Cheryl, your reflection on “making and doing” as an antidote to stasis lands with me in a way that’s almost visceral. That sense of being unmoored until you bake, write, or build something however imperfect reminds me of a passage I wrote in my Substack “Signals in the Noise,” where I describe ricocheting between work emails and a mountain hike, struggling to hold onto fragments of a vacation that felt stolen by obligation. Creating meaning from those shards, rather than letting them slip away, is its own kind of making.
Such a poignant and accurate description of why creative work matters. So often the meaning gets lost with all the metrics. But you’re so right. It’s a spiritual practice and the reason for doing it, is the doing it.
Went last October and took a new friend - we bonded over the 30-hour round trip from Michigan that made (and did not break) our friendship! 😂 We saw the Appalachian Trail was nearby and detoured for a ✅ on the bucket list - if only for two miles!
Oops, accidentally hit “submit.” Thx for the Cinema 21 rec…the film looks amazing. And finally, I have a post in my Substack drafts called “Ode to the Asterisk,” about how unseemly cheerfulness feels right now, yet how essential it is, and how, perhaps, we can pour all that ambiguity and sorrow and hope into a little star-shaped punctuation mark.
It seems that this idea of creating is everywhere. Touching everyone in such unexpected ways. I consider myself a creative person, but i put such constraints on myself by only doing things that I was good at, because I cared about what others thought. I’m trying not to do that anymore and just create for creativity sake and because I love myself. It’s a reflection of that love. Thanks ❤️
my heart did a happy dance that there will be a book signing in the Netherlands! I was there a few years back in Amsterdam and passed some Belgian chocolates to one of the hosts, not sure if you got them. But I will see you in the Netherlands in real life and online in the Omega Institute. So exciting!
I agree. Creating, making, doing is all a great way focus to express ourselves when so much of us feel as if we are being imprisoned by our government. Great post!
My post last night was about the confidence that writing with curiosity and courage build in you - even if it's throwaway writing. Maybe especially if it's throwaway writing.
"Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure." Love! I feel this, too, making cards for grieving neighbors, helping dogs get adopted, writing, mentoring, growing things, and then giving them away. Sharing. Connecting. Beautiful post. Happy summer to you!
See you in Rhinebeck! I was seeking something to help me pivot from my latest writing project and I think I’ve found it!
Cheryl, your reflection on “making and doing” as an antidote to stasis lands with me in a way that’s almost visceral. That sense of being unmoored until you bake, write, or build something however imperfect reminds me of a passage I wrote in my Substack “Signals in the Noise,” where I describe ricocheting between work emails and a mountain hike, struggling to hold onto fragments of a vacation that felt stolen by obligation. Creating meaning from those shards, rather than letting them slip away, is its own kind of making.
Hey girl! Just found you! Thanks for the inspiration! Love your Aura!
Wow!
Great going!
So true - Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure!
Such a poignant and accurate description of why creative work matters. So often the meaning gets lost with all the metrics. But you’re so right. It’s a spiritual practice and the reason for doing it, is the doing it.
Went last October and took a new friend - we bonded over the 30-hour round trip from Michigan that made (and did not break) our friendship! 😂 We saw the Appalachian Trail was nearby and detoured for a ✅ on the bucket list - if only for two miles!
Joining in virtually this year!! 🩷
Utrecht is amazing! I hope you love it.
Oops, accidentally hit “submit.” Thx for the Cinema 21 rec…the film looks amazing. And finally, I have a post in my Substack drafts called “Ode to the Asterisk,” about how unseemly cheerfulness feels right now, yet how essential it is, and how, perhaps, we can pour all that ambiguity and sorrow and hope into a little star-shaped punctuation mark.
It seems that this idea of creating is everywhere. Touching everyone in such unexpected ways. I consider myself a creative person, but i put such constraints on myself by only doing things that I was good at, because I cared about what others thought. I’m trying not to do that anymore and just create for creativity sake and because I love myself. It’s a reflection of that love. Thanks ❤️
my heart did a happy dance that there will be a book signing in the Netherlands! I was there a few years back in Amsterdam and passed some Belgian chocolates to one of the hosts, not sure if you got them. But I will see you in the Netherlands in real life and online in the Omega Institute. So exciting!
Thank you, Cheryl, I needed to read this today.
It reminds me of advice my mother gave me years ago.
When you can’t figure out what to do for yourself, do for others.
I agree. Creating, making, doing is all a great way focus to express ourselves when so much of us feel as if we are being imprisoned by our government. Great post!
I made wild black raspberry preserves for the first time and it definitely makes me feel better, especially on toast.
My post last night was about the confidence that writing with curiosity and courage build in you - even if it's throwaway writing. Maybe especially if it's throwaway writing.
"Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure." Yes!
"Action and creation are a salve, a balm, a cure." Love! I feel this, too, making cards for grieving neighbors, helping dogs get adopted, writing, mentoring, growing things, and then giving them away. Sharing. Connecting. Beautiful post. Happy summer to you!