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.
You might wonder how this is possible.
Writing this insight post is one such example. With a looming deadline looming, my focus was scattered. Finally, I sat down and asked, “What do I really want to share with my audience?” My response: I want to be transparent about what’s happening in my life today, sharing my challenges, and the lessons I’m learning.
Finding Ease in Life
My husband, Rod has Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. This disease is slow to progress, and it’s now affecting his energy levels and ability to sustain physical activity. Last week I decided that I will stop answering questions from well-meaning friends and neighbors, wanting to know the state of his health. It’s become a form of greeting. “How’s Rod?” Rather than give details, I respond with an honest answer: “His health is stable, and we’re not suffering.”
Impact with brevity can bring ease.
I’m also 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 create ease when I take time for extra rest and self-care.
Finding Ease in Business
On the business side of things, I hosted my fourth 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 day before the retreat, my credit cards were hacked. I spent most of the day taking care of the fallout. I was activated into a trauma response since this was a violation. Instead of enjoying a day of quiet meditation and peace, I was anxious, and fearful, making sure I informed those who needed to know. At one point, I considered canceling the retreat. “I can’t hold energetic space for five days after all this!”
The wise part of myself offered another option: “Be transparent with the group. Let them know what happened, be honest about your energy levels, and the possible need for shifts in the agenda.”
There was ease in being honest.
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.
Going forward, I’m staying the course, adapting and shifting to the current situation. Life can change in an instant, offering up both challenges and celebrations. There is ease in accepting what is, in finding ways to speak your truth with compassion for yourself and others.
May you live with ease.
1 thought on “Doing Hard Things With Ease”
Marie, you are an inspiration! I love witnessing how you and your life’s work continue to grow and unfold in new ways. And I hold you and Rod in my heart. I send love and calming, grounding energy.
Love and hugs,
Christina