A number of years ago a friend told me about a book she was reading.
My curiosity piqued, I ordered a copy for myself.
So often we step into the unknown and are changed in delightful ways.
Bring Me the Rhinoceros... and other zen koans that will save your life -- was that for me.
"If you are used to living in a small room and suddenly discover a wide meadow, you might feel unsafe. Everyone thinks they want happiness, but they might not. They might rather keep their stories about who they are and about what is impossible."
~John Tarrant
This passage from page 3 of the introduction is underlined with red colored pencil in my paperback.
It helps me to remember that writing my way past fear... is my responsibility.
I think we all want happiness, but sometimes it takes work to achieve it--acknowledging and pushing through fear, letting go, speaking up, change. I'm glad you're not letting fear hold you back, Gail.
If Rayelle is the “pace car” for this climb, “legs look out” might be what comes to mind for me!
I began serious backpacking in 1976. Mountaineering boots then were comprised of hard, thick, chrome tanned leather. Outsoles were tank-grade Vibram lug composition. Interiors? All leather and no cushy (crushy) foot beds. All to maintain their shape even after crossing streams!
Annndd? Every morning when donning the boots, I’d set my foot by forcefully striking a hard surface with the heel of the boot. The beginning point of the 303 step climb. After getting started on that day’s trek, stopping and resetting my heel was required to further reduce any sloppiness in the fit to avoid blisters. Even with moleskin on the heels of both feet. (The 1/4 point platform for “resting and viewing”)
I share that old methodology to echo the progression of skill acquisition you’ve modeled for your readers over the years. Finding the right boot. Testing the fit with initial steps. Not being afraid to return and swap out the first pair. Incorporating your new boots into your daily journeys. Not attempting ”War and Peace” the next day after getting your boots. 🥾 📖
If you think of it LoveLetterist (Nia jots a reminder note), share the sights and sounds from the several observation
landings on this climb.
P.S. Let us know if Rayelle’s “uptempo” (kick arse) music was beneficial!
A note from LoveLetterist:
A number of years ago a friend told me about a book she was reading.
My curiosity piqued, I ordered a copy for myself.
So often we step into the unknown and are changed in delightful ways.
Bring Me the Rhinoceros... and other zen koans that will save your life -- was that for me.
"If you are used to living in a small room and suddenly discover a wide meadow, you might feel unsafe. Everyone thinks they want happiness, but they might not. They might rather keep their stories about who they are and about what is impossible."
~John Tarrant
This passage from page 3 of the introduction is underlined with red colored pencil in my paperback.
It helps me to remember that writing my way past fear... is my responsibility.
I think we all want happiness, but sometimes it takes work to achieve it--acknowledging and pushing through fear, letting go, speaking up, change. I'm glad you're not letting fear hold you back, Gail.
Thank you for your comment Karen. I’m aware you have been pushing through fear too and am grateful to share our experiences.
For anybody curious about Karen’s journey of Growth…
Check out her memoir Growth: A mother, her son, and the brain tumor they survived
Available on Amazon
Aw, thank you, Gail!
If Rayelle is the “pace car” for this climb, “legs look out” might be what comes to mind for me!
I began serious backpacking in 1976. Mountaineering boots then were comprised of hard, thick, chrome tanned leather. Outsoles were tank-grade Vibram lug composition. Interiors? All leather and no cushy (crushy) foot beds. All to maintain their shape even after crossing streams!
Annndd? Every morning when donning the boots, I’d set my foot by forcefully striking a hard surface with the heel of the boot. The beginning point of the 303 step climb. After getting started on that day’s trek, stopping and resetting my heel was required to further reduce any sloppiness in the fit to avoid blisters. Even with moleskin on the heels of both feet. (The 1/4 point platform for “resting and viewing”)
I share that old methodology to echo the progression of skill acquisition you’ve modeled for your readers over the years. Finding the right boot. Testing the fit with initial steps. Not being afraid to return and swap out the first pair. Incorporating your new boots into your daily journeys. Not attempting ”War and Peace” the next day after getting your boots. 🥾 📖
If you think of it LoveLetterist (Nia jots a reminder note), share the sights and sounds from the several observation
landings on this climb.
P.S. Let us know if Rayelle’s “uptempo” (kick arse) music was beneficial!
Spotify sent me a 2023 recap. My “confidence playlist” was “most listened to”.
I offer hearty YES regarding the benefit of the playlist. Affirmations of my worth streamed through my air pods!
It is great fun to look back upon the chapters of my life with eyes that can see dots connecting. 😁
Sometimes I moved faster than others. 😂
2024 promise to be filled with new adventures — never the same woman, in an ever changing river.
One part of life we can count on is change. Our chosen responses make all the difference! Happy 2024!