It always works out in the end.
And if it doesn't work out, well, then, it's not the end.
Hey Friends,
It’s been a week! I’ve been getting back into the swing of things (I think my jet lag finally left about four days ago) and finishing my story from my trip to Zamora.
It was all really heavy.
And not heavy in the sense that I had like six million other things going on and had to balance multiple things in order to get. her. done.
Nope. I pretty much just had one thing to do, and that was write the Zamora story. But here’s the thing… for some reason, that was really hard. Words were not flowing, and those words that did come out didn’t sound or feel like me.
The more I tried, the more frustrated I’d get, and the more frustrated I’d get, the harder it was for me to write. (#viciouscycle)
Whether I was writing or not, my mind was on my story, and I’d burn the “midnight oil” (which for me is 9:35) writing day and night and then get up at 4:30 to start all over.
Hmmm… reminds me of a saying:
Insanity Is Doing the Same Thing Over and Over Again and Expecting Different Results
I was so caught up in it all that I didn’t recognize I needed to stop, breathe, and evaluate the situation. And also make a few changes so I could finish the darn article.
Well, yesterday, things started to shift.
Finally. Thankfully.
And only because I surrendered and did a few things.
First, I called on a dear friend of mine - a spiritual healer and intuitive who I met in Spain years ago - to work her magic and help remove the apparent blocks I was placing on my writing. She replied in record time and sent me a mantra (compliments of Spotify) that I played on repeat while I worked on my story last night.
Now, whether you believe in the powers of an intuitive or not isn’t the point here - it’s what you believe inside that matters. Even Ted Lasso or Zava would tell you that. The bottom line, I believe that message from Sharon (and the mantra as well) shifted something inside me and helped me to move forward with my project.
Second, more from the “practice what you preach files.” If you’ve been following this newsletter for a while, you may or may not have noticed me posting podcasts, YouTube, and articles about the importance of sleep. Yet somehow, I think I’ve been forgetting to do the math when it comes to mine because I’ve been going to bed around 10:00 and still setting my alarm for 4:30. Today, I accidentally turned my alarm off at 4:30 and woke up at 6:00. And guess what?
I woke up refreshed and felt like a new person.
Yet a few hours later, at yoga, my article still wasn’t done, and I was still a little bit worried about it. When I told my Yoga instructor/friend about my “situation” her reply helped me bring all the pieces together.
She simply said, “Don’t worry; it always works out in the end.”
BAM.
This leads to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week - everything will be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end. (This version of the quote comes from the excellent flick The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.)
And here’s the deal, folks. It turned out my story took so long to come out because I was getting in my own way… stressed out, tired, and just putting too much pressure on myself.
I think most of us tend to get in our own way all too often.
So how about we put an end to that nonsense?
I’m ready if you are,
Abbey
LISTEN
First, could it get better than a new podcast hosted by Julia Louis Dreyfus? The answer is yes if she interviews Jane Fonda. Tune into Julia Gets Wise with Jane Fonda for a big dose of wisdom from two icons.
Second, working on one’s vibe is always a good idea. This episode of The YouTurn Podcast, How to Turn Up Your Vibes with Suzanne Adams came just at the right time.
Third, since I’m finishing this email a bit late this week, there’s room for breaking news… and podcasts that drop on Thursdays. My go-to (I start every Thursday with this one) comes from Betsy Pake, a really insightful, wise, and fun author, speaker, and NLP and hypnotherapy trainer. Give The Art of Living Big with Betsy Pake a listen so you can Unleash Your Hidden Power.
WATCH
I know I’m usually like ten steps behind when it comes to keeping up with Apple shows, etc., but… who’s digging Ted Lasson, Season 3? So real, so heartwarming, funny, and just plain great. Hands in the air for Ted and crew.
Also, I’ve been watching The Mindy Project (which premiered in 2012) and loving it. It was created by and starring Mindy Kaling (of The Office) and is pretty hilarious. I love the cameos from former Office co-stars (Ryan, Dwight’s babysitter, Andy, and others). Watch it on Netflix.
Like I’ve said many times, would it be a newsletter if I didn’t post a video from the House of Valentina? This week Valentina talks about spring and outdoor trends for 2023. I’m into anything that mentions spring.
Speaking of spring, let’s talk spring cleaning. Here’s a YouTube I clicked on for two reasons. One, the title cracked me up - Til Vacuum Do Us Part. Two, I noticed this video is 34 minutes. Now, there’s no way I’m going to watch this whole thing unless I let it play in the background. But, I figured maybe I’d get a tip or two, or better yet, maybe the host will leave an email address so I can send a note begging her to come to my house and work her magic. (Because it would be a cold day in May - which doesn’t actually work as a pun, because most May days in Wisconsin are cold- before I clean as thoroughly as she does on this video.)
BUY
This is actually a buy and a podcasts rec rolled into one. Not sure how, but I recently discovered, “Gee Thanks, Just Bought It!” I’ve only listened to a few episodes, but yesterday’s especially hit home - Planner Influencing with Ammie, Y’all, since I’m kind of obsessed with planners, journals, calendars… all of it. The guest talks about this really cool planner from Japan that not only has space for all of your thoughts and plans but includes inspirational quotes like, “Empty your mind and your heart. Once you have emptied them, you can inhale good thoughts, like taking a deep breath…” I plan on purchasing this one when December rolls around.
ON A SERIOUS NOTE
It’s later than usual as I wrap up this newsletter… actually, it’s Thursday morning. Normally by this time, the week’s issue has been completed and scheduled days in advance. But as I mentioned above, this week has been crazy.
However, when I woke up today with my newsletter still not finished, I did happen to notice the sun was still rising.
The birds were chirping.
Life was proceeding, even though I wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be.
And my article is now complete, sent out, and awaiting edits.
The moral of the story?
Yogis know their stuff.
So, if you find yourself in the midst of a “situation” like I did, please don’t forget that everything will be alright in the end, and if it’s not alright, it’s not the end.
And since things seem to be pretty alright… I’m going to sign off.
Namaste friends,
Abbey