Thank you for making this subject a matter of introspection. Too often I read 'rants' from frustrated women who are endlessly seeking to blame culture, society, men....you name it.... for what they perceive as their own shortcomings. That is always the non-productive-easy-way-out. It is much more challenging to look yourself in the eye (in a mirror), and say "How or what can I do, yes just me, to begin the process of learning that I am enough?"
I see it from a “yes, and…” perspective, I guess. I do think our environment is toxic in many ways, but I still need to find the right actions to take to help myself and others.
I am a fellow sewist and I’ve been following you via Collette patterns since you released your 3rd pattern I believe! Then your continued journey via this substack. Though we have never met, I almost feel like you are a friend of mine! We have so much in common. This essay resonated with me to the core. I’m certain I deal with the exact same issues you described. I also have four children who I homeschool; imagine the issues that would arise for an ambitious, list-making, over achieving (insecure) mama in this setting!!!! After reading this article, which resonated with me TO THE CORE, I realized the reason why I’ve always liked sewing is because the practice forces me to slow down and enjoy the moment.
All this to say, thank you. Thank you so much for sharing this. Already, after one day of attempting to practice what you described… I am feeling a huge difference. Your words have helped me so much. Thank you!
Sophie, that is amazing! It’s so cool to hear that you’ve been following along for such a long time. I’m really glad this resonated with you, especially as someone with responsibility for four little ones.
This is a really difficult practice for me, but I’ve decided that I am going to commit to it for the rest of my life, even if I often fail.
Great article. I am constantly rushed - running around and running late. I keep trying to cut out committments but more creep in. This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing.
As a chronic list maker and over committer (and eldest daughter over achiever) I also always crave the slow down but struggle because there’s “so much to do and so little time”
I love this approach though, and find I have certain tasks that I easily sink in to and enjoy the process of. Thank you for sharing this, I enjoyed reading your experience and perspective.
What’s been interesting to me is how many daily tasks can be quite enjoyable if you just let them be. When they’re not overlaid with a bunch of thoughts like, “this is a chore”, or “I have to do this” you can actually notice what’s nice about them. (Of course with the caveat that you are not in an actual survival situation).
Thanks Sarai! I have been contemplating a similar post. I have the same “issues” as you and I’ve been trying various things to quiet my brain over the past month.
The biggest thing for me has been treating it as a never-ending spiritual practice instead of a “should”. That really helped me to take it seriously as an ongoing discipline.
Thank you for making this subject a matter of introspection. Too often I read 'rants' from frustrated women who are endlessly seeking to blame culture, society, men....you name it.... for what they perceive as their own shortcomings. That is always the non-productive-easy-way-out. It is much more challenging to look yourself in the eye (in a mirror), and say "How or what can I do, yes just me, to begin the process of learning that I am enough?"
I see it from a “yes, and…” perspective, I guess. I do think our environment is toxic in many ways, but I still need to find the right actions to take to help myself and others.
I am a fellow sewist and I’ve been following you via Collette patterns since you released your 3rd pattern I believe! Then your continued journey via this substack. Though we have never met, I almost feel like you are a friend of mine! We have so much in common. This essay resonated with me to the core. I’m certain I deal with the exact same issues you described. I also have four children who I homeschool; imagine the issues that would arise for an ambitious, list-making, over achieving (insecure) mama in this setting!!!! After reading this article, which resonated with me TO THE CORE, I realized the reason why I’ve always liked sewing is because the practice forces me to slow down and enjoy the moment.
All this to say, thank you. Thank you so much for sharing this. Already, after one day of attempting to practice what you described… I am feeling a huge difference. Your words have helped me so much. Thank you!
Yours truly,
A Friend From Afar
Sophie, that is amazing! It’s so cool to hear that you’ve been following along for such a long time. I’m really glad this resonated with you, especially as someone with responsibility for four little ones.
This is a really difficult practice for me, but I’ve decided that I am going to commit to it for the rest of my life, even if I often fail.
Great article. I am constantly rushed - running around and running late. I keep trying to cut out committments but more creep in. This is so helpful. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad it helped you, fellow rusher!
As a chronic list maker and over committer (and eldest daughter over achiever) I also always crave the slow down but struggle because there’s “so much to do and so little time”
I love this approach though, and find I have certain tasks that I easily sink in to and enjoy the process of. Thank you for sharing this, I enjoyed reading your experience and perspective.
What’s been interesting to me is how many daily tasks can be quite enjoyable if you just let them be. When they’re not overlaid with a bunch of thoughts like, “this is a chore”, or “I have to do this” you can actually notice what’s nice about them. (Of course with the caveat that you are not in an actual survival situation).
I love this Sarai. Simple and true. Aspirational and practical. Good.
Thanks, Susan… that’s nice to hear!
Great reframe. Focusing attention on what we enjoy and what do be doing, not just trying to stop the bad habits.
Thanks Sarai! I have been contemplating a similar post. I have the same “issues” as you and I’ve been trying various things to quiet my brain over the past month.
The biggest thing for me has been treating it as a never-ending spiritual practice instead of a “should”. That really helped me to take it seriously as an ongoing discipline.