Rose, I loved this essay so much. I read text so much better than I listen to audio, so I hopped over to DL Mayfield's Substack in order to read it, but I do love that you offered the audio as well. I know a lot of people who appreciate it, and that there are many for whom it's the only form they can consume.
I can relate so much to being a person who loves schedules and people almost equally... and who has feared being accused of being rigid or of micromanaging in the midst of trying to care for both myself and others.
I am finding ways now, to honor myself / my time / my ways of doing things in the midst of caring for others. I will have to adopt your transformation of position from "decline" into "recline."
I love your line, "I noticed that I can name these openings better when I have had time to sit with what would be most dignifying to my humanity." And this is such a gorgeous offering: "I am unavailable to do ____ but I would love to do ____ if invited." Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I have also been thinking about labels--as in literally labelling more things around my house so I and others know where to put things back--and how *that* can be interpreted as rigid. And then I also come back to Brene Brown and her commentary on boundaries: clear is kind; unclear is unkind. I want to believe that the things I do to bring calm to myself are also an extension of kindness to others.
Finally, I wanted to mention that your post made me think of our wedding verse, Psalm 16:6. "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
Thank you for sharing your words; I have deeply enjoyed reading them!
I was gasping at the end of this comment! That verse was once of my favorites back when I used to memorize scripture (another activity I was called rigid for). I want to come back and write about this. Thank you for helping me recall such a beautiful memory!
And thank you for sitting with my words so deeply. 🐦⬛✨ I am glad they have been a gentle landing for you!
“I have a love-hate relationship with deadlines—I would rather have living ones.”🫶🏻 thank you for sharing
Thank you for reading!
Rose, I loved this essay so much. I read text so much better than I listen to audio, so I hopped over to DL Mayfield's Substack in order to read it, but I do love that you offered the audio as well. I know a lot of people who appreciate it, and that there are many for whom it's the only form they can consume.
I can relate so much to being a person who loves schedules and people almost equally... and who has feared being accused of being rigid or of micromanaging in the midst of trying to care for both myself and others.
I am finding ways now, to honor myself / my time / my ways of doing things in the midst of caring for others. I will have to adopt your transformation of position from "decline" into "recline."
I love your line, "I noticed that I can name these openings better when I have had time to sit with what would be most dignifying to my humanity." And this is such a gorgeous offering: "I am unavailable to do ____ but I would love to do ____ if invited." Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I have also been thinking about labels--as in literally labelling more things around my house so I and others know where to put things back--and how *that* can be interpreted as rigid. And then I also come back to Brene Brown and her commentary on boundaries: clear is kind; unclear is unkind. I want to believe that the things I do to bring calm to myself are also an extension of kindness to others.
Finally, I wanted to mention that your post made me think of our wedding verse, Psalm 16:6. "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
Thank you for sharing your words; I have deeply enjoyed reading them!
Lisa,
I was gasping at the end of this comment! That verse was once of my favorites back when I used to memorize scripture (another activity I was called rigid for). I want to come back and write about this. Thank you for helping me recall such a beautiful memory!
And thank you for sitting with my words so deeply. 🐦⬛✨ I am glad they have been a gentle landing for you!
Whether singing or speaking, I never tire of hearing your voice Rose!
✨🥰✨
Needed to hear this🫶🏾
🥹🫶🏾
Thank you for the gift of this piece.