I enjoyed reading this deep reflection, Julie thank you. I woke early this morning after four days of intensity at a conference, I surprised myself with my functioning. It was certainly a milestone achieved. However, I read in my community support group someone talking about the chemo that I’m on and all the side effects and how some people are able to take And drop off of the maintenance. I feel this yearning for health and well-being. I feel this yearning for those fears to be manageable and let them pass through me. hearing your reminder to breathe and be present helps me as I restart my day a fresh. Thank you for your writing.
TEN - 10 POINTS - Right now - OK today... And TEN by Pearl Jam (1991) kept me alive for decades... still does. ALIVE... ONCE... OCEANS... RELEASE... how fittingly-appropriately layered, dripped, and drizzled in the background of your intimate valley-of-hills reflections. Thank you - love you Julie.
I swear it's hard reading your innermost feelings - they're so honest and unflinching that they make me cringe a bit over my self-pity. I know that's not your intent, but it almost feels like a slap contest and I always get to go first before time is called and I'm allowed to walk away.
Last night I watched the Wim Wenders film, Perfect Days. It has a lot of similarities with my life: my ancestry is Japanese, I chose to be a janitor late in life (you can find the protagonist's company logo, Tokyo Toilet, on clothing items on Etsy), and I appreciate my time enjoying the natural world in the moment. I think the character chose his occupation to escape a different reality in his past; mine is my present. In the film, the character is minimalist, orderly, and neat...so much so he made me want to clean up my work truck supplies in an orderly fashion. I think now instead of the guilt complex, you make me appreciate how clean my days are and to see the next day with appreciation and not guilt.
Perfect days are so relative, but you and your writing make our things feel clean. I hope you get some...again and again.
I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness in your comments. You always make me feel seen and heard which feels especially valuable given the nature of the topics. Thanks Jeff
Hi Julie. I was thinking of you today and wanted to let you know. It's cold today and trying to decide between rain and snow. I hope you're somewhere warm and able to eat something that gives comfort. Words escape me today, but you are in my thoughts. Next time you talk to Jamie, tell her I said hello. Love you both.
So hard Jules. Love you.
I enjoyed reading this deep reflection, Julie thank you. I woke early this morning after four days of intensity at a conference, I surprised myself with my functioning. It was certainly a milestone achieved. However, I read in my community support group someone talking about the chemo that I’m on and all the side effects and how some people are able to take And drop off of the maintenance. I feel this yearning for health and well-being. I feel this yearning for those fears to be manageable and let them pass through me. hearing your reminder to breathe and be present helps me as I restart my day a fresh. Thank you for your writing.
Our readings and discussions help Vanessa. They really do.
Thank you Jolyn. You showing up to exercise with me - despite the cold - is definitely helping out.
Fingers crossed this new chemo will keep you in check for a long time…and side effects will diminish!
❤️
TEN - 10 POINTS - Right now - OK today... And TEN by Pearl Jam (1991) kept me alive for decades... still does. ALIVE... ONCE... OCEANS... RELEASE... how fittingly-appropriately layered, dripped, and drizzled in the background of your intimate valley-of-hills reflections. Thank you - love you Julie.
I swear it's hard reading your innermost feelings - they're so honest and unflinching that they make me cringe a bit over my self-pity. I know that's not your intent, but it almost feels like a slap contest and I always get to go first before time is called and I'm allowed to walk away.
Last night I watched the Wim Wenders film, Perfect Days. It has a lot of similarities with my life: my ancestry is Japanese, I chose to be a janitor late in life (you can find the protagonist's company logo, Tokyo Toilet, on clothing items on Etsy), and I appreciate my time enjoying the natural world in the moment. I think the character chose his occupation to escape a different reality in his past; mine is my present. In the film, the character is minimalist, orderly, and neat...so much so he made me want to clean up my work truck supplies in an orderly fashion. I think now instead of the guilt complex, you make me appreciate how clean my days are and to see the next day with appreciation and not guilt.
Perfect days are so relative, but you and your writing make our things feel clean. I hope you get some...again and again.
I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness in your comments. You always make me feel seen and heard which feels especially valuable given the nature of the topics. Thanks Jeff
Hi Julie. I was thinking of you today and wanted to let you know. It's cold today and trying to decide between rain and snow. I hope you're somewhere warm and able to eat something that gives comfort. Words escape me today, but you are in my thoughts. Next time you talk to Jamie, tell her I said hello. Love you both.