I very, very much dislike being out of my comfort zone and that causes me distress also. Is there somethiing wrong with me that I don't like to step out of the zone, that I feel life pushes me out enough without me choosing to leave, am I destined for a miserable, small, unfulfilled life? Oh it does my head in.
I wish you all the comfort and peace this week, whatever comes your way, and a bunch of good people to help you through it all.
Don't even get me started on the government-environment-priorities just don't.
Comfort zones are called that for a reason, I'm sure, and whilst it might be good to stretch our boundaries, surely having a comfort zone creates contentment and contentment is really what life should be, I think. No unrealistic expectations, no pressure from the outside world, just being who we are.
That said, next week's newsletter will be interesting if I survive jumping ship for awhile to try and extend my boundaries a little. Thanks for commenting, Kate.
Thank you so much for linking to (and liking) this week's Chicken Scratch post. Speaking of stepping outside comfort zones, I wasn't at all sure how that one would land. As if I ever am.
Thank goodness for your ballet class! Otherwise, where would all that righteous indignation (warranted!) end up? I had to sort out "putting on some slap," so I'm glad you addressed that soon after. I'm still learning the down under vernacular. 😅
I was somehow chosen/convinced to lead a session at an upcoming conference in front of at least 100 people. I thought it was to be 5-6 minutes, but it's now stretching to more than twice that. Despite years and years of public speaking, I'm losing sleep about it, and it's a month away! My comfort zone appears to be shrinking. I am more or less okay with that, so long as I don't focus too long on whether social withdrawal is more problematic than I'm willing to admit.
Prue, I'm sorry the week ahead is bringing up anxiety. With all you've been holding, I can only imagine what is being asked of you. Courage, dear heart. You likely did not see my response to Ramona's journal-scrutinizing post, but if you want to seek it out, it might bring you a bit of reassurance. Suffice to say, you are appreciated.
I read your comment on Ramona's post and agree wholeheartedly with what you have said.
Mine 'are' more conversational posts and I like to think that the reader and I are meeting to have a coffee and cake and chewing over Life's curveballs. They are far different from novel writing and really, it's been the way I've written blogs until I joined Substack.
Maybe its a rut, maybe I need to change. - But then our musings are that. Musings. Assuming they're edited and polished to a certain level, if others enjoy them and can find their way clear to engage, I couldn't ask for more.
As for public speaking - OMG! You're brilliant! I once had to talk in front of a whole school about a book I had written and I have no idea what happened, but the next thing I can remember is walking out to the car. I've read about it since and it's some sort of performance anxiety - actors get it and can perform a whole play and only 'return' to reality when they're off stage, with no memory of the play at all. It's what frightens me about ballet performances. Ugh! So as you give your talk, you have my full support on that stage!
Yes, tuff week. But it is one that must be dealt with and is part of life, so we shall see what we shall see.
Thank you for chatting and for your kind thoughts. They're always appreciated. XXXX
I'd wager that Ramona was mostly preaching to the choir in that post (and the more recent one). I think it's shoddy writing she's on about, not so much the what but the how. And, I think it if works for you, and your readers (me!), then it's all good. That said, there is benefit to looking at whether or how to make changes, so here we all are looking at it.
Thanks for the stage support. Back atcha! Hugs for what comes next, Prue,
I hope Prue is sound asleep right now, so I'll jump on in. Thank you, Ramona, for being bold enough to get us all thinking, modifying, honing. And it's a damn good thing you edited out that extraneous comma, or I might, have just, gone, up in, smoke! 🤪
A total joy, despite the angst in the early stages. (I followed one of your recommendations and explored the Australian outback and the ranges through someone else's eyes. Such a pleasure.) Thanks so much.
OMG, thanks for the shout-out, friend. Sorry if it made you nervous, but do not fret. 'Knots on a String' is perfect! I love wandering through, and I always find something to take away with me.
I didn't know about 'The Great British Sewing Bee' and now I'm going to have to look for it. Have you watched the series called 'British Landscape Artist of the Year' and 'British Portrait Artist of the Year'? They're amazing! Also, 'The Great Pottery Throw Down'. And of course I'm hooked on 'The Great British Baking Show'.
There are parts of those competitions that irritate me, mainly the tricks and the announcement delays, but I'm fascinated by the effort they make and the work they accomplish. So inspiring!
Oh Ramona, I too love the Great Pottery Throw Down and am now keen to track down the others. There is a banal sameness to the production but like you, I look beyond that to the contestants and their remarkable skill sets. On the Sewing Bee, the two judges are the bees knees.
Loved this post too although so sorry to hear about the fishing issues. It is so tough to fight political battles-no common sense involved. Glad the week ended on a ballet high for you. And I loved all the links. I was busy checking them all out this morning. xx
I have become such a cynic, Sabrina. I foresee becoming this grumpy old woman snarking to herself as she and her dog wander along the road. The activist might have quieted but the feelings of frustration and fury at the self-interest of politicians never really dies.
I have a plaque on my desk that reads: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." It's a quote by Neal Donald Walsch. No one loves their comfort zone more than me. I feel like I didn't have one for most of my adult life, but gradually developed one as my turbulent circumstances settled down. But, I remind myself that getting too comfortable prevents me from taking risks and trying new things. Like writing a Substack newsletter. Or, going back to school as an adult. Facing the unfamiliar is key to personal growth, so a healthy balance of both works best for me.
Thank you, I think I'll note the quote down in my journal.
Perhaps it's true - we stretch ourselves and learn things. And that's good, as evidenced in me dancing this last weekend.
But on the contentment level, I often think the 'comfort zone' is a pretty nice place to be - no stress, just enjoyment, a place that feels safe. No rush of adrenalin, just endorphins flowing smoothly round the body as I admire a flower, or dig a garden bed or even write a paragraph I'm happy with.
I'm proud of what we as a group of seniors achieved though. So yes, a healthy balance with a little more weighted on the comfort side, than the risk side for health benefits. Thanks for commenting, Ms. Writer!
I very, very much dislike being out of my comfort zone and that causes me distress also. Is there somethiing wrong with me that I don't like to step out of the zone, that I feel life pushes me out enough without me choosing to leave, am I destined for a miserable, small, unfulfilled life? Oh it does my head in.
I wish you all the comfort and peace this week, whatever comes your way, and a bunch of good people to help you through it all.
Don't even get me started on the government-environment-priorities just don't.
I need a calm bed.
the end
Goodness. A kindred spirit!
Comfort zones are called that for a reason, I'm sure, and whilst it might be good to stretch our boundaries, surely having a comfort zone creates contentment and contentment is really what life should be, I think. No unrealistic expectations, no pressure from the outside world, just being who we are.
That said, next week's newsletter will be interesting if I survive jumping ship for awhile to try and extend my boundaries a little. Thanks for commenting, Kate.
the intrigue is strong
XXXX
Thank you so much for linking to (and liking) this week's Chicken Scratch post. Speaking of stepping outside comfort zones, I wasn't at all sure how that one would land. As if I ever am.
Thank goodness for your ballet class! Otherwise, where would all that righteous indignation (warranted!) end up? I had to sort out "putting on some slap," so I'm glad you addressed that soon after. I'm still learning the down under vernacular. 😅
I was somehow chosen/convinced to lead a session at an upcoming conference in front of at least 100 people. I thought it was to be 5-6 minutes, but it's now stretching to more than twice that. Despite years and years of public speaking, I'm losing sleep about it, and it's a month away! My comfort zone appears to be shrinking. I am more or less okay with that, so long as I don't focus too long on whether social withdrawal is more problematic than I'm willing to admit.
Prue, I'm sorry the week ahead is bringing up anxiety. With all you've been holding, I can only imagine what is being asked of you. Courage, dear heart. You likely did not see my response to Ramona's journal-scrutinizing post, but if you want to seek it out, it might bring you a bit of reassurance. Suffice to say, you are appreciated.
I read your comment on Ramona's post and agree wholeheartedly with what you have said.
Mine 'are' more conversational posts and I like to think that the reader and I are meeting to have a coffee and cake and chewing over Life's curveballs. They are far different from novel writing and really, it's been the way I've written blogs until I joined Substack.
Maybe its a rut, maybe I need to change. - But then our musings are that. Musings. Assuming they're edited and polished to a certain level, if others enjoy them and can find their way clear to engage, I couldn't ask for more.
As for public speaking - OMG! You're brilliant! I once had to talk in front of a whole school about a book I had written and I have no idea what happened, but the next thing I can remember is walking out to the car. I've read about it since and it's some sort of performance anxiety - actors get it and can perform a whole play and only 'return' to reality when they're off stage, with no memory of the play at all. It's what frightens me about ballet performances. Ugh! So as you give your talk, you have my full support on that stage!
Yes, tuff week. But it is one that must be dealt with and is part of life, so we shall see what we shall see.
Thank you for chatting and for your kind thoughts. They're always appreciated. XXXX
I'd wager that Ramona was mostly preaching to the choir in that post (and the more recent one). I think it's shoddy writing she's on about, not so much the what but the how. And, I think it if works for you, and your readers (me!), then it's all good. That said, there is benefit to looking at whether or how to make changes, so here we all are looking at it.
Thanks for the stage support. Back atcha! Hugs for what comes next, Prue,
Thanks to both of you for being a part of Writer Everlasting. I can always count on you to add just the right caring things to our conversations! 💕
(Edited to take out a comma...)
I hope Prue is sound asleep right now, so I'll jump on in. Thank you, Ramona, for being bold enough to get us all thinking, modifying, honing. And it's a damn good thing you edited out that extraneous comma, or I might, have just, gone, up in, smoke! 🤪
LOL. So I guess if I need more commas I'll know where to come.
Got it!
(And you're welcome. I'm doing what I love. I'll bet you are, too.)
✅
A total joy, despite the angst in the early stages. (I followed one of your recommendations and explored the Australian outback and the ranges through someone else's eyes. Such a pleasure.) Thanks so much.
Pleasure, Beth.
OMG, thanks for the shout-out, friend. Sorry if it made you nervous, but do not fret. 'Knots on a String' is perfect! I love wandering through, and I always find something to take away with me.
I didn't know about 'The Great British Sewing Bee' and now I'm going to have to look for it. Have you watched the series called 'British Landscape Artist of the Year' and 'British Portrait Artist of the Year'? They're amazing! Also, 'The Great Pottery Throw Down'. And of course I'm hooked on 'The Great British Baking Show'.
There are parts of those competitions that irritate me, mainly the tricks and the announcement delays, but I'm fascinated by the effort they make and the work they accomplish. So inspiring!
Oh Ramona, I too love the Great Pottery Throw Down and am now keen to track down the others. There is a banal sameness to the production but like you, I look beyond that to the contestants and their remarkable skill sets. On the Sewing Bee, the two judges are the bees knees.
I'm so sorry for the salmon BS issues, Prue, but I'm glad to say that your 'gentle memories' of the mushrooms have soothed me.
Again, such a thought-provoking post. I'm examining my comfort zone as I'm writing this - for which, THANK YOU.
Sending love. 😘
Loved this post too although so sorry to hear about the fishing issues. It is so tough to fight political battles-no common sense involved. Glad the week ended on a ballet high for you. And I loved all the links. I was busy checking them all out this morning. xx
I have become such a cynic, Sabrina. I foresee becoming this grumpy old woman snarking to herself as she and her dog wander along the road. The activist might have quieted but the feelings of frustration and fury at the self-interest of politicians never really dies.
I have a plaque on my desk that reads: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." It's a quote by Neal Donald Walsch. No one loves their comfort zone more than me. I feel like I didn't have one for most of my adult life, but gradually developed one as my turbulent circumstances settled down. But, I remind myself that getting too comfortable prevents me from taking risks and trying new things. Like writing a Substack newsletter. Or, going back to school as an adult. Facing the unfamiliar is key to personal growth, so a healthy balance of both works best for me.
Thank you, I think I'll note the quote down in my journal.
Perhaps it's true - we stretch ourselves and learn things. And that's good, as evidenced in me dancing this last weekend.
But on the contentment level, I often think the 'comfort zone' is a pretty nice place to be - no stress, just enjoyment, a place that feels safe. No rush of adrenalin, just endorphins flowing smoothly round the body as I admire a flower, or dig a garden bed or even write a paragraph I'm happy with.
I'm proud of what we as a group of seniors achieved though. So yes, a healthy balance with a little more weighted on the comfort side, than the risk side for health benefits. Thanks for commenting, Ms. Writer!
You are so composed and lady like in real life but I can really imagine you saying bullshit at the mirror. You go girl .