has been inspiring and has meant much to me. Care now for yourself. 🙏🏻
A recharge is essential when you can accommodate one, especially when positive energy is your main gift and currency. I've never thought of you as retired, you seem more busy than many professionals that I know. Tell them you're a writer: it's at the heart of everything you do; even your encouraging is finding and shaping the words that people need to hear. Writing and thinking without those Asimov fingers!
As ever, Matt, you find generous and kind words to encourage the encourager … to encourage the writer, I mean. Much appreciated and I know I’ll come back to it with refreshed vigour.
indeed it is such a loaded question… thank you for taking the time to address this unsaid, but keenly felt conundrum … happy to know you are taking a break to recharge … your draft ideas all look super exciting. Have fun doing less Barrie. I know I am only one of many cheering you on from afar. You make the world more lovely and more magical.
Aw, thank you … it is easy to forget that putting myself wholeheartedly into conversations takes a cumulative toll … recharging is essential … and once recharged I’ll be back at it with gusto! Thank you for the kind words, Claire.
Rest and revive well, friend. See you on the other side. 🥂🥂
Sorry, just seeing this. Thank you. I’ll be pottering around Substack, just at my own pace. And taking a break from the one-to-ones will free up some energy for creativity.
How interesting! I've just come back from a break, albeit a forced one 😥 And I've got a full essay written called "Stop Asking People What They Do for Work" that is waiting to be edited and posted. Profitez de votre pause :)
Always a great feeling when a pause frees up the creativity. Have you published the essay yet?
For sure. And yes, it's the most recent one on my profile :)
Looking forward to your return. Rest well and refresh.
Thank you so much!
Enjoy the break Barrie, it is a very real and beneficial asset to our bodies to realise the time has come to take a step back and breathe a while, to take stock, slow the pace and ruminate over future plans/goals/projects/holidays, one I'm either unable or, more likely, unwilling to do for fear of seeing the chaos and debris in the wake of not having done so sooner! Top of my 'to do' list is always SLOW DOWN... and I try but damn its not easy! But you make it sound less like stopping completely with your affable words, your eloquent encouragement is noted - thank you always, for all your gentle persuasion. 💛
Hoping there'll be plenty of gentle encouragement in Notes and comments, just a necessary break from the calls. A chance for the introvert in me to retreat for a wee while.
To write some of your short stories and maybe publish your novel I hope!
Haha, the short stories, for sure!
Thanks for all you do and for just being your own generous self. Enjoy your break.
That’s so very kind, Meredith. Hope we get to chat in January.
I’m so glad you are able to notice what you need and to effect the changes to facilitate it. Your encouragement meant so much to me at the beginning of this year and I will very much look forward to seeing you when you next appear in my feeds. Xx
Thank you, Vanessa … that’s a lovely thing to say. I shall be dipping in and out of Notes and hopefully writing some things too but creating the space to do so feels important right now. 💛
I always feel so relieved when people announce they're taking a break of sorts! This world we are living in - metrics and social media enticements - keeps us from taking a step back, which is just madness. It is one reason I like working in seasons. As much as I love compiling and write each season (and I absolutely do - it's good for my creative soul, too), knowing I have two months off from daily updates afterwards is sheer mental relief and balm. I can choose to continue engaging online if I want, but it becomes a distinct choice - not a commitment. In other news, did I see in one of your updates that you're both heading to Forres next year? We're only a peedie bit further north on the Black Isle - you should call in!
I was thinking of your seasonal approach and recalling that when I read ‘Wintering’ by Katherine May I did start to tune into dialling back for that season but I’ve let that thinking go for the past couple of years. Perhaps it is coming back to me. I think the intentionality behind your approach makes so much sense. I need to get myself out of a couple of online ‘bad habits’ during this period. I like Notes but at the moment the US election is sprawling all over my feed - helpfully, we have a week of decent weather here so I’ll spend more time outdoors putting the potager to bed for the winter.
And, yes, Forres is where I was born and so there’s a notion to cycle from Forres to Farm next year to mark a milestone. I’ve made a note that you’re up that way too! Plans are slowly emerging.
It is something I have really struggled with over the years, Constant Doing. It is a big part of who I am, so I have to actively make myself not participate, or to take a step back at times. And it is hard! I get so carried away, and excited about ideas - but also about people. I think I am getting closer to a healthier approach, now, but it remains a work in progress!
I know what you mean. In some ways, the Encouragement Sessions are a response to the same characteristic in me. But because it is mentoring, I don’t come away from the calls with a to do list - that’s someone else’s homework. I’ve got way better at to don’t lists than to do ones. And trying hard to think of of Humans Being, not Humans Doing. It’s hard though if we are the sort of folk who thrive amidst ideas and the folk putting them into practice.
It is exactly that - I think it is part of my natural wiring to thrive off those things, and it is so difficult to train myself not to get excited about each and every little thing! And it isn't a case of not finishing things (though it is sometimes - or at least taking very, very long pauses at times), it is just wanting to do so much. I think the idea of the Encouragement Sessions is amazing, though I imagine it takes a fair bit out of you at times (in the best possible way)!
This is so strange - the post I'm working on (and was due to send Friday but it didn't get finished in time) also ponders what the question "what do you do?". Anyway, hope you have some relaxing down time - just because we do things that we enjoy doesn't mean they don't generate feelings of stress from time to time.
Interested to read your take on a subject that pops into my consciousness every now and again. Finding 'purpose' feels like the heart of it for me; that, of course, is something we get to judge for ourselves not in the eyes of others.
Oh, I hear you, Barrie! Saying out loud that I am retired is a work in progress. As for all that booking of events and podcasts to prove I am not. I'm also moving into a space of retreat - well, once the latest round of talks and podcasts are over. Your post has given me much food for thought.
Enjoy your break! Xx
Thank you for the kind words ... it's always good to know we're not alone. 'Retired' has all the strange connotations of 'finished' ... and don't get me started on kids books that equate Grandpa to Spitfire pilots (you know who you are, David Walliams!). You deserve to retreat ... you have been a VERY busy writer. Bx
Nice work and I always enjoy reading. Reach out for help if you want to talk podcasts.
That would be a very interesting call to have. Some encouragement for the encourager. I’ve made a note in my Book of Encouragement to take you up on that, Brian.
A well-deserved break. Thank you for all of the encouragement and positive energy you bring to Substack on a daily basis!
Aw, thank you, Jodi. Hoping to keep some of that going over the next couple of months. So much creativity to celebrate here. 💛
I really admire that you have shared this. Listening in to what you need is so fundamental for overall wellbeing and to be able to continue to give as much as you do. Thank you for ALL of your continuing support. xx
I think I learned this from you, Trishy, during our conversations about only being able to help folk is we bring our best selves to the party. I’m a long way from being a trained practitioner but it is interesting to learn first hand about how much it takes to offer a listening ear and some upbeat and energetic vibes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Do take care and thank you for all the work you did and for the support you gave me. Your project has been inspiring and has meant much to me. Care now for yourself. 🙏🏻
Aw, thank you so much, Mary. Your gift of words was much appreciated, truly a pebble in the pond. Onwards.
Indeed. What a lovely project. Rest and rejuvenate!
💛💛
Enjoy your respite! Fill your cup. Thanks for modeling self care so beautifully.
That’s very kind and such a lovely way of putting it. Thanks, Julie.
A recharge is essential when you can accommodate one, especially when positive energy is your main gift and currency. I've never thought of you as retired, you seem more busy than many professionals that I know. Tell them you're a writer: it's at the heart of everything you do; even your encouraging is finding and shaping the words that people need to hear. Writing and thinking without those Asimov fingers!
As ever, Matt, you find generous and kind words to encourage the encourager … to encourage the writer, I mean. Much appreciated and I know I’ll come back to it with refreshed vigour.