Settling In
Settling into a new place, new space, and new initiative.
"Social connections are as important to our survival and flourishing as the need for food, safety, and shelter.”
—Emily Esfahani Smith, as quoted in Stronger Every Day
There are many interpretations of the word, “settle,” but two define my goal in moving to Substack:
To arrive, especially from another country, in a new place and start to live there and use the land.
To become quiet and calm, or to make something or someone do this.
Why settle?
Why now?
Rob and I are in a brand new season of life.
With 2022 bringing the blessing of grandchildren, and one more coming to us Christmas Eve 2023 (or so), and Rob finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for his retirement and the transitional process of leaving our 35-year-old family business in the capable hands of another, we are moving into “a new place and new space” in our lives together and want to start living from a deeper place of inner quiet and calm.
Me, particularly.
As a highly sensitive, highly intuitive woman, I absorb every little emotion around me.
I do deep work to regulate the overwhelm of living this way.
This gift makes me good at what I do, but it comes at a cost.
So, streamlining and simplifying are essential practices to maintain my sanity.
Moving from Facebook to Substack is already making me feel more sane.
Substack is a safer space. I honor this space by giving you my best writing, best practices, and best-focused attention. And, more intimate conversations about real-life stuff. More than anything, I want it to be a space and place where you find authentic connection + refreshing inspiration.
A figurative deep breath.
It’s a bit like starting over, but sometimes a fresh start is exactly what we need.
On this week’s podcast, I speak with one of our favorite guests, Alan Fadling, all about his newest book, A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotions for Unhurried Living.
The wisdom of his words affirmed my deep desire to settle into a new way of living.
Perhaps, a calm life is a strong life, after all. As you can read in this archived blog post from 2008, I’ve been wrestling with this issue of slowing down for a very long time:
I invite you to take a listen to our two-part conversation:
Heartlifters, are you with me?
Together, we will journey towards a more meaningful life.
Your grandchildren must be walking age by now and keeping you busy! Congratulations on the beautiful family. What a life, isn’t it? 🙏