Thank you for sharing a piece of your story. It’s not always easy to do but sharing is medicine for the soul. I too lost my Dad at a very similar age to you. Losing a parent at a young age is life changing. Someone once asked how I was coping: “Well I don’t have much choice really”. Their response was beautiful: “You do. You can either crumble or carry on. You chose to carry on”. I don’t necessarily like the notion and the wording of carrying on but I understand the sentiment. I think we both decided to carry on and with that adjust our way of living. Life is too precious not to be living slowly 🙏🏻
Thank you Jess, I feel that so much. And yes, life is far too precious not to be living slowly, that is a truly wonderful way to put it. I really appreciate your kind words and while I was so so nervous to post this one, I am so glad I did - especially being able to connect with people like you.
‘I was an introvert desperately trying to present as an extrovert to fit in’. Wow. This is 100% me. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderfully insightful post. It is given me so much to think about. I’m almost 50 and I am desperate to make some changes in my life and I think your philosophy could well be mine too.
Thank you Lisa! I am so glad you resonated with this. Being an introvert in an extroverts world is hard, but you know... I love my introversion now, and I have been learning to accept it more and more, and in doing so I can feel the weight of expectation lifting. I really hope we can share this philosophy together, it really is wonderful. Very happy to connect with you.
Thank you so much. I am so pleased you liked them! The books are so worth reading! (I haven't read The Midnight Library yet - but I've heard only good things!) I really hope you enjoy exploring the prompts.
This is a really beautiful text, thank you for sharing it💕
I started my journey of healing, self-discovery and growth almost four years ago and I agree that it's amazing to see how far I've come in hindsight and how much I have changed even though it wasn't easy at all, more like three of the four years have been the hardest to date, but that's why I'm incredibly proud of the growth I can see in myself now.
It's incredibly brave of you to share your journey with us and I'm really happy that there is someone here who talks about this life's journey and encourages other people to discover themselves as well!
Continue shining your light and I'm happy I you are here🌟
Thank you Nika ... That means a lot to me. 🙏 It's a long and difficult process but it's so worth it. I can see year on year how I'm progressing and getting closer to understanding myself and where I am now. Thank you for sharing too, it's truly lovely to have a community of people sharing and being vulnerable, none of us are alone and it's a beautiful reminder of that. 💕
I agree! I feel more at ease with commenting on posts and sharing, because there are so many other people here who make me feel at ease doing these things and who reciprocate these actions. I'm happy to be a part of this community with amazing and wonderful writers like you!^^
Thank you for sharing. Many things resonated with me and what I have been going through. I am social introvert, if that’s possible... growing up in Brazil, where social life has no boundaries whatsoever let me to believe that I was and anti-social... that perhaps I liked to be out in the world but didn’t know how to go about. It is very much the opposite.
I think many wishes for the calm and stillness but many aren’t even aware of their deep needs... not their fault though, we are constantly told what we need and when we need it - yesterday, that’d be, it should have happened already - they say.
I have found that I am a person of many interests... but I like to take my time with each of them... and rushing me throws me off.
As I learn to slow down (I have created a slow-paced online fitness program) I find myself readapting to common things such as work, exercising, eating... and then, being creative with it. More than ever.
Thank you so much for sharing this Fernanda - honestly, it is so nice to connect. I used to hide my introversion, but now I feel so proud of it! I think you are so right - once you are aware and get to know your deep needs, your inner peace grows stronger and then I think slowing down feels like the most nourishing way. I love that you have created a slow placed online fitness program, and I love the rediscovery and readapting to 'life' under the guidance of slow living!
Loved reading more about your personal journey Emily, I see lots of myself in you! Also love the prompts and the recommendations - I might read the midnight library next as I’ve been meaning to for ages!
Thank you Hannah. I hope the prompts and recommendations inspire you too! I can't wait to start The Midnight Library - I am sure it will live up to this hype!
That one really hits hard. I think a lot of us live a splintered life like this. I certainly did for MANY years. I had an outside persona and an inside reality.
This was beautifully written and I love that you're being very mindful of your journey.
Thank you Kristi- it was something I struggled with a lot, (and still do sometimes!). When the real you gets so tiny that you don't know yourself anymore... I've definitely been taking the time to get to know myself better the last couple of years.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
Always enjoyable to read your Slow Sunday Letter... like having a big sister sharing her life that comforts me. You're like a warm cuppa :) bless your heart.
Oh Leah, thank you so much. That means so much to me. To be helpful or inspiring in any small way is always my hope and wish above all else, so this has made me so happy (particularly as I was so nervous about this one!)
It’s the January read (and there have been very many) that’s made me order a Journal to collate the numerous nuggets I would benefit from having to hand. The authenticity in your words is blinding, in a good way!
Gosh, what a lovely thing to say- that is one for my journal too ! Thank you so much.
I think that is a wonderful idea, a journal to collect all the inspiring stories and quotes from the many inspiring authors and writers here on Substack and beyond. I may just do that too!
“my tried and tested method of aligning myself with big personalities for friends and hiding behind them” - can absolutely relate! I can also relate to being lost in my twenties. It felt like I was on a conveyer belt....I was moving....just didn’t know where they heck I was going!
Thank you so much. It does feel like that doesn't it? The world moving fast around us! I am so glad you resonated with some of this. Thank you for your support as always!
Thank you so much. I hoped the journal prompts would be expansive and accessible to everyone no matter if they journal often or not. The Alchemist is a wonderful read, do let me know how you get on!
I am so glad you resonated with this post, it really means so much to me - especially as this was such a vulnerable post to share.
Thank you Tracy, I cant tell you how much that means to me. I am so glad I took a deep breath and hit publish. Thank you for being so kind and generous.
Thank you for sharing a piece of your story. It’s not always easy to do but sharing is medicine for the soul. I too lost my Dad at a very similar age to you. Losing a parent at a young age is life changing. Someone once asked how I was coping: “Well I don’t have much choice really”. Their response was beautiful: “You do. You can either crumble or carry on. You chose to carry on”. I don’t necessarily like the notion and the wording of carrying on but I understand the sentiment. I think we both decided to carry on and with that adjust our way of living. Life is too precious not to be living slowly 🙏🏻
Thank you Jess, I feel that so much. And yes, life is far too precious not to be living slowly, that is a truly wonderful way to put it. I really appreciate your kind words and while I was so so nervous to post this one, I am so glad I did - especially being able to connect with people like you.
Thanks for these book recommendations!
You are so welcome! I hope you read some (or all!) Enjoy!
‘I was an introvert desperately trying to present as an extrovert to fit in’. Wow. This is 100% me. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderfully insightful post. It is given me so much to think about. I’m almost 50 and I am desperate to make some changes in my life and I think your philosophy could well be mine too.
Thank you Lisa! I am so glad you resonated with this. Being an introvert in an extroverts world is hard, but you know... I love my introversion now, and I have been learning to accept it more and more, and in doing so I can feel the weight of expectation lifting. I really hope we can share this philosophy together, it really is wonderful. Very happy to connect with you.
Such wonderful quotes you have added Emily. I haven’t read any of those books so will add them to the ever growing list!
Thankyou for the prompts too they will be useful to explore.
Great piece of writing 😊
Thank you so much. I am so pleased you liked them! The books are so worth reading! (I haven't read The Midnight Library yet - but I've heard only good things!) I really hope you enjoy exploring the prompts.
This is a really beautiful text, thank you for sharing it💕
I started my journey of healing, self-discovery and growth almost four years ago and I agree that it's amazing to see how far I've come in hindsight and how much I have changed even though it wasn't easy at all, more like three of the four years have been the hardest to date, but that's why I'm incredibly proud of the growth I can see in myself now.
It's incredibly brave of you to share your journey with us and I'm really happy that there is someone here who talks about this life's journey and encourages other people to discover themselves as well!
Continue shining your light and I'm happy I you are here🌟
Thank you Nika ... That means a lot to me. 🙏 It's a long and difficult process but it's so worth it. I can see year on year how I'm progressing and getting closer to understanding myself and where I am now. Thank you for sharing too, it's truly lovely to have a community of people sharing and being vulnerable, none of us are alone and it's a beautiful reminder of that. 💕
I agree! I feel more at ease with commenting on posts and sharing, because there are so many other people here who make me feel at ease doing these things and who reciprocate these actions. I'm happy to be a part of this community with amazing and wonderful writers like you!^^
Thank you for sharing. Many things resonated with me and what I have been going through. I am social introvert, if that’s possible... growing up in Brazil, where social life has no boundaries whatsoever let me to believe that I was and anti-social... that perhaps I liked to be out in the world but didn’t know how to go about. It is very much the opposite.
I think many wishes for the calm and stillness but many aren’t even aware of their deep needs... not their fault though, we are constantly told what we need and when we need it - yesterday, that’d be, it should have happened already - they say.
I have found that I am a person of many interests... but I like to take my time with each of them... and rushing me throws me off.
As I learn to slow down (I have created a slow-paced online fitness program) I find myself readapting to common things such as work, exercising, eating... and then, being creative with it. More than ever.
Thank you so much for sharing this Fernanda - honestly, it is so nice to connect. I used to hide my introversion, but now I feel so proud of it! I think you are so right - once you are aware and get to know your deep needs, your inner peace grows stronger and then I think slowing down feels like the most nourishing way. I love that you have created a slow placed online fitness program, and I love the rediscovery and readapting to 'life' under the guidance of slow living!
Loved reading more about your personal journey Emily, I see lots of myself in you! Also love the prompts and the recommendations - I might read the midnight library next as I’ve been meaning to for ages!
Thank you Hannah. I hope the prompts and recommendations inspire you too! I can't wait to start The Midnight Library - I am sure it will live up to this hype!
You’d relate well to the book “Quiet” by Susan Cain
Oh thank you so much for the recommendation, I've never read it !
This line: "I splintered into two Emily's...."
That one really hits hard. I think a lot of us live a splintered life like this. I certainly did for MANY years. I had an outside persona and an inside reality.
This was beautifully written and I love that you're being very mindful of your journey.
Thank you Kristi- it was something I struggled with a lot, (and still do sometimes!). When the real you gets so tiny that you don't know yourself anymore... I've definitely been taking the time to get to know myself better the last couple of years.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
Always enjoyable to read your Slow Sunday Letter... like having a big sister sharing her life that comforts me. You're like a warm cuppa :) bless your heart.
Well, you've made my day! That is such a kind sentiment, and I am over the moon that's how my writing is reaching you. Thank you so much
Love love LOVE this. Love the raw honesty and hope in this piece. Every week your words inspire me, and they will continue to do so always! 🥰
Thank you Ashley - that means so much- and thank you for your constant love and support! I am so lucky to have you in my life!
Ah, this is my ‘read of the week’, so affirming and insightful and down right helpful. Thank you so very much x
Oh Leah, thank you so much. That means so much to me. To be helpful or inspiring in any small way is always my hope and wish above all else, so this has made me so happy (particularly as I was so nervous about this one!)
It’s the January read (and there have been very many) that’s made me order a Journal to collate the numerous nuggets I would benefit from having to hand. The authenticity in your words is blinding, in a good way!
Gosh, what a lovely thing to say- that is one for my journal too ! Thank you so much.
I think that is a wonderful idea, a journal to collect all the inspiring stories and quotes from the many inspiring authors and writers here on Substack and beyond. I may just do that too!
“my tried and tested method of aligning myself with big personalities for friends and hiding behind them” - can absolutely relate! I can also relate to being lost in my twenties. It felt like I was on a conveyer belt....I was moving....just didn’t know where they heck I was going!
Beautifully written as always Emily. 💕
Thank you so much. It does feel like that doesn't it? The world moving fast around us! I am so glad you resonated with some of this. Thank you for your support as always!
This is a beautiful read Emily, I see myself in much of what you wrote.
I love the journal prompts and book recommendations. The Alchemist is on my to read list.
Truly inspirational, thank you for sharing :)
Thank you so much. I hoped the journal prompts would be expansive and accessible to everyone no matter if they journal often or not. The Alchemist is a wonderful read, do let me know how you get on!
I am so glad you resonated with this post, it really means so much to me - especially as this was such a vulnerable post to share.
This was a beautiful, compelling read. Very insightful- thank you for sharing in this community. So much to relate to and so inspiring.
Thank you Tracy, I cant tell you how much that means to me. I am so glad I took a deep breath and hit publish. Thank you for being so kind and generous.
Enjoying diving into your back catalogue Emily, and what a beautiful post this is. Thank you for sharing 💖
Oh Lauren, thank you! That's so lovely to hear 🥰 you are very welcome here.
🥰