Hi,
Hope you’re spending as much time outside as possible.
Still figuring out what this is newsletter will be. Not putting too much pressure on knowing that prematurely. Until then, expect twice-a-month updates on random thoughts, ideas, and recommendations. Hope this helps make your day a little more enjoyable.
You’re doing a great job.
Jenny
The Energy of Resistance
Last week, I noticed myself getting fixated on a checklist of things that I could’ve justified as important. Something felt off though. I could feel it in my body - I felt a bit frantic, anxious, and in my head too much. It took me a minute to realize I was doing “important” things, but I knew they weren’t the right things. I stopped the busy work of distraction and checked in with myself. The frantic energy was resistance.
I was preoccupied with worthwhile distractions because I was fearful to start the work I knew I was supposed to be doing - one of them being this very newsletter. (What if it doesn’t turn out? Or I’m not good at it? Or no one cares?)
The checklist of things wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t the work I knew deep down I was supposed to be doing. I was avoiding that because I was scared of trying.
As soon as I turned my effort toward what I was supposed to be doing, my energy felt completely different - lighter, easier, and even grateful. It’s more like a current going somewhere rather than a spinning cycle.
Take a moment to check in with how your body feels. Be curious about what it’s telling you. Nothing meant for you will come through that frantic energy. Resistance is a clue to point you to what you were meant to be doing. It’s a useful tool for redirection, but dangerous when ignored.
Quick Hits:
Did my first group bike ride and thought I might die. Who knew people could bike so fast for 26 miles up so many hills. Fortunately, the primal instinct to survive got me through.
The big hill that was my nemesis has been defeated. I was trying to get up it through brute force. Fortunately, that brutal group ride taught me how to use my gears properly so I can cruise right on up that giant hill now. Takeaway: I wasn’t incapable just ill-prepared.
Thanks for everyone reaching out with tips for RAGBRAI. Just need to learn how to set up a tent now.
Good Books for Summer Vacation*
*Easier to read, has substance, can be finished in a few sittings
Sorry for the lack of fiction.
Brain on Fire (Susannah Cahalan) - a wild story of a freak illness turns this woman’s world upside down, leaves you with a reminder of the fragility of life in a beautiful way
Wild (Cheryl Strayed) - it’s a classic for a reason. Strayed packed up and walked the Pacific Crest Trail with no preparation and processed her life along the way; will always be on the re-read list
Streams to the Ocean (Jedidiah Jenkins) - a collection of essays that makes you think and feel and appreciate this life more
Current reads in case anyone wants to discuss:
Bowling Alone - one of my recent favorite reads; learning a lot about the importance and impact of social capital and connection in communities
When the Heart Waits - sounds like a Lifetime movie but a heavyhitter
Untamed - re-read but still good
Art I Like
During his troubled years, Van Gogh did a series of portraits of his mailman. They had struck up a friendship, and the mailman took care of the artist as his mental health deteriorated. I don’t think a mailman has ever been captured in such an interesting, caring way.
The Postman, van Gogh (1889)
“Now and then, in search for your True Self,
you have to find the courage to enter a great absurdity”
Sue Monk Kidd, When the Heart Waits
That's my favorite Van Gogh, as well. Great minds...