Ok. Two things. This time of year is always tough for me, too. It is not nearly as cold here. Flowers are blooming and the temps are touching 70 degrees (f). I love the cold, but every year, as soon as this begins to happen in the late winter, I become highly restless and anticipate adventuring in the sunlight. I imagine it is what bears feel like coming out of hibernation.
I hate to read of your struggles because I know your efforts are worthy! I encounter many of the same things, although I have a separate career from what I present here in Substack. It isn't fair. Success does not always equate to quality and worth. The thing to do here is to focus on what is in our control and what is not. And the only things that are in our control are what we choose to put our efforts towards and our attitudes on life and our circumstances. We all want to provide better for ourselves and loved ones and this is a noble goal. But, look at what you have already! A phenomenal family! You are influencing the course of humanity by raising your son as the best version conceivable of the next generation. And you have also introduced people across the world to the profound beauty and connection with the corner of the earth you call home. I try to remind myself of this perspective. Hopefully the universe acknowledges our efforts with success, and I absolutely believed you are deserving. But ultimately, I'd still do all of this anyway. The perspective helps me to love my fate.
Thanks Erik - I appreciate the thoughtful reply! I agree, late winter is the hardest part for us too. We have had a particularly wet and bleak winter here, with very few of the snow events or frosty days that make winter magical. Working outside in those conditions can really wear you down after a while and spring feels like it's never gonna come - even though I know it will!
You're right in that it's important to look at what we have, and I'm thankful for all the things we have achieved - I just wish it didn't have to be quite so hard to keep the momentum going or for things to feel so precarious. I wish this for other people too, not just for ourselves, even though I can only write from my own perspective.
I'm a firm believer in focusing on the things you can control too, but lately I'm questioning whether the idea that I'm in control of anything is an illusion - the effort we put in does not seem to equate to the rewards we seek.
All that said - I would still probably do it all the same anyway too!
Well, as you may know from my publication, I am a follower of Stoicism. This philosophy proposes that the only things that are in our control are our own choices and attitudes, but in understanding that we have unlimited freedom. I'm not trying to sell you on it, but check out Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. It may be helpful. Stay strong, my friend! I'm cheering for you!
Sometimes even the early blossom of spring and the bee's noise hovering at the tree canopy is not enough to brighten the mood. Thank you for sharing. You're not alone.
You never fail to hit the mark with your writing.
Everything crossed that new opportunities arrive for you guys.
Thank you Rob, appreciate the kind words!
Ok. Two things. This time of year is always tough for me, too. It is not nearly as cold here. Flowers are blooming and the temps are touching 70 degrees (f). I love the cold, but every year, as soon as this begins to happen in the late winter, I become highly restless and anticipate adventuring in the sunlight. I imagine it is what bears feel like coming out of hibernation.
I hate to read of your struggles because I know your efforts are worthy! I encounter many of the same things, although I have a separate career from what I present here in Substack. It isn't fair. Success does not always equate to quality and worth. The thing to do here is to focus on what is in our control and what is not. And the only things that are in our control are what we choose to put our efforts towards and our attitudes on life and our circumstances. We all want to provide better for ourselves and loved ones and this is a noble goal. But, look at what you have already! A phenomenal family! You are influencing the course of humanity by raising your son as the best version conceivable of the next generation. And you have also introduced people across the world to the profound beauty and connection with the corner of the earth you call home. I try to remind myself of this perspective. Hopefully the universe acknowledges our efforts with success, and I absolutely believed you are deserving. But ultimately, I'd still do all of this anyway. The perspective helps me to love my fate.
Thanks Erik - I appreciate the thoughtful reply! I agree, late winter is the hardest part for us too. We have had a particularly wet and bleak winter here, with very few of the snow events or frosty days that make winter magical. Working outside in those conditions can really wear you down after a while and spring feels like it's never gonna come - even though I know it will!
You're right in that it's important to look at what we have, and I'm thankful for all the things we have achieved - I just wish it didn't have to be quite so hard to keep the momentum going or for things to feel so precarious. I wish this for other people too, not just for ourselves, even though I can only write from my own perspective.
I'm a firm believer in focusing on the things you can control too, but lately I'm questioning whether the idea that I'm in control of anything is an illusion - the effort we put in does not seem to equate to the rewards we seek.
All that said - I would still probably do it all the same anyway too!
Well, as you may know from my publication, I am a follower of Stoicism. This philosophy proposes that the only things that are in our control are our own choices and attitudes, but in understanding that we have unlimited freedom. I'm not trying to sell you on it, but check out Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. It may be helpful. Stay strong, my friend! I'm cheering for you!
Sometimes even the early blossom of spring and the bee's noise hovering at the tree canopy is not enough to brighten the mood. Thank you for sharing. You're not alone.
Thanks Danny, appreciate the comment. Fingers crossed brighter days are coming...