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3musesmerge's avatar

A note from LoveLetterist:

Fresh starts

which can happen at any time

but trend in January

are filled with possibilities.

What stays?

What goes?

Freedom to choose is...

difficult

and

precious.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Yes, it truly is difficult and precious. Thank you for this reminder, Gail.

The quote by Marcus Aurelius stands out to me again in 2024, “Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts.” Perhaps this relates to our choices too.

Onward! :)

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3musesmerge's avatar

Onward! :)

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Gary Spangler's avatar

I read another Substack writer’s thoughts on resolutions to start a new year. Which often quickly dwindle then disappear! And she in part rhetorically asks what we are calling attention to and how we hope the world sees us. I think you’d agree that such resolutions should be important to ourselves. Not a display for the world!

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3musesmerge's avatar

I do agree.

I wrote out two of my aspirations yesterday.

In answer to the question:

What will not achieving this goal cost you?

My reply:

personal growth

the joy of play

I continue to operate on the faith I set as an intention in 2023.

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Robert Boyle's avatar

I’ve seemingly always enjoyed the framework or mindset of a year ending and a new beginning.

Like many others I’d also had a mixed experience with resolutions. Some would stick (often if I started before new years) but most often I’d make a long term commitment in the mindset of a new beginning but it wouldn’t stick (except for the recurring costs.)

“Which often quickly dwindle then disappear!”

Where I have had “success” is reframing the above quoted experience of so many.

I liken the new year (specifically the first quarter) as a fleeting time to sprint. It is SUPPOSED to be short term, max dedication. A launch itself not a journey to Mars.

What that now looks like for us revolves around a “financial fast” -- cancel subscriptions, cut way back on everything, do the entire years retirement investment with paychecks from first quarter etc.

What I find with the “fasting” idea is it causes a shift in mindset that also means even though I’m not targeting it -- I also read more, eat better quality, feel better, sleep more and exercise (mild consistent.)

Seems that it also results in more participation in substack!

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3musesmerge's avatar

Hmmm... I like thinking of the first quarter as a launch. Perhaps that's because that's how I'm approaching a few new projects in 2024. Whether or not they turn into ongoing quests... time will tell. Taking them on with enthusiasm at this point!

The fasting idea is fascinating. I have been unsubscribing (a lot!) and weighing the value of my weekly commitments.

Appreciate your presence and your thoughts!

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Gary Spangler's avatar

Thanks Robert for sharing both your view of a New Year, resolutions and all, and choices that nourish your life.

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Gary Spangler's avatar

A remotely associated observation: I believe reading a single post, yours in this instance, allows the chance to form an integrated view of the whole. Allowing one to absorb the details and comment on possible interrelationships.

And??? I reviewed about a month’s wort of 3MM posts/LoveLetters and saw a couple things: many of your chosen titles are single words. Occasionally two words. And much less frequently six or so. To me the use of single word titles grabs the reader’s attention, possibly suggesting more than one focus of your writing. Asking the reader to dig in and find out.

The other was so enjoyable, as the connected chronology shows the wondering of the Muses. Maturation. Skill acquisition. An ever growing sense of community inside the studio and out. Becoming role models for all kinds of kinds. Meeting important folks in your life, of which there are many.

That came from a very quick review, suggesting careless conclusions and a lack of thoroughness. Nonetheless I’ll keep reading and dishing up postulates. 🤷🏽🤗

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3musesmerge's avatar

Hmmm… 🤔

Thank you for your thought nudging comment. I’m lighted to hear that you are seeing/sensing integration and growth.

Our goal here at 3mm in large part is to encourage others to think… for themselves. If we can be a catalyst for thinking and a nudge for exploration we’ve reached the target we aim for.

I often think of the box and letter the muses snuck into my kitchen all those years ago. 🤭 The letter said, “By all means, write for yourself, but — your published work must be written for an audience. Words and stories are among the most powerful weapons ever created. They can fight for good or bad. Use theme wisely with good intent.”

Interesting observation about our titles. I hadn’t noticed!

Postulated appreciated. 👍🏻

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