29 Comments
User's avatar
Janelle Taylor's avatar

As someone who deleted the Substack app for 5 months and only recently reinstalled it, this resonated sooooo much. Here to say I feel you and appreciate you. And I love your cow analogy!!!!

Traci Landy's avatar

I WAS LITERALLY WONDERING WHERE YOU WERE… I can’t thank you enough for this comment. Thank you for making me feel sane and not alone!

Danielle's avatar

Love this and the honesty of it. It’s easy to forget why we’re here in the first place. If it’s not fun, and our income isn’t dependent on it, then there’s no point in being here. Dip in, dip out as your mood dictates. I’m planning to do the same. And I really want to see your hair in its naturally curly state. Release the cows and release the curls! It’s all a metaphor.

Carla Salazar's avatar

Another vote to RELEASE THE CURLS!!

Kelly Williams's avatar

This was great. And exactly what I needed to read as I stare down Spring Break week with a strong desire to unplug! I’m glad you listened to your gut and encouraging all of us to do the same.

Jenny Power's avatar

Traci, I am sooooo with you!! Our interplanetary cross Atlantic telepathy is at work again! I’m feeling a bit “done” too and unsure what’s next. So pleased that you broke the cycle of pleasing everyone to pause and listen to yourself and your family. They are everything 😘😘😘

Jaymee Geelan's avatar

I was worried about you but figured you were taking a much needed break when I saw your note last week! Glad you’re doing well and taking what you need ♥️

I certainly relate to the part about getting dressed performative.. the funny part is, when I say eff it and wear whatever I want, the response on this silly app is usually more enthusiastic. It’s hard to trust yourself with all the noise, but I think your unique point of view is why we are all here! Xoxo

On Shopping My Closet's avatar

We are physically or psychologically not made for the pace most of us are living at. It's a biological and sociological fact. We should take all the pauses, breaks, breaths, app removals that we need to - whenever we need them! We should walk away and never come back or come back two days later. And connecting with nature and other human beings should always be the nerve calming cure (...ok, maybe mostly nature ;)) that our body and minds need and deserve.

And you are not a quitter if you quit ❤️

Xue's avatar

Sending you so much love. So glad you’re listening to yourself. I miss your wit and humor and awesome outfits, but what matters most is honoring your own needs!

Personally this resonated a lot and I’ve been struggling a lot with writing too. ❤️

Carla Salazar's avatar

Traci, I’ve missed your posts and humor so much! I think it’s brave to pause, take a break, rest, and follow what your heart desires. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’ve felt similar about Substack and been on and off for a while now. Sending you so much love! 💖💖💖

Kaitlyn Elizabeth's avatar

So much love for you and this realness. 💜💜💜💜💜💜

Melissa Asquith's avatar

I’m releasing cows as we speak!! Good for you for following your gut, life can get too much sometimes!

Usha's avatar

No post is worth the time that is better spent IRL with loved ones. Please don't apologise for pauses or absences - I don't 😂 everyone will be here when you're ready to come back 💗 love you, friend 😻

Sigrid Djernæs's avatar

So happy that you recognized that you needed a break and reacted on that. Most of us unfortunately don't and that can easily lead to burnout. Take care of yourself and come back when you feel like it (or don't!). You don't owe anyone an explanation.

Natalia Cropper, FNP-C,DipACLM's avatar

Nobody knows you and your needs better than you. Trust your gut. Proud of you friend. Let those cows go. 💕

Claudia Chirilescu's avatar

What a great newsletter! Thank you!

LF's avatar

Oof I really understand this. When I first started my substack, I felt so free with it. And now that it's grown, I have sort of lost my way around what I want out of it.

I really enjoy your voice and I hope that you have a great week -- maybe spring break is around the corner?

Therese Masiello-London's avatar

I’ve missed your emails! But I can also completely relate to your feelings. You’re right to take a step back and readjust. You’ll figure it out. 🩷