12 Comments
User's avatar
Carl Vonderau's avatar

Good for you, Tracey. Sometimes I too forget about not speaking to the world, but listening to the world speak to me. I'm in a class preventing diabetes and the instructor said that when people take a walk, they should not do anything but look for a moment of awe. Good advice I havent' taken yet. Sounds like youre' getting there.

Tracey S. Phillips's avatar

It is good advice Carl. Being outside is healing in ways we can't comprehend. Stay well.

Margaret Mizushima's avatar

I'm glad to hear from you and keep in touch this way. Your intuition is fascinating and your journey toward taking care and healing sounds like a good pathway to take. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Love and prayers to you 🙏💕

Tracey S. Phillips's avatar

Thank you Margaret. Love to you too.🩷💕🩷

CHRISTINE DESMET's avatar

I'm so glad you're finding what works for you. I've always been amazed at how much you do for yourself and for the Blackbird group of writers you run. I couldn't do it all. I don't want to do all that, as you point out. We all need time for those walks in nature, and doing anything else that helps us breathe and smile. If you're smiling a lot to yourself, you're probably doing a lot of things right, in my opinion. Thank you for all you do for me and other writers.

Tracey S. Phillips's avatar

Aww, Thank you Christine. I mostly keep busy so I don't wallow. It's a trap I could easily fall into, so I keep moving. 💕🐦‍⬛

Saralyn Richard's avatar

You are already gaining the wisdom that comes from introspection. I'm so glad you're allowing all these thoughts and experiences into your life. If you haven't read https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Year_of_Magical_Thinking you might put it on your list. Also A Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg. Your post reminds me of these exceptional books.

Joni Hubred's avatar

Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is less - you're smart to choose a life that fits with what you need, instead of trying to fit what you need around your life!

Laurie Buchanan's avatar

There is great wisdom in your words and in the actions you choose to take and avoid, Tracey. I applaud you.

Valerie Biel's avatar

Oh, I need this kind of approach so much . . . after being away from my desk for a few weeks, I'm slowly sliding back into things/work, but taking time to contemplate what that work load feels like. :) Go-go-go has been my mantra and that can be a good thing or perhaps not for different seasons of our lives.

Chris Rhodes's avatar

Nice article, with points very a propos.

Sherrill Joseph's avatar

Tracey, I am proud of you for taking a stand to be more and do less. There used to be a saying: "Stop the world! I want to get off." As you said, there are too many supposed gurus trying to tell us to write more, market more, show up more. It's a vicious circle. I'm off the merry-go-round and enjoying life now. And I thoroughly enjoy your reflective posts. Keep them coming--but at your pace!