I'm coming at this from the other side, where I gave in and allowed myself to ask for what I really wanted. In February I heard about a sewing retreat called "A Gathering of Stitches." I live in CA and it takes place in Maine and it's a whole week. So beyond anything I've ever done. It looked like Heaven. So I asked. Thank a breast cancer surgery and a month of radiation to give me the courage to tell my husband I really wanted to go. It was a lot of money and a whole lot of logistics to figure out. He said I should go, even though it was a lot to ask for. I just came back from the retreat and it turned out to in fact be Heaven. It's changed my life. Ask for what you want. It's exactly what you need.
Sarai! I love this. Just yesterday, after getting my little fella to sleep I thought to myself, I'll read a bit of my book before bed after I fold the laundry and wash the dishes. But I KNEW that doing the dishes and folding laundry would be the whole of the evening. And I thought, honestly, I can do the dishes in the morning and fold laundry tomorrow. My best use of tonight is to relax and read! And I felt very little guilt. Also in my 40's, I've been thinking a lot about the "shoulds" and obligations and what impact they really have on my life. I have (and often still do) live in such fear that I'll fall behind if I don't vigilantly tend to all the things. And yet I fully believe that living joyfully and vibrantly is about the journey, having space and choosing from desire instead of lack. And so...what exactly are those "shoulds" adding to my life?
I love this. There was a Love to Sew épisode years ago about the Four Tendencies personality theory by Gretchen Rubin. It defines what motivates people to do things-outside pressures, internal pressures, questioners and rebels. I’m a rebel so I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to do what they want to do. :)
Can someone give me permission to actually LEARN the sewing things I want to do?? I have 2 anxious pups and I train with them every day but I still feel guilty when I want to do something in my work room but I need to be able to just sit down and LEARN. Also, if anyone has a good resource (again, learning) where to do a replacement zipper with corset and eyelets please direct me!! Having the time to just do that, I still feel I need permission!
Oh my gosh! I really need this. I have told my husband many times that I'm tired of being the responsible one. He tells me to stop, but that doesn't really work after 65 years of doing whatever other people want. I need to think on this for a bit. Thank you.
I'd like permission to be bored in order to find creative things to do, and not use that boredom for distraction. I'd like permission to sit down and write stories, to draw with watercolors, to meditate. I'd like permission to dance in the most ridiculous way possible, spinning until I almost pass out. I'd like permission to play in the sun and climb a tree, to cook a delicious meal just for myself and to not worry about the dishes until tomorrow. I'd like permission to cry because I'm hard on myself too often, not feeling like enough. I'd like permission to give myself permission, and take back my time and energy instead of giving it away to doom scrolling, tv, games, and movies. Thank you.
Permission to get a manicure. Just a stupid manicure. Why act like it’s an over indulgence! My childcare job with days in the chlorine has done a number on my hands!! They’re back in school and ahhhhh it would be lovely to get these fingers straightened up again!!
I'm coming at this from the other side, where I gave in and allowed myself to ask for what I really wanted. In February I heard about a sewing retreat called "A Gathering of Stitches." I live in CA and it takes place in Maine and it's a whole week. So beyond anything I've ever done. It looked like Heaven. So I asked. Thank a breast cancer surgery and a month of radiation to give me the courage to tell my husband I really wanted to go. It was a lot of money and a whole lot of logistics to figure out. He said I should go, even though it was a lot to ask for. I just came back from the retreat and it turned out to in fact be Heaven. It's changed my life. Ask for what you want. It's exactly what you need.
YES, Karen! I am so happy for you. And glad you shared your success story to inspire others.
Yay Karen! I love this story, you are an inspiration.
Sarai! I love this. Just yesterday, after getting my little fella to sleep I thought to myself, I'll read a bit of my book before bed after I fold the laundry and wash the dishes. But I KNEW that doing the dishes and folding laundry would be the whole of the evening. And I thought, honestly, I can do the dishes in the morning and fold laundry tomorrow. My best use of tonight is to relax and read! And I felt very little guilt. Also in my 40's, I've been thinking a lot about the "shoulds" and obligations and what impact they really have on my life. I have (and often still do) live in such fear that I'll fall behind if I don't vigilantly tend to all the things. And yet I fully believe that living joyfully and vibrantly is about the journey, having space and choosing from desire instead of lack. And so...what exactly are those "shoulds" adding to my life?
Totally agree, Tina! It's one thing to "know" that you need to enjoy your life, and it's another to put it into practice moment by moment.
I love this. There was a Love to Sew épisode years ago about the Four Tendencies personality theory by Gretchen Rubin. It defines what motivates people to do things-outside pressures, internal pressures, questioners and rebels. I’m a rebel so I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to do what they want to do. :)
I've heard of this, but need to read about it more. Thanks Beth!
Can someone give me permission to actually LEARN the sewing things I want to do?? I have 2 anxious pups and I train with them every day but I still feel guilty when I want to do something in my work room but I need to be able to just sit down and LEARN. Also, if anyone has a good resource (again, learning) where to do a replacement zipper with corset and eyelets please direct me!! Having the time to just do that, I still feel I need permission!
Permission granted!
Oh my gosh! I really need this. I have told my husband many times that I'm tired of being the responsible one. He tells me to stop, but that doesn't really work after 65 years of doing whatever other people want. I need to think on this for a bit. Thank you.
I'd like permission to be bored in order to find creative things to do, and not use that boredom for distraction. I'd like permission to sit down and write stories, to draw with watercolors, to meditate. I'd like permission to dance in the most ridiculous way possible, spinning until I almost pass out. I'd like permission to play in the sun and climb a tree, to cook a delicious meal just for myself and to not worry about the dishes until tomorrow. I'd like permission to cry because I'm hard on myself too often, not feeling like enough. I'd like permission to give myself permission, and take back my time and energy instead of giving it away to doom scrolling, tv, games, and movies. Thank you.
Erick,
I’d give you permission!! I resonate with being too hard on yourself and not feeling like you’re enough. YOU ARE! Go do all the fun things!!
Permission granted! Go for it, Erick.
Permission to get a manicure. Just a stupid manicure. Why act like it’s an over indulgence! My childcare job with days in the chlorine has done a number on my hands!! They’re back in school and ahhhhh it would be lovely to get these fingers straightened up again!!
Permission granted! Enjoy your refreshed nails!