Doing Hard Things With Ease – Revisited
Doing Hard Things With Ease – Revisited
Glennon Doyle, author of the bestselling book, Untamed, hosts a regular podcast called We Can Do Hard Things. While I love the content of these podcasts, I find myself wanting to make one small change: We Can Do Hard Things – With Ease.
How is this possible? You might ask.
Writing this insight post is one such example. The deadline was looming, and my focus was scattered. Finally, I sat down this morning and asked, “What have I written in past Insight Posts that I want to share again?” My answer was informed by my ongoing choice to be transparent about what’s currently happening in my life. I take time to unpack and share recent challenges and the lessons I’m learning, with the hope that others may feel supported by these words.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my husband, Rod, has been living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Setting respectful boundaries has become an essential practice for my well-being. Last year I decided to stop answering questions from well-meaning friends and neighbors, regarding Rod’s state of health. The standard greeting of, “How’s Rod?” receives my reply of, “He’s home and you can ask him directly.” When I am asked how I’m faring these days, I typically say: “I’m upright, and I’m here.”
Impact With Brevity Brings Ease
I continue learning that there is ease in accepting what is, finding joy, and noticing beauty in the smallest things. Staying present to my partner’s chronic health needs is my focus, and that takes energy. Not surprisingly, I accomplish less than I intend to each day. So, I apply the principles of loving kindness for Self, taking care of myself as I also care for my husband. I’ve also found ease in connecting with a support group, enjoying facilitated conversations with others in similar circumstances. I am not alone.
I create ease when I take time for nurturing conversations, extra rest, and self-care.
On the business/writing side of things, I hosted my fifth annual online Writing from the Heart Retreat, which was a delicious time of creative generation and sharing. I am consistently in awe of how we create deep connections through writing, whether in person or online. Once we establish a circle of safety and trust, magic happens.
The days before the retreat I felt self-doubt filling my mind-space. My anxiety levels became almost unmanageable, to the point where I briefly considered postponing this event instead of savoring days of quiet meditation and peace within the retreat container. “I can’t hold a positive energetic space for five days when I’m filled with self-doubt!” I thought. The wise part of myself offered another option: “Reach out for support from trusted others.”
There Was Ease in Asking for Help and Being Honest
I’ve learned from previous retreats that there is ease in letting myself be transparent with the group. To let them know what’s been happening, being honest about energy levels, and the possible need for shifts in the agenda. My choice to be transparent as a facilitator was courageous, and the results were deeply affirming.
My work is based on a foundation of safety and trust, so I allowed myself to be guided by intuition each day. Everyone in the retreat experienced the benefits of deep listening and paying attention to what was arising in the moment. The result was my best retreat ever.
Life can change in an instant, offering up both challenges and celebrations. I find ease in accepting what is. Growing confidence to speak my truth, with compassion for myself and others.
May all be well.
marie
If something in this newsletter inspired you, send me a note at marie@mariemaccagno.com.
If you liked this post from Adventures in Writing, I invite you to share it.
The Writing Feedback Guidebook
How to Ask For & Receive Helpful, Supportive Feedback on Your Writing
Not all writing reviewers are created equal! When you hand your carefully crafted pages to someone to provide feedback, the result is often unhelpful & at worst, can be crushing. This FREE guide will help you choose insightful, supportive readers. It will also teach you how to ask for what you need and want from them to continue honing your writing with confidence.