I thought about you this morning, Bryony, after seeing your update. Couple of observations which I’ll try and articulate without too much verbosity 😇
I was lucky enough to see you on the book tour and what struck me was how much you cared about your audience. You were so accessible and I felt sure you’d go home thinking about all the stories shared, and all the follow up messages on Substack or Insta and probably make yourself unwell in trying to acknowledge everyone. But you’ve served us, just by writing the book and by being you.
Secondly, Gwyneth P has endorsed this new app “moments in space” and it’s pretty good. Yesterday I listened to a session called “dropping the doing” about our relentless mental taskmaster: “why are you sitting there, you need to do this and this and this” - these things largely relating to an unpromised future.
And yes, the school uniform will have to be attended to but do we need to worry about work related beefs, dream job etc? This tied in nicely with a book I read called Keep Moving, by Maggie Smith.
So I was totally verbose as I knew I would be but basically, be kind to yourself which means switching off, and be present. And drop the do.
This week you're writing really resonated with me as I have been ill now for over a week and have not been able to do anything and normally I would be doing everything. It's really effected my mental health and brought me to a lowness that I have not experienced for sometime. Why is being still so hard, why does it make you feel so guilty and why do you feel such a loss of control. We wouldn't question anyone else for being poorly or having down time. We don't question animals resting and being still. Why is something that is so important so equally hard to do. Everywhere you look we are being told to be busy, to get the most out of the day, to get those goals achieved, that your worth is in your business as well as in your size, colour, fashion status etc
I hope that I can step away from this and be childlike again, resting when needed, and being free to just listen to our bodies and be free from pressure and rules and things that dictate, not because they are right but because it's the trend.
Thank you Bryony...as someone who has the pace of a hibernating tortoise, I don't find it particularly difficult to down tools and sit. I've discovered that left to my own devices and without external pressure and comparing, I plod through the day getting done all that needs doing but without the go faster mentality. Maybe it's an age thing (60) but the relief of not having to compete with anyone on any level is bliss. To rest is a sacred act of kindness to self 😌💛
Love this... what a great reminder, thank you! I needed to read this right now. I had major surgery last week and even though I had strict orders from the doctor to do nothing, I couldn't help but put pressure on myself to do something/anything.. as my inner critic piped up saying things like "well you have to achieve something" "you can't just do NOTHING all week" "what a slob, how awful, you can't do that"! Well, after a few days of battling with that pesky voice and desperately trying to achieve at least something every day.. I am exhausted and in agony. So today I decided to listen to my body and Rest properly! I have literally had a day of Eat, Read, Sleep, Repeat.. it has been wonderful! Sometimes nothing is definitely the answer ❤️ Thank you so much for this. Also, how are your poor legs? X
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to write especially as you are feeling the after and ongoing effects of illness. Don’t push yourself soooo hard when you are physically failing.
Absolutely this. I have the hips of a 90 year old whose worked down a coal pit every day since she was 10, after yesterdays 20 mile run. So I’m ignoring Runna app telling me to do strength training and rolling whatever’s this week and having a week off marathon training. And it’ll make me twitch. But - I’d rather get to the start line , and rest is how to ensure that happens!
PTSD UK recommend what are called Pause and Be days. I find it really liberating.
I thought about you this morning, Bryony, after seeing your update. Couple of observations which I’ll try and articulate without too much verbosity 😇
I was lucky enough to see you on the book tour and what struck me was how much you cared about your audience. You were so accessible and I felt sure you’d go home thinking about all the stories shared, and all the follow up messages on Substack or Insta and probably make yourself unwell in trying to acknowledge everyone. But you’ve served us, just by writing the book and by being you.
Secondly, Gwyneth P has endorsed this new app “moments in space” and it’s pretty good. Yesterday I listened to a session called “dropping the doing” about our relentless mental taskmaster: “why are you sitting there, you need to do this and this and this” - these things largely relating to an unpromised future.
And yes, the school uniform will have to be attended to but do we need to worry about work related beefs, dream job etc? This tied in nicely with a book I read called Keep Moving, by Maggie Smith.
So I was totally verbose as I knew I would be but basically, be kind to yourself which means switching off, and be present. And drop the do.
This week you're writing really resonated with me as I have been ill now for over a week and have not been able to do anything and normally I would be doing everything. It's really effected my mental health and brought me to a lowness that I have not experienced for sometime. Why is being still so hard, why does it make you feel so guilty and why do you feel such a loss of control. We wouldn't question anyone else for being poorly or having down time. We don't question animals resting and being still. Why is something that is so important so equally hard to do. Everywhere you look we are being told to be busy, to get the most out of the day, to get those goals achieved, that your worth is in your business as well as in your size, colour, fashion status etc
I hope that I can step away from this and be childlike again, resting when needed, and being free to just listen to our bodies and be free from pressure and rules and things that dictate, not because they are right but because it's the trend.
Thank you Bryony...as someone who has the pace of a hibernating tortoise, I don't find it particularly difficult to down tools and sit. I've discovered that left to my own devices and without external pressure and comparing, I plod through the day getting done all that needs doing but without the go faster mentality. Maybe it's an age thing (60) but the relief of not having to compete with anyone on any level is bliss. To rest is a sacred act of kindness to self 😌💛
Thank you for this reminder! Sending you loads of love! 🩷🩷🩷
Love this... what a great reminder, thank you! I needed to read this right now. I had major surgery last week and even though I had strict orders from the doctor to do nothing, I couldn't help but put pressure on myself to do something/anything.. as my inner critic piped up saying things like "well you have to achieve something" "you can't just do NOTHING all week" "what a slob, how awful, you can't do that"! Well, after a few days of battling with that pesky voice and desperately trying to achieve at least something every day.. I am exhausted and in agony. So today I decided to listen to my body and Rest properly! I have literally had a day of Eat, Read, Sleep, Repeat.. it has been wonderful! Sometimes nothing is definitely the answer ❤️ Thank you so much for this. Also, how are your poor legs? X
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to write especially as you are feeling the after and ongoing effects of illness. Don’t push yourself soooo hard when you are physically failing.
All the best for your super challenge.
What a ⭐️ are. So determined!!!
Inspirational
Absolutely this. I have the hips of a 90 year old whose worked down a coal pit every day since she was 10, after yesterdays 20 mile run. So I’m ignoring Runna app telling me to do strength training and rolling whatever’s this week and having a week off marathon training. And it’ll make me twitch. But - I’d rather get to the start line , and rest is how to ensure that happens!
You’re such an amazing inspiration, Bryony. I always love reading your truthful, wonderful words. Thank you ❤️
Wonderfully vulnerable and wonderful encouragement- thank you
Take care!