I really loved this! It got me thinking. The idea that we are always weathering, or getting ready for, some kind of storm is very very real.
To answer some of your questions, I, too, look to nature when needing a reset. It started with camping trips — lounging in a hammock just listening to the sounds of the trees, animals, and people around— and now has extended to my home — lounging on the porch with a book just listening to sounds of the city, and the ways in which nature still finds a way to be present.
As for inspirational quotes? Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee” has two that I return to often:
- “Sad words are just another beauty. A sad story means, this storyteller is alive. The next thing you know something fine will happen to her, something marvelous, and then she will turn around and smile.”
- “If your face is swollen from the severe beatings of life, smile and pretend to be a fat man.”
I’m so glad you said the word weathering. That’s something that’s been front of mind due to a previous post, and you’re right, we’re always somewhere in the cycle of noticing-accepting-restarting/clouds gathering-downpour-weightlessness.
Hammocks were heavy in Trinidad it made me want one bad. Camping sounds so fun.
And all the while, longing for stillness. But isn’t it funny that we often don’t even realize that we’re in a still moment until it’s disrupted!
A lot of the camping hammocks are fairly priced and easy to put up, no staking or screws required! It’s one of my favorite purchases in the last few years.
“But isn’t it funny that we often don’t even realize that we’re in a still moment until it’s disrupted!” YES so so true!! We can’t see the full picture until we’re out of it!
Also, I felt like I was on Trini time reading this post. I long to return to Haiti and feel connected to the land of my family and history in the way you've described.
When I feel like I'm experiencing a block and I am finished with my rest...i realize there is a lack of motivation. Remembering this quote reminds me to START MOVING!...Eventually the block is always removed and I am back to DOING. Thank you Rachel for this space.
Hi Danays! You know the Caribbean vibe, motivation is in the blood. But you’re right it’s a cycle to move between motivation and rest. Each is essential.
Such beautiful words, as always. I haven’t been to Trinidad, yet. But, I feel like I was an island gyal in a formal life. Every time I visit part of the Caribbean, I feel like I’m home. I feel a peace I’ve never touched here. I can’t wait to go!
Thanks! I had a whole other piece planned for this week but I was so inspired by the landscape that I had to let the other piece take a backseat. I hope you and your sweets get a chance to visit. Thanks again for reading.
I’m glad you enjoyed. I’ve been sitting with why and I think it’s the runoff. Rain feels so much more natural and clean falling on natural objects than cement and concrete.
I really loved this! It got me thinking. The idea that we are always weathering, or getting ready for, some kind of storm is very very real.
To answer some of your questions, I, too, look to nature when needing a reset. It started with camping trips — lounging in a hammock just listening to the sounds of the trees, animals, and people around— and now has extended to my home — lounging on the porch with a book just listening to sounds of the city, and the ways in which nature still finds a way to be present.
As for inspirational quotes? Chris Cleave’s “Little Bee” has two that I return to often:
- “Sad words are just another beauty. A sad story means, this storyteller is alive. The next thing you know something fine will happen to her, something marvelous, and then she will turn around and smile.”
- “If your face is swollen from the severe beatings of life, smile and pretend to be a fat man.”
I’m so glad you said the word weathering. That’s something that’s been front of mind due to a previous post, and you’re right, we’re always somewhere in the cycle of noticing-accepting-restarting/clouds gathering-downpour-weightlessness.
Hammocks were heavy in Trinidad it made me want one bad. Camping sounds so fun.
Also that last quote 😂😂😂 I needed that
And all the while, longing for stillness. But isn’t it funny that we often don’t even realize that we’re in a still moment until it’s disrupted!
A lot of the camping hammocks are fairly priced and easy to put up, no staking or screws required! It’s one of my favorite purchases in the last few years.
“But isn’t it funny that we often don’t even realize that we’re in a still moment until it’s disrupted!” YES so so true!! We can’t see the full picture until we’re out of it!
This piece made me emotional. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽💚
I was DEEP in my feels while writing it. The rain, water really, is such a cleanser.
Yasssssssssss 🌊
Aww Rachel! Thank you for celebrating with me!!
Also, I felt like I was on Trini time reading this post. I long to return to Haiti and feel connected to the land of my family and history in the way you've described.
I love a reason to celebrate, congrats again, we’d be so lucky to hear more about the journey.
Yes Haiti stand up! I’ve been learning kreyol (My husband is Haitian) for that exact reason, so when I eventually hit the land I’ll be ready.
I’m glad to hear the pieced conveyed the island feel.
Motivation STARTS, AFTER you START doing.
When I feel like I'm experiencing a block and I am finished with my rest...i realize there is a lack of motivation. Remembering this quote reminds me to START MOVING!...Eventually the block is always removed and I am back to DOING. Thank you Rachel for this space.
Hi Danays! You know the Caribbean vibe, motivation is in the blood. But you’re right it’s a cycle to move between motivation and rest. Each is essential.
Such beautiful words, as always. I haven’t been to Trinidad, yet. But, I feel like I was an island gyal in a formal life. Every time I visit part of the Caribbean, I feel like I’m home. I feel a peace I’ve never touched here. I can’t wait to go!
Thanks! I had a whole other piece planned for this week but I was so inspired by the landscape that I had to let the other piece take a backseat. I hope you and your sweets get a chance to visit. Thanks again for reading.
I love this. It screams BIGGER picture.
“I rarely find rain dreary in the Caribbean.” I agree. I loved this newsletter. ❤️🇹🇹
I’m glad you enjoyed. I’ve been sitting with why and I think it’s the runoff. Rain feels so much more natural and clean falling on natural objects than cement and concrete.