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.
Danielle—you have been the best support system for me as I navigate this bizarre crisis. Thank you for all of our side texts and for listening to my ramblings (usually sent as 15 individual texts instead of one long paragraph).
I haven’t figured out how to make the curls not make me look like Weird Al. I will continue to work on this, LOL.
You do this for me too! From panicked texts from work to my health hypochondria you have been so good to me already in the short time we’ve known each other. As a Gen Xer my default is just to ignore discomfort and push through pain and you’ve taught me a lot about listening to myself and honoring that.
Have you tried to honor the curls with curly hair methods from those in the know?
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.
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.
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
Thank you, Jaymee!! You figured right. YOU ARE SPOT ON. And I think trusting your gut, amidst the noise and distractions of the world, is harder now than ever. Thank you for making me feel good. I appreciate you so much!!
Traci, I’ve missed you but I’m so glad you can trust your intuition and take a breather. It’s a healthy reminder for all of us to do periodic gut checks. You always show up honestly and authentically and that’s a huge part of what makes you such an important part of this platform, and this pause is no different. Sending hugs. ♥️
Thank you so much, Fanny! That is what I truly try to do so seeing that it translates means more than you'll ever know. I admire & appreciate you beyond words!
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, 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 😘😘😘
It’s gotta be an Aquarius thing! Although we’re both working through the trenches, I’m glad we have each other to remember we’re not alone!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read - what's next is a mystery, but ya know what? Who doesn't love a little mystery every now & again? xx
Traci—This is SUCH an important thing to talk about, thank you.
The Substack community has normalized a weekly posting schedule when the reality is that a weekly post that we’re actually happy with and proud of is not sustainable long term for most of us. We all have weeks where we are busy with other priorities, or we’re taking a trip, or we just actually aren’t feeling creative or motivated. I can only imagine that so many people are going to share that they all feel this way as well.
I can especially relate to the clothing—I have been hesitant to share what I actually wear on a day to day because as soon as I started taking any photos in that way I felt an immense sense of pressure to have the perfect pose and the perfect outfit, and yes—my curly hair sometimes felt wrong. Getting dressed suddenly took SO long. I was in awe of publications like yours—the fact that you were able to consistently share five banger outfits a week was astounding to me!
I do think that when you do share on here, you always have a purpose and are positively impacting others, so I know that in whatever way you choose to show up in the future—even if it’s way less frequently—it will continue to have that impact. ❤️
So, I truly thank you for sharing this. I think it will help so many of us remember to take breaks, actually touch grass, keep our priorities and loves in order, and be with our people in real time. Hope you’ve been enjoying your time offline. 🫂
CHRISTINA. I need to somehow print this comment and frame it. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone! What you said about taking the outfit pictures really resonates. You also nailed it… Some weeks were not feeling creative! And @Evonne just told me that Mercury is in retrograde right now (!!!) How can I be expected to be creative during a time like this?
Thank you for taking the time to read and write such a thoughtful comment - it means more than this reply can truly express! 🫶🏻
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. ❤️
Traci, I'm wishing I would have read this as soon as you released it because it's very much what I'm feeling lately too. I have been thinking a lot lately about the disconnect and catch 22 that people want to read about "real life" and "interesting" people living a life offline, while simultaneously reading about it online.
Also, I want so many mini cows, so maybe releasing my inner cows is how I get them in real life?!
Oh man oh man, I’ve been waiting to sit down with this one. I try to quit every week because I actually have no idea why I’m here. In some sense, I think I’m here because I don’t have an office I go to and substack becomes a job I go to because I love the people, me and my free newsletter. 😆 thank you for putting all of this into words. ❤️ release the cows! I’m so glad you were able to take a break and return in a way that feels right. 🫶🫶
You are one of the most gifted writers I’ve come across on SS! You’re here to help so many of us feel seen! Now see some cows free - we love & need you!
Love this honesty. The constante pressure to feed the algorithm and keep up the momentum is not sustainable. It's exhausting. So glad you listened to your soul and took a well-deserved break!
You're such a joy in this space, but I also relate to wanting to quit lately. I used to feel so much opportunity on this app, but lately it feels like the community is just the same few people and nothing I write feels worth it or is reaching anyone new. I'm excited to see you continue to grow here and you're inspiring me to do the same Xx
😭😭😭 I am a puddle. I actually felt a similar feeling - I felt like everything felt the same to me. Couldn’t explain it! Hoping to get that spark back and see what is next for me… & us!!
It’s always so great to hear from you on here but I’m glad you’re taking some time for you! I love this idea of releasing the cows haha! I grew up with my grandparents on their corn,soy and cattle farm in rural Missouri. Farming is a stressful occupation! Our ornery cows were always escaping and mixing in with the neighbors herds. We had no fancy electric cattle fences. Just old barbed wire stretched between posts we sourced from felled trees. My grandpa was pretty chill about it though. We’d go call them in and they always ended up coming back home in the end. Ps would love to see you release your curls one day if you decide to come back to sharing on Substack. xoxo
LOL you and Grandpa def did not want to release the cows literally. But honestly, that sounds ridiculously cool! I have to work on the curls, stay tuned!
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.
Danielle—you have been the best support system for me as I navigate this bizarre crisis. Thank you for all of our side texts and for listening to my ramblings (usually sent as 15 individual texts instead of one long paragraph).
I haven’t figured out how to make the curls not make me look like Weird Al. I will continue to work on this, LOL.
You do this for me too! From panicked texts from work to my health hypochondria you have been so good to me already in the short time we’ve known each other. As a Gen Xer my default is just to ignore discomfort and push through pain and you’ve taught me a lot about listening to myself and honoring that.
Have you tried to honor the curls with curly hair methods from those in the know?
Look at our cross generational friendship blossoming! I have not. And probably should. 🤣
Another vote to RELEASE THE CURLS!!
Dyingggg... I am working REAL hard to figure them out. LOL.
We will wait patiently haha. I have slightly wavy hair and some days it shows up, other days it’s barely there 😂
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.
Thank you, Kelly!! I greatly appreciate the check-in -- you sniffed it out right away! I appreciate you, your kindness and support here!
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 ❤️
I may or may not be team nature > humans, lol! You are so wise, my friend. Thank you for this!!
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
Thank you, Jaymee!! You figured right. YOU ARE SPOT ON. And I think trusting your gut, amidst the noise and distractions of the world, is harder now than ever. Thank you for making me feel good. I appreciate you so much!!
Traci, I’ve missed you but I’m so glad you can trust your intuition and take a breather. It’s a healthy reminder for all of us to do periodic gut checks. You always show up honestly and authentically and that’s a huge part of what makes you such an important part of this platform, and this pause is no different. Sending hugs. ♥️
Thank you so much, Fanny! That is what I truly try to do so seeing that it translates means more than you'll ever know. I admire & appreciate you beyond words!
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!!!!
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!
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 😘😘😘
It’s gotta be an Aquarius thing! Although we’re both working through the trenches, I’m glad we have each other to remember we’re not alone!! Thank you so much for taking the time to read - what's next is a mystery, but ya know what? Who doesn't love a little mystery every now & again? xx
Traci—This is SUCH an important thing to talk about, thank you.
The Substack community has normalized a weekly posting schedule when the reality is that a weekly post that we’re actually happy with and proud of is not sustainable long term for most of us. We all have weeks where we are busy with other priorities, or we’re taking a trip, or we just actually aren’t feeling creative or motivated. I can only imagine that so many people are going to share that they all feel this way as well.
I can especially relate to the clothing—I have been hesitant to share what I actually wear on a day to day because as soon as I started taking any photos in that way I felt an immense sense of pressure to have the perfect pose and the perfect outfit, and yes—my curly hair sometimes felt wrong. Getting dressed suddenly took SO long. I was in awe of publications like yours—the fact that you were able to consistently share five banger outfits a week was astounding to me!
I do think that when you do share on here, you always have a purpose and are positively impacting others, so I know that in whatever way you choose to show up in the future—even if it’s way less frequently—it will continue to have that impact. ❤️
So, I truly thank you for sharing this. I think it will help so many of us remember to take breaks, actually touch grass, keep our priorities and loves in order, and be with our people in real time. Hope you’ve been enjoying your time offline. 🫂
CHRISTINA. I need to somehow print this comment and frame it. Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone! What you said about taking the outfit pictures really resonates. You also nailed it… Some weeks were not feeling creative! And @Evonne just told me that Mercury is in retrograde right now (!!!) How can I be expected to be creative during a time like this?
Thank you for taking the time to read and write such a thoughtful comment - it means more than this reply can truly express! 🫶🏻
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. ❤️
Thank you, Xue!! I have missed you & your writing as well! Please know you're not alone!!
Traci, I'm wishing I would have read this as soon as you released it because it's very much what I'm feeling lately too. I have been thinking a lot lately about the disconnect and catch 22 that people want to read about "real life" and "interesting" people living a life offline, while simultaneously reading about it online.
Also, I want so many mini cows, so maybe releasing my inner cows is how I get them in real life?!
Omg yes, exactly! I think this is also a v smart idea. Release cows. Manifest mini cows! You get it. Yo get me. 🤣
Oh man oh man, I’ve been waiting to sit down with this one. I try to quit every week because I actually have no idea why I’m here. In some sense, I think I’m here because I don’t have an office I go to and substack becomes a job I go to because I love the people, me and my free newsletter. 😆 thank you for putting all of this into words. ❤️ release the cows! I’m so glad you were able to take a break and return in a way that feels right. 🫶🫶
You are one of the most gifted writers I’ve come across on SS! You’re here to help so many of us feel seen! Now see some cows free - we love & need you!
Gonna make me cry over here 🥹🥹 thank you, friend. You’ve helped form a special community here, proud member of the Traci fan club! ❤️❤️
What a beautiful and important message and example! Thanks for sharing this.
Anna 🥹🥹🥹 no, thank YOU! Made my day!
I love this and encouraged by you. Keep shining ❤️❤️
Thank you, Ginny!!!
Love this honesty. The constante pressure to feed the algorithm and keep up the momentum is not sustainable. It's exhausting. So glad you listened to your soul and took a well-deserved break!
Ugh, yes. Thank you, Kaye!!! Needed a hard reset!
You're such a joy in this space, but I also relate to wanting to quit lately. I used to feel so much opportunity on this app, but lately it feels like the community is just the same few people and nothing I write feels worth it or is reaching anyone new. I'm excited to see you continue to grow here and you're inspiring me to do the same Xx
😭😭😭 I am a puddle. I actually felt a similar feeling - I felt like everything felt the same to me. Couldn’t explain it! Hoping to get that spark back and see what is next for me… & us!!
It’s always so great to hear from you on here but I’m glad you’re taking some time for you! I love this idea of releasing the cows haha! I grew up with my grandparents on their corn,soy and cattle farm in rural Missouri. Farming is a stressful occupation! Our ornery cows were always escaping and mixing in with the neighbors herds. We had no fancy electric cattle fences. Just old barbed wire stretched between posts we sourced from felled trees. My grandpa was pretty chill about it though. We’d go call them in and they always ended up coming back home in the end. Ps would love to see you release your curls one day if you decide to come back to sharing on Substack. xoxo
LOL you and Grandpa def did not want to release the cows literally. But honestly, that sounds ridiculously cool! I have to work on the curls, stay tuned!