I changed my mind. Part One
One of the best things about post- cult life is that I get to exercise my ‘freedom of mind’ muscles and change my mind when I need or want to. Today, I’m aware that this change may appear contradictory or unprofessional - and I feel vulnerable doing it - but that's not stopping me.
I returned from the ICSA conference in Barcelona, brimming with new connections, exciting ideas and so much I want to share with you. I also returned to the sweetness of my daughter and three-year-old grandson living with us for six weeks! A home full of family and a summer calendar splattered with travel, started arguing with my work calendar. After a few days, I sat myself down and had a reckoning. When I changed my mind and my calendar, my breathing settled. 😌
Over the next six weeks, I will ONLY offer Writing to Reckon and Writer’s Space on the dates listed below. Although I'll still write my weekly newsletters, I will otherwise be care-filled with my time between now and September 1st.
Last week, Hurricane Beryl brought flooding across Vermont, on the anniversary of last year's cataclysmic flood. Two men - one 33 years, the other 73, lost their lives to the raging waters. The sobering reality of climate change and its direct hit on the land and people I love, gives me pause. This, combined with the escalating complexity of national and global concerns, threatened to overwhelm me.
My remedy is radical self care and staying close to home, even when I drive to Maine, New York and New Jersey this summer. Home, as we know from last week, is within. The rest of summer, I will keep my family within arms reach - savoring nightly snuggles, rich conversations, cooking for my mom, building sand castles, writing, and singing.
Green River Reservoir State Park is a jewel that is in our backyard. It offers quiet waters (no motor boats), remote camping and a sense of peacefulness that I cherish. Paddling a canoe 🛶 is my place of deep contentment. Tomorrow I paddle out in the quiet wild for a few days with friends and family. I am a happy camper.
Before signing off, I had hoped to give you the gift of a song but after many attempts, I've learned that I can't share a .mp4 file here. It's a song that sprang from last week's flood waters through songstress Heidi Wilson after her small town of Plainfield was brought to its knees by Beryl. You can read her first hand account here.
How will YOU care for yourself this summer? Hit reply to tell me and I'll send you the audio file. Listen to it and if you're like me, you'll linger in it's balm at this tender time.
