Yes! This! I always celebrate when I can separate the fake expectations of our hustle culture from what I really want and need to do. I’ve been blocking whole days and weeks this summer and also putting a hold on my calendar for reading and writing and being. I hope that your break is all that you need it to be.
I think a break is entirely valid! And I am working on my own perspective on taking breaks for myself! And I still noticed some bristling to this message - showing me how I still have work to do on breaking down these instilled ideas. You deserve to take a break. And it's obvious to me that those who choose to unfollow after reading this today, also have their own work to do around releasing themselves from the productivity culture we have for women. It's wild - I just imagined one of the males that I follow (on YouTube) and if he said he needed a break, I truly don't think I would bristle - I'd think he was wise /great /more respected for making that choice. How effed up is that?! And I've been working on these issues in myself for YEARS! These misogynistic and patriarchal ideas are so entrenched... Ugh.
Enjoy your time away, Amanda. I’m taking a brief one in August, myself. Because I want to spend a week by the lake with my kids, actually being viscerally in my life. If we can’t step away from performing and producing to just live I’m not sure what we’ll be left with to write about anyway.
I look forward to reading perspectives from thoughtful women who navigate life challenges balancing their own needs & desires in a world of preconceived expectations! Thank you for providing & encouraging such a forum.
I cannot say enough about all you provide and all I have learned from your posts and shares and your workshops the last several months. ❤️I am happy to hear you are giving yourself a break. I’ve actually said to others that I wonder when you sleep as the caliber and frequency of your essays is so prolific. Joining the Mad Woman writing group has been one of the best decisions I made this last year and I am so glad to be able to support you.
Shannon! This made my day. Not the obvious overwork part-ha! But knowing that the community has meant so much to you. It really is the best and just keeps getting better. Always in your corner and grateful to know you and your work!
I still have, left unread, your email about the virtual retreat, which I just couldn't manage to make time for. We all understand how this becomes unmanageable, and I wish you a restorative break. Just took two weeks off during the kiddo's summer vacation, and struggling to want to get back to work, and it's all okay :)
I have been amazed by the pace of your writing here, Amanda, and while I am always happy to read your work, I'm so glad you're taking time for yourself. I'll be with you on spirit, as I jump in the ocean every morning before my kids are even out of bed. xx
This post was such a nice way for me to start my day. It's my first day back to work after having covid and it's shocking how not working (for any reason) grips me with an existential guilt. But this message loosened that enough for me to resettle back into my own values and perspective. And I had AMAZING time to create while quarantined ;)
I’m in full solidarity with this email. Fist pump to the price increase and warm wishes for your “time off” to be full in the best ways and spacious when possible.
Yes! This! I always celebrate when I can separate the fake expectations of our hustle culture from what I really want and need to do. I’ve been blocking whole days and weeks this summer and also putting a hold on my calendar for reading and writing and being. I hope that your break is all that you need it to be.
I love that you’re blocking our time for BEING! We so often forget to make time for that.
I think a break is entirely valid! And I am working on my own perspective on taking breaks for myself! And I still noticed some bristling to this message - showing me how I still have work to do on breaking down these instilled ideas. You deserve to take a break. And it's obvious to me that those who choose to unfollow after reading this today, also have their own work to do around releasing themselves from the productivity culture we have for women. It's wild - I just imagined one of the males that I follow (on YouTube) and if he said he needed a break, I truly don't think I would bristle - I'd think he was wise /great /more respected for making that choice. How effed up is that?! And I've been working on these issues in myself for YEARS! These misogynistic and patriarchal ideas are so entrenched... Ugh.
Enjoy your break and time being pool mom!
Yes! Thank you for your honesty here! They are so entrenched—they still come up for me all the time too!
Enjoy your time away, Amanda. I’m taking a brief one in August, myself. Because I want to spend a week by the lake with my kids, actually being viscerally in my life. If we can’t step away from performing and producing to just live I’m not sure what we’ll be left with to write about anyway.
Yes, exactly. I’m so glad you’re getting some time in August, Asha, and so well put—“ being viscerally in my life.”
I look forward to reading perspectives from thoughtful women who navigate life challenges balancing their own needs & desires in a world of preconceived expectations! Thank you for providing & encouraging such a forum.
❤️
byeeeee
✌️
I cannot say enough about all you provide and all I have learned from your posts and shares and your workshops the last several months. ❤️I am happy to hear you are giving yourself a break. I’ve actually said to others that I wonder when you sleep as the caliber and frequency of your essays is so prolific. Joining the Mad Woman writing group has been one of the best decisions I made this last year and I am so glad to be able to support you.
Shannon! This made my day. Not the obvious overwork part-ha! But knowing that the community has meant so much to you. It really is the best and just keeps getting better. Always in your corner and grateful to know you and your work!
Amen
❤️❤️
Yes! Take time to be with yourself, and the summer is a great time. Enjoy your needed and necessary down time.
Thank you ❤️
I still have, left unread, your email about the virtual retreat, which I just couldn't manage to make time for. We all understand how this becomes unmanageable, and I wish you a restorative break. Just took two weeks off during the kiddo's summer vacation, and struggling to want to get back to work, and it's all okay :)
Ah we missed you but also totally understand!
I have been amazed by the pace of your writing here, Amanda, and while I am always happy to read your work, I'm so glad you're taking time for yourself. I'll be with you on spirit, as I jump in the ocean every morning before my kids are even out of bed. xx
Haha well now you know the pace is totally unsustainable! I love knowing this is how you start your day—I’ll be swimming with you too in spirit ❤️❤️
This post was such a nice way for me to start my day. It's my first day back to work after having covid and it's shocking how not working (for any reason) grips me with an existential guilt. But this message loosened that enough for me to resettle back into my own values and perspective. And I had AMAZING time to create while quarantined ;)
Ah I’m so glad you had a good time quarantining and that you’re feeling better— and it shouldn’t take us getting Covid to get some time to ourselves!
I second what Annie Bray said: solidarity!
I myself am up in the mountains, taking a long break from the suburbs.
That sounds much needed, Monica. Enjoy!
I’m in full solidarity with this email. Fist pump to the price increase and warm wishes for your “time off” to be full in the best ways and spacious when possible.
Thank you, Annie! Means so much.