What a beautiful and heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing. I just finished my last class in my master's degree. While I'm not going to be attending the out-of-state graduation ceremony, I have decided to take some time off work to breathe and relax and reward myself for my hard work. I have already enjoyed playing some board games with my 4-year-old, who was so excited when I told him I was through with school work and asked if I would play a game with him as his next thought. I have been enjoying a slower pace, cooking more, and just being more present with my family. This week, a chaise arrived for my library, where I can read in a nice, relaxing environment for pleasure.
Congratulations on completing your coursework for your master’s degree!! Wow! That’s is quite a momentous accomplishment! I’m so happy you are taking time to celebrate and rejuvenate in the way that feel most meaningful to you, dear one. Cooking, playing, reading, resting… yes, all these things are so nourishing in a state of presence and peace. Thank you for sharing!!!
A truly lovely reminder that “…we aren’t promised an endless season,” but we have the ability to plant the necessary pauses to make the most of the time we have.
Thank you for sharing, Rachel. Blessings to you and your family. You have all blessed me over the years.
This felt like the best hug I could receive through a screen. Those who have stuck beside me all these years are priceless to me!! YOU are priceless, dear Mary Beth!!!!
Hello, friend! I didn't know we shared a love of the Braves. My 19yod took me to the game Tuesday night for Mother's Day. Life has been hectic with few pauses lately, but much to be thankful for.
Oh my goodness!!! Hello there my long lost friend!!! It’s soooo good to see you!!! I hope you are well! Thank you for letting me know you are here!!! Go Braves!!! ⚾️🧢
We keep staying in the game and at our very own pace. Natalie a little faster than me 😁.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your and your family‘s journey and wisdom so authentically and openly. I treasure reading your stories and the human experience in them.
I wish for you and Natalie to meet in heartfelt smiles, that say more than a thousand words, again when she passes by you running her second half-ironwoman. May she be so proud of her achievements.
I wish for you and Avery (and all your family) that when she graduates your hearts are full and proud trusting and knowing she will now go on and do so much needed healing in the world.
I wish for you and Scott to cherish your moments and daughters knowing you are the love they are forever rooted in and grew wings out of 💝💗💝.
This made me cry. What a profoundly beautiful collection of wishes for the people who give me life, day in and day out. Daniela, you are someone who lives and loves with wholly (holy) presence, which is why you can write such meaningful words that land just right in my heart. I’m so grateful for you.
🥹 Oh, wow, Rachel, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing how my words landed in your heart and for gifting me with the wonderful, heart-warming compliment of being ‚someone who lives and loves with wholly (holy) presence‘. I would so love to come and bring that to your Treehouse. My time zone, however, is seven hours in advance of yours and that means I am deeply asleep when you gather. I will keep being present in the comments for sure. And by the way, forgot to mention it and answer your question: The month of May holds the 33rd anniversary of my hubby and me embarking on our journey together ❤️. Big hug 💞
Wow, thank you for sharing this about what your family has been going through, especially concerning your husband Scott's medical whirlwind. You've give us a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes part of your life. Please thank Scott for his transparency, too, in allowing us to hear and see and witness his vulnerability: "I may not get another chance."
Those are powerful six words, Rachel, and they are settling into my own "soul landscape" (another phrase I just love and want to metabolize a bit more.
I think you could write an entire essay using this as its heading: "I may not get another chance."
Or maybe a poem. Maybe I will draft a poem.
There's so much love in the white space of what you didn't share, too, Rachel. The way you live the full human experience and then share it with us--what a privilege! I always feel that I am holding something sacred when you share your life and your heart. And I tend it carefully in my heart.
First you highlighted that line - “I might not get another chance” - the one that I can’t even type without feeling tears in my eyes.
Then you said, “There's so much love in the white space of what you didn't share, too, Rachel. The way you live the full human experience and then share it with us--what a privilege!”
Thank you for acknowledging there is so much I hold sacred - for myself and my family - and that oftentimes those are the hardest, most painful moments. To be able to write this piece today fills me with such joy because we are on the other side now. I took the awareness gained from the fear and pain and turned it into something helpful. You called it a privilege to be able to read. Thank you. Thank you.
I so appreciate how you manage to see the “whole” human in everyone you interact with. I see it in all your beautiful exchanges on Substack and imagine it in your grocery store visits. You are the real deal. I’m honored to walk beside you!!!
This is such a lovely affirmation to read on this Friday morning, Rachel. Thank you. Yes. I see you. I feel what you are saying about the phrase, “I might not get another chance.” That is a powerful, heavy, loaded, life-filled statement—and it’s one I think each of us likely will tell ourselves at some point in this life.
You are a rare one, Rachel. I feel so honored to have met you and continue to appreciate getting to know you more.
Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder! My son is getting married this month and I will be planting pauses throughout the events. Words can't express how happy this makes my heart. I am beyond grateful for you and your beautiful, soulful writing.
Wow, Rachel! You hit this one out of the park for me! 🥹 ⚾️ Thank you so much for sharing pieces of your heart and story with us, though much is sacred and unwritten, just a glimpse is powerful.
I appreciate your encouragement to be intentional ahead of our May moments so we can fully experience them. (And your previous reminders to hold space and grace for sadness and grief when it shows up at the celebratory moments etc.) I want to decide in advance how I will quiet the noise around me and within. I liked your little box imagery. I will think on this and create a plan.
I’m also so grateful that you are on the other side of some very difficult things. All the best to you as you look to be present spectating Natalie’s triathlon and honoring Avery at graduation. ✨♥️
This was such a genuine, kind, and affirming message to receive. You have confirmed why I share my experiences in the way that I do. I feel a connection with my dear readers that is incredibly fulfilling — and healing. What a gift. Thank you, love.
Oh Rachel, I love this story! (and am SO thankful your Scott is doing so well). I went back and read this story tonight and the timing is perfect-this coming Sunday my oldest turns 23 and we are celebrating by going to the Cincinnati Reds game! Even though I no longer have kids in the elementary/HS "Maycember" madness, it has proved to be a busy month with work and other obligations. My favorite way to plant a pause is to take a few minutes on my back porch to sit in the chair and enjoy the sun on my face, or watch a stunning sunset, but just to forget work for a few minutes and just BE. I am going to try my hardest to join the Treehouse Sunday after our celebrations-I have so missed the group!
I love you my friend.. I will concentrate on planting my pauses. my last living uncle died on my dad's side, I was gathered with my family who I love a lot, and I talked so much my voice became sore. The day he died I planned to see my last living aunt on my mom's side and we had a lovely day, lots of laughter and sharing memories. I am trying to seize the moments of this beautiful life.
We travel to Spain on the 21st for two weeks. I am excited and nervous. I have two beautiful cats that I love very much and they are always my worry when I travel. I'm praying for peace and calm in my heart. Thank you for adding so much richness to my life, dear Rachel . Embrace all the big moments that are coming your way. I know you will. with so much love, Colleen xxx
"Here’s to cultivating the landscapes of our souls, one seed of presence at a time."
I LOVE this ending line. It made me say Yes, she gets it. The "it" being: mindfulness, planting pauses, grateful living, pockets of peace, cultivating sacred spaces for silence/solitude and taking time to just be here now! May we all continue the practice, whatever name or label you want to give it and be aware of where we are giving our attention. When we look back, it is what we have given our attention to that makes up our life.
Thanks for sharing your story, and I’m so happy to hear that Scott has gotten treatment and good news. We don’t have an MLB team where I live, but we have a lousy hockey team and the ever-so-close Buffalo Bills, so I understand the adrenaline of rooting for the home team. During the period of the early 2000s I’d had enough disappointment as a fan so I decided to root for Roger Federer in every tennis tournament. (I played tennis from about 1972 until 2016.) That went pretty well for me because he dominated the game everywhere except the French Open. I think Roger only won the French Open once, because a Spaniard named Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court player of all time, stood in his way. I love watching sports of all kinds. They bring people together in the stands and on the field, and the history and development of sporting equipment and rules is fascinating. Thanks, RMS, for this pleasant read and another reminder to “plant a pause.”
What a beautiful and heartfelt story. Thank you for sharing. I just finished my last class in my master's degree. While I'm not going to be attending the out-of-state graduation ceremony, I have decided to take some time off work to breathe and relax and reward myself for my hard work. I have already enjoyed playing some board games with my 4-year-old, who was so excited when I told him I was through with school work and asked if I would play a game with him as his next thought. I have been enjoying a slower pace, cooking more, and just being more present with my family. This week, a chaise arrived for my library, where I can read in a nice, relaxing environment for pleasure.
Congratulations on completing your coursework for your master’s degree!! Wow! That’s is quite a momentous accomplishment! I’m so happy you are taking time to celebrate and rejuvenate in the way that feel most meaningful to you, dear one. Cooking, playing, reading, resting… yes, all these things are so nourishing in a state of presence and peace. Thank you for sharing!!!
A truly lovely reminder that “…we aren’t promised an endless season,” but we have the ability to plant the necessary pauses to make the most of the time we have.
Thank you for sharing, Rachel. Blessings to you and your family. You have all blessed me over the years.
This felt like the best hug I could receive through a screen. Those who have stuck beside me all these years are priceless to me!! YOU are priceless, dear Mary Beth!!!!
Hello, friend! I didn't know we shared a love of the Braves. My 19yod took me to the game Tuesday night for Mother's Day. Life has been hectic with few pauses lately, but much to be thankful for.
Oh my goodness!!! Hello there my long lost friend!!! It’s soooo good to see you!!! I hope you are well! Thank you for letting me know you are here!!! Go Braves!!! ⚾️🧢
We keep staying in the game and at our very own pace. Natalie a little faster than me 😁.
Thank you, as always, for sharing your and your family‘s journey and wisdom so authentically and openly. I treasure reading your stories and the human experience in them.
I wish for you and Natalie to meet in heartfelt smiles, that say more than a thousand words, again when she passes by you running her second half-ironwoman. May she be so proud of her achievements.
I wish for you and Avery (and all your family) that when she graduates your hearts are full and proud trusting and knowing she will now go on and do so much needed healing in the world.
I wish for you and Scott to cherish your moments and daughters knowing you are the love they are forever rooted in and grew wings out of 💝💗💝.
This made me cry. What a profoundly beautiful collection of wishes for the people who give me life, day in and day out. Daniela, you are someone who lives and loves with wholly (holy) presence, which is why you can write such meaningful words that land just right in my heart. I’m so grateful for you.
🥹 Oh, wow, Rachel, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing how my words landed in your heart and for gifting me with the wonderful, heart-warming compliment of being ‚someone who lives and loves with wholly (holy) presence‘. I would so love to come and bring that to your Treehouse. My time zone, however, is seven hours in advance of yours and that means I am deeply asleep when you gather. I will keep being present in the comments for sure. And by the way, forgot to mention it and answer your question: The month of May holds the 33rd anniversary of my hubby and me embarking on our journey together ❤️. Big hug 💞
Hi Rachel,
Wow, thank you for sharing this about what your family has been going through, especially concerning your husband Scott's medical whirlwind. You've give us a deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes part of your life. Please thank Scott for his transparency, too, in allowing us to hear and see and witness his vulnerability: "I may not get another chance."
Those are powerful six words, Rachel, and they are settling into my own "soul landscape" (another phrase I just love and want to metabolize a bit more.
I think you could write an entire essay using this as its heading: "I may not get another chance."
Or maybe a poem. Maybe I will draft a poem.
There's so much love in the white space of what you didn't share, too, Rachel. The way you live the full human experience and then share it with us--what a privilege! I always feel that I am holding something sacred when you share your life and your heart. And I tend it carefully in my heart.
Sending you lots of love. XO
How do you always know, Jeannie???
First you highlighted that line - “I might not get another chance” - the one that I can’t even type without feeling tears in my eyes.
Then you said, “There's so much love in the white space of what you didn't share, too, Rachel. The way you live the full human experience and then share it with us--what a privilege!”
Thank you for acknowledging there is so much I hold sacred - for myself and my family - and that oftentimes those are the hardest, most painful moments. To be able to write this piece today fills me with such joy because we are on the other side now. I took the awareness gained from the fear and pain and turned it into something helpful. You called it a privilege to be able to read. Thank you. Thank you.
I so appreciate how you manage to see the “whole” human in everyone you interact with. I see it in all your beautiful exchanges on Substack and imagine it in your grocery store visits. You are the real deal. I’m honored to walk beside you!!!
This is such a lovely affirmation to read on this Friday morning, Rachel. Thank you. Yes. I see you. I feel what you are saying about the phrase, “I might not get another chance.” That is a powerful, heavy, loaded, life-filled statement—and it’s one I think each of us likely will tell ourselves at some point in this life.
You are a rare one, Rachel. I feel so honored to have met you and continue to appreciate getting to know you more.
Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder! My son is getting married this month and I will be planting pauses throughout the events. Words can't express how happy this makes my heart. I am beyond grateful for you and your beautiful, soulful writing.
This means more than I can say! Thank you for letting me know you value my words. This really keeps me going.
Congratulations to your son and future daughter-in-law!!! May this special day for your family be filled with joy!!!
Wow, Rachel! You hit this one out of the park for me! 🥹 ⚾️ Thank you so much for sharing pieces of your heart and story with us, though much is sacred and unwritten, just a glimpse is powerful.
I appreciate your encouragement to be intentional ahead of our May moments so we can fully experience them. (And your previous reminders to hold space and grace for sadness and grief when it shows up at the celebratory moments etc.) I want to decide in advance how I will quiet the noise around me and within. I liked your little box imagery. I will think on this and create a plan.
I’m also so grateful that you are on the other side of some very difficult things. All the best to you as you look to be present spectating Natalie’s triathlon and honoring Avery at graduation. ✨♥️
This was such a genuine, kind, and affirming message to receive. You have confirmed why I share my experiences in the way that I do. I feel a connection with my dear readers that is incredibly fulfilling — and healing. What a gift. Thank you, love.
Adore the concept of soul landscapes. And now you have me thinking about mine. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh Rachel, I love this story! (and am SO thankful your Scott is doing so well). I went back and read this story tonight and the timing is perfect-this coming Sunday my oldest turns 23 and we are celebrating by going to the Cincinnati Reds game! Even though I no longer have kids in the elementary/HS "Maycember" madness, it has proved to be a busy month with work and other obligations. My favorite way to plant a pause is to take a few minutes on my back porch to sit in the chair and enjoy the sun on my face, or watch a stunning sunset, but just to forget work for a few minutes and just BE. I am going to try my hardest to join the Treehouse Sunday after our celebrations-I have so missed the group!
I love you my friend.. I will concentrate on planting my pauses. my last living uncle died on my dad's side, I was gathered with my family who I love a lot, and I talked so much my voice became sore. The day he died I planned to see my last living aunt on my mom's side and we had a lovely day, lots of laughter and sharing memories. I am trying to seize the moments of this beautiful life.
We travel to Spain on the 21st for two weeks. I am excited and nervous. I have two beautiful cats that I love very much and they are always my worry when I travel. I'm praying for peace and calm in my heart. Thank you for adding so much richness to my life, dear Rachel . Embrace all the big moments that are coming your way. I know you will. with so much love, Colleen xxx
I love the image of a little box in the bottom of your purse. I think I will borrow that! Great advice for being present.
And I'm so very glad your husband's health experience ended with a diagnosis of benign.
"Here’s to cultivating the landscapes of our souls, one seed of presence at a time."
I LOVE this ending line. It made me say Yes, she gets it. The "it" being: mindfulness, planting pauses, grateful living, pockets of peace, cultivating sacred spaces for silence/solitude and taking time to just be here now! May we all continue the practice, whatever name or label you want to give it and be aware of where we are giving our attention. When we look back, it is what we have given our attention to that makes up our life.
Thanks for sharing your story, and I’m so happy to hear that Scott has gotten treatment and good news. We don’t have an MLB team where I live, but we have a lousy hockey team and the ever-so-close Buffalo Bills, so I understand the adrenaline of rooting for the home team. During the period of the early 2000s I’d had enough disappointment as a fan so I decided to root for Roger Federer in every tennis tournament. (I played tennis from about 1972 until 2016.) That went pretty well for me because he dominated the game everywhere except the French Open. I think Roger only won the French Open once, because a Spaniard named Rafael Nadal, the greatest clay-court player of all time, stood in his way. I love watching sports of all kinds. They bring people together in the stands and on the field, and the history and development of sporting equipment and rules is fascinating. Thanks, RMS, for this pleasant read and another reminder to “plant a pause.”