We can find our inner compass in remaining still. Stillness in observing from moment to moment and breathing. Stillness in taking a breath and being aware of it. That may sound somewhat poetic but time teaches this. So much of your writing circles back to your upbringing and that is your journey. You recognize it. What I've learned is walking in the woods has allowed me to be still and to listen to my inner voice and develop a compass and to feel the earth under my feet.
So deeply relatable. For me, part of it also comes from growing up instilled with the idea that “if you do all these things you’re supposed to do, you will succeed.” And, of course (unfortunately), I’ve found that it’s just not the case. It’s hard to break free from that idea; it’s hard to not fall into thought spirals, trying to find what you did wrong to not end up where you were “supposed to” after doing everything you “should have.” It’s perpetuated in the work force, where I’ve always heard that I just need to stick it out a few more years to reach a point of stability. Meanwhile, my colleagues are still “sticking it out” 10+ years after they first got their positions. I’ve been dealing with a lot of ups and downs regarding my decisions, specifically with work, lately. So I feel you! Some days, I feel confident and strong, creative and hopeful. Other days (like today haha), I feel like it’s impossible to get out of this situation.
Thank you for this, Cassandra! I know how hard it is to share these feelings especially in a public forum. I completely get what you mean about the ups and downs. That type of signaling can be disorienting and emotionally confusing. Often this shows that things are too chaotic for us to have the space we need to reflect and hear what we really think and feel.
I have been reading a lot more about dialectical thinking and how two opposing things can co-exist. You can both feel excited and at the same time experience grief over the things we might be letting go of in the process.
I struggle with the work aspect especially! Let me know if you ever want to chat. I’ll here to support!
We can find our inner compass in remaining still. Stillness in observing from moment to moment and breathing. Stillness in taking a breath and being aware of it. That may sound somewhat poetic but time teaches this. So much of your writing circles back to your upbringing and that is your journey. You recognize it. What I've learned is walking in the woods has allowed me to be still and to listen to my inner voice and develop a compass and to feel the earth under my feet.
It’s so important to spend time in nature. It helps us be present and observe what we see, feel, hear, smell, taste. It helps us listen to ourselves.
You are on the right track. Just keep finding a little time for yourself. There's a time for everything, Olga.
Thank you!
So deeply relatable. For me, part of it also comes from growing up instilled with the idea that “if you do all these things you’re supposed to do, you will succeed.” And, of course (unfortunately), I’ve found that it’s just not the case. It’s hard to break free from that idea; it’s hard to not fall into thought spirals, trying to find what you did wrong to not end up where you were “supposed to” after doing everything you “should have.” It’s perpetuated in the work force, where I’ve always heard that I just need to stick it out a few more years to reach a point of stability. Meanwhile, my colleagues are still “sticking it out” 10+ years after they first got their positions. I’ve been dealing with a lot of ups and downs regarding my decisions, specifically with work, lately. So I feel you! Some days, I feel confident and strong, creative and hopeful. Other days (like today haha), I feel like it’s impossible to get out of this situation.
Thank you for this, Cassandra! I know how hard it is to share these feelings especially in a public forum. I completely get what you mean about the ups and downs. That type of signaling can be disorienting and emotionally confusing. Often this shows that things are too chaotic for us to have the space we need to reflect and hear what we really think and feel.
I have been reading a lot more about dialectical thinking and how two opposing things can co-exist. You can both feel excited and at the same time experience grief over the things we might be letting go of in the process.
I struggle with the work aspect especially! Let me know if you ever want to chat. I’ll here to support!
💚💚💚 your point about dialectical thinking is spot on. Been really enjoying reading your work! Always relatable and thoughtful